Grand Voyages Weekly Digest

Happy Saturday, Grand Voyagers!

What I've Been Up To This Week:

• Planning South America 2026 trips at a pace I haven't seen before

• Pulling together last-minute European Christmas Markets escapes

• ✈️ Booking international business class and premium economy tickets through our Fora Flights desk

• Looking into travel insurance to protect my trips for air traffic control and government shutdown disruptions. My personal choice for travel insurance is Faye due to their ease of just quickly adding on to any trip I’m taking plus ease of filing a claim for canceled flights, hotel reservations, cruises, etc. Check out the link here to get a quote for yourself.

AUBERGE FRIENDS & FAMILY SALE UP TO 40% OFF

Pre-Black Friday deals are already here!

Auberge is launching their famous annual 'Friends & Family' promotion early - save up to 40% on rates for the rest of this year and 2026. I'm a HUGE fan of the Auberge portfolio. They consistently deliver that combination of location, design, and service that makes you not want to leave.

A few on my radar for next year:

The Inn at Mattei's Tavern: Short drive from LA - perfect for a luxurious escape without flying.

Goldener Hirsch in Deer Valley: European alpine charm in Utah. Cozy mountain perfection.

Hacienda AltaGracia in Costa Rica: Wellness-focused luxury in the mountains. Arrive stressed, leave transformed.

Etereo on the Riviera Maya: Private Mexico beachfront with adult-oriented vibe.

Why this matters:

This promotion is one of the best opportunities to lock in Auberge properties at genuinely lower rates. And everything we reserve is cancellable and refundable for ultimate flexibility - lock in the rate now, adjust plans later.

Contact me ASAP if you want to take advantage before rates go back up!

ART BASEL MIAMI SPECIAL RATES AT SHELBORNE BY PROPER

Going to Art Basel Miami? I have special rates and perks at the Shelborne by Proper through Fora Beach Club.

Art Basel is one of those events where hotel availability gets tight and rates get creative. Having access to preferred rates and perks makes a real difference, especially when you want South Beach location without paying resort prices for a basic room.

The Shelborne hits that sweet spot of design-forward aesthetic and service that doesn't make you feel like just another Art Basel attendee passing through.

Contact me for Art Basel rates and perks!

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS STILL AVAILABLE BUT ACT FAST

Christmas Markets? Still possible, but we're talking days not weeks to make decisions.

I've been booking these this week for clients who are ready to commit now. The markets themselves run through late December, but flight and hotel availability is tightening daily - especially for the most popular cities in Germany, Austria, and France.

The magic is worth it - wandering markets with mulled wine in hand, cold air mixed with roasted chestnut smells, finding unique gifts you can't replicate back home. But you need flexibility on dates and the ability to commit quickly when I find availability.

If you've been dreaming about strolling through German Christmas markets with a mug of glühwein, or exploring festive stalls in Vienna or Salzburg - contact me now and let's see what we can pull together before the window closes completely.

SOUTH AMERICA 2026 IS THE SMART ALTERNATIVE TO OVER-TOURISTED EUROPE

Here's what I'm seeing for 2026: clients ditching over-touristed Europe for South America.

And not just Machu Picchu. I'm talking Patagonia and Antarctica - the kinds of trips that combine dramatic landscapes, wildlife experiences, and genuine luxury without the crowds crushing European hotspots right now.

The shift is real. Clients who used to default to summer in Provence or Tuscany are now looking at Patagonia's glaciers and pristine lakes, or even taking it further with Antarctica expeditions. They want natural beauty, adventure, and luxury - without fighting for reservations or jostling through tourist hordes.

Why Patagonia works:

The landscapes are absolutely breathtaking. We're talking glacier treks, pristine lakes, dramatic mountain ranges, and wildlife experiences that rival anything you'd find in more traditional luxury destinations. Plus, the infrastructure for high-end travel has gotten significantly better in recent years.

I've curated the 11 Best Hotels in Patagonia as a starting point for where to stay in both Chile and Argentina. These properties range from intimate lodges to full-service luxury resorts - the ones that actually deliver on comfort in remote locations.

What makes me excited:

I've put together custom 8 and 14 day itineraries showing how to do Patagonia in style. The 8-day version hits the highlights without feeling rushed. The 14-day version lets you really immerse yourself and add those extra experiences that make the trip unforgettable.

Reach out and I'll share these itineraries with you - they're detailed, realistic, and built around properties I trust to deliver.

If you're tired of competing with crowds in Europe, or you've already done the classic destinations and want something truly different for 2026, South America deserves serious consideration.

RESIDENCES FOR GROUP & MULTI-GEN TRIPS

I've had a lot of clients inquiring about renting homes and villas for group and multi-generational trips next year. The reason? They prefer the extra space of a residence versus juggling multiple hotel rooms.

Honestly, I get it. When you're traveling with family or friends, having communal spaces, private kitchens, and room to spread out changes the entire dynamic.

I pulled together a list of amazing residences around the world to consider - from Tuscan villas to Caribbean beachfront estates to mountain retreats. Properties with full staff, private chefs, and amenities that make group travel actually enjoyable instead of logistically nightmarish.

Insider secret: There's even more that didn't make this list! Depending on your destination, dates, and group size, I often have other options that might be an even better fit.

Get in touch and let me help coordinate. Group travel planning is one of my favorite things - getting all the details right so everyone can just show up and enjoy.

Until the next adventure,

Stacey

[email protected]