Happy Sunday, Grand Voyagers!

Welcome back! As we head firmly into February, the 2026 travel season is picking up speed — and I've been keeping busy…

What I've been up to…

If you've been dreaming of cherry blossom season but feel like Kyoto is *so* done, let me redirect your attention to Seoul. South Korea's capital transforms into an absolute wonderland from March through May, when cherry blossoms blanket the city's palace grounds and parks in clouds of pale pink.

Unlike Japan's more famous sakura season, Seoul offers the same breathtaking blooms with fewer crowds and better value-plus that intoxicating mix of ancient temples and neon-lit modernity that makes every photo look like it belongs in a magazine.

The timing is everything here. Spring brings those mild temperatures perfect for wandering through neighborhoods like Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional hanok homes frame the blossoms beautifully, or hiking up to Bukhansan National Park for cherry trees against mountain backdrops. This insider's guide to Seoul breaks down everything you need to know, from navigating Incheon International Airport (which has non-stop flights from New York, London, and Mexico City) to understanding that tipping isn't customary-in fact, it's generally frowned upon.

What I love about Seoul in spring is how walkable the central areas become when the weather cooperates.

You can easily spend mornings exploring palace grounds draped in blossoms, afternoons shopping in Myeongdong or Gangnam, and evenings grilling samgyeopsal (thick-cut pork belly) tableside at a local restaurant.

The city's excellent public transit system makes everything accessible, and since Seoul works beautifully as a stopover to other Asian destinations, you can easily build it into a larger trip. Plan for at least three nights to truly experience the city, though a week gives you time to venture to nearby Busan or Jeju Island.

Just pack layers-Seoul's spring climate mirrors New York's, so those cherry blossom mornings can still be crisp.

If you've been waiting for the right moment to reconsider cruising, 2026 might be it. The ships launching this year feel less like floating hotels and more like thoughtfully designed experiences-whether that means a boutique yacht with 190 guests or a tech-forward family ship that actually gets the details right.

The thread connecting all of these? They're purpose-built for specific travelers rather than trying to be everything to everyone. This roundup from Fora Travel has the full details on what's launching and where they're sailing.

If you're wondering where the savviest travelers are heading in 2026, Fora's just-released Hot List has the answers-and they're deliciously unexpected.

Mexico City is having a moment that goes far beyond tacos (though those are still excellent). Yes, it's hosting the FIFA World Cup opening match on June 11 at Estadio Azteca, but what's really drawing sophisticated travelers is the city's explosive art scene. We're talking 150+ museums, including Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul and the Museo Soumaya with the largest Rodin collection outside France.

The contemporary scene is equally thrilling: Museo Jumex showcases everyone from Jeff Koons to Mexican artists like Abraham Cruzvillegas, while galleries like JO-HS (founded by a Danish curator) and Pequod Co. are collaborating with Whitney Biennial artists.

Meanwhile, if you're tired of jockeying for space in Kyoto, Japan's lesser-known destinations are finally getting the luxury properties they deserve.

Karuizawa, a hot-springs town that's a quieter alternative to Hakone, now has Shishi-Iwa House-30 rooms across three architect-designed buildings that epitomize quiet luxury. Near Hiroshima, Simose Art Garden Villa offers 10 unique villas as part of an art collective on the Seto Inland Sea, perfect for travelers who love Naoshima but want something more intimate. And Hakone itself is getting Hotel The Mitsui Hakone (from the team behind the acclaimed Kyoto property), plus the design-forward Gora Kadan Fuji, a Relais & Châteaux property that opened last July deep in the forest with Mount Fuji views. These aren't business hotels-they're destination properties that finally give you a reason to explore beyond the usual Tokyo-Kyoto circuit.

I'll be honest - Iceland has been on my personal bucket list for years, and after diving deep into what makes this destination so special, I'm more convinced than ever that 2026 is the year to go. This is a country that feels alive in the most literal sense, where volcanic activity shapes the landscape as much as ancient glaciers do, and where every turn in the road reveals another jaw-dropping natural wonder.

What I love most about Iceland is how accessible the drama is. You don't need to be an extreme adventurer to experience its magic - though glacier hiking and whale watching are absolutely on the menu if you want them.

The beauty of planning a trip here is that you can build your itinerary around what nature is serving up seasonally. Summer (June-August) brings those legendary midnight sun moments and peak whale watching, while winter (October-March) is your golden ticket for Northern Lights viewing.

But here's my insider tip: consider the shoulder seasons of spring or fall for fewer crowds, better pricing, and that perfect balance of daylight for exploring without the peak-season chaos.

Reykjavík serves as your cultural home base - a walkable city with geothermal pools and a thriving food scene - but the real magic happens when you venture beyond the capital. The Ring Road is calling, whether you're chasing waterfalls, walking on black-sand beaches, or soaking in natural hot springs with mountain views.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything from the best time to spot puffins (May-August, if you're wondering) to navigating those unpaved F-roads that lead to Iceland's most remote treasures.

One practical note: yes, Iceland is pricey since most goods are imported, but the trade-off is an infrastructure that makes exploring surprisingly easy, with English widely spoken and credit cards accepted virtually everywhere. Rent that 4WD vehicle, pack layers for unpredictable weather, and prepare for a destination that will absolutely ruin you for anywhere else.

I've been quietly obsessing over Casa Lawa ever since I stumbled across their Instagram, and let me tell you-this place is the antidote to our overscheduled, over-connected lives. Tucked into the lush jungles of Mexico, this intimate wellness retreat is where barefoot luxury meets genuine transformation.

What sets Casa Lawa apart isn't just the stunning architecture (though those open-air spaces and natural materials are *chef's kiss*) or the farm-to-table cuisine. It's the intentionality of the experience.

This isn't a place where you're herded through cookie-cutter spa treatments. Instead, you'll find personalized wellness programs that might include sunrise yoga overlooking the jungle canopy, guided meditation sessions, healing practices, and nourishing meals crafted from ingredients grown steps from your table.

The vibe is restorative without being precious-you can be barefoot and blissed out or bring your journal and do some serious soul-searching.

The property itself feels like a secret garden, with accommodations that blur the line between indoors and out. Think natural textures, local craftsmanship, and that perfect balance of comfort and simplicity that lets you actually *exhale*.

Check out their latest offerings here to see what I mean about the aesthetic-it's pure magic.

This is the kind of place where you arrive wound tight and leave feeling like a completely different human. If you've been craving a reset that goes deeper than a weekend at the spa, Casa Lawa should be at the top of your list. Trust me on this one.

Please forward this to a friend or family member who might enjoy reading my monthly missives in 2026….

Lots of love,

Stacey

[email protected]