Coolcation Travel Essentials

The List: Coolcation Essentials

November 4, 2025

From crisp alpine getaways to breezy seaside escapes, these space-saving finds will keep you warm, dry, and stylish — no matter how far the mercury drops.

Kathmandu Epiq SE Jacket
Warm yet ultra-packable, this lightweight puffer is made with Q-CYCLE® yarn, a groundbreaking fabric spun from post-consumer waste (including end-of-life car tires). 

Fulton Tiny-2 Umbrella
Small enough to slip in a crossbody bag, this sturdy windproof umbrella unfolds to shield you from sudden showers without adding bulk to your daypack.

Smartwool Reversible Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter
A soft, breathable layer that traps warmth and wicks moisture, perfect for everything from mountain hikes to chilly city strolls.

S’well Explorer Vacuum Insulated Portable Water Bottle
Keeps coffee piping hot for up to 12 hours — ideal for sipping while you explore frosty streets or scenic trails.

Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves 2.0
Designed for warmth and made with special conductive fibres, these gloves let you snap photos or check maps without peeling them off in the cold.

Prohibition The Lip Balm
Blended with premium hemp seed oil, this nourishing, Canadian-made lip balm repairs and protects lips from winter dryness.

Abercrombie & Kent Has Released Its List of Where to Go in 2026

October 7, 2025

From Kenya’s newest safari lodge to Peru’s hidden Incan citadel, these are the destinations luxury travellers will be talking about next year.

After years of shifting travel priorities, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of meaningful exploration. According to Abercrombie & Kent, the luxury travel company that pioneered adventure by day and indulgence by night, travellers are looking beyond bucket lists for journeys that connect them more deeply with culture, nature, and purpose.

“Our guests aren’t just seeking beautiful destinations — they want experiences that challenge perspectives and create lasting impact,” says Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about collecting moments that define a lifetime.”

From Africa’s untamed plains to the icy glow of the Arctic north, A&K’s experts have unveiled the destinations that promise the most transformative experiences in 2026.

Kenya: A New Chapter in Safari Luxury

Amboseli National Park, with its views of Mount Kilimanjaro and vast herds of elephants, continues to captivate travellers. In 2026, the debut of Kitirua Plains Lodge — a new A&K Sanctuary property featuring 13 organic suites within a private concession — will elevate Kenya’s safari scene once again. Together with Olonana in the Maasai Mara and Tambarare in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the trio offers a modern circuit for travellers seeking immersive wildlife encounters and hands-on conservation.

Peru: Machu Picchu’s Secret Sister

While Machu Picchu draws the headlines, Choquequirao — accessible only on foot — remains a rarefied destination for those willing to trek. Often called its “sister city,” the archaeological site receives fewer visitors in a year than Machu Picchu does in a single day. A&K’s new Peru: Trek to Choquequirao expedition blends challenge with cultural reward, tracing Incan history from the heights of the Andes to the Sun Gate itself.

Nile Seray, Egypt
Baines' Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana

Egypt: The Long-Awaited Reveal

Nearly two decades in the making, Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum is finally set to open in November 2025, housing 100,000 artefacts, including all of Tutankhamun’s treasures displayed together for the first time. A&K is marking the moment with the launch of Nile Seray, a sleek 32-suite cruiser offering rooftop pool decks and private access to the Valley of the Kings. For ultimate seclusion, the Zein Nile Chateau, an intimate dahabiya, channels the spirit of Cleopatra.

Lapland: Northern Lights and Nordic Wellness

The aurora borealis will reach its brightest and most frequent peak in over a decade in 2026, making this the year to head north. A&K’s Adventures in Lapland and Christmas in Lapland itineraries combine light-chasing with reindeer sleigh rides, glass cabins, and ice therapy — the kind of coolcation that restores body and spirit beneath a sky ablaze in green and violet.

Madhya Pradesh, India: Tigers Return to the Spotlight

Half a century after Project Tiger began, India’s wild tiger population has soared by more than 160 percent — a conservation success story best experienced in Madhya Pradesh, where new luxury stays such as Oberoi Vindhyavilas await. A&K’s Tailormade Tiger Tracking in India itinerary combines wildlife viewing with visits to tribal communities and rewilding projects, redefining what a modern safari can be.

Mongolia: Life on the Open Steppe

Thanks to new direct flights from Tokyo, Mongolia is finally on the map for cultural explorers. A&K’s small-group journeys — Naadam Festival & Gobi Desert Adventure and Golden Eagle Festival — offer a front-row seat to nomadic life, from wrestling tournaments and horse races to the centuries-old bond between Kazakh hunters and their eagles.

Okavango Delta, Botswana: Privacy, Perfected

In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, remoteness itself is the new luxury. The newly rebuilt Baines’ Lodge, with just six suites suspended above the floodplains, provides a front-row seat to the rhythms of the wild — from dawn safaris to starlit baths on private decks. Expect to see more elephants than people during your stay.

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica: The Wild Coast

Only accessible by boat, Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula offers one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet. On A&K’s Cruising and Wildlife in Costa Rica itinerary, guests explore this pristine region aboard a nine-suite luxury yacht — combining jungle treks, guided snorkeling, and slow mornings at sea.

Seoul, South Korea: Asia’s Next Capital of Cool

As Virgin Atlantic launches new nonstop flights from London in early 2026, Seoul is poised for a global spotlight. A&K’s South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies itinerary uncovers the real city behind the K-wave — from palace architecture and temple stays to cutting-edge design and Michelin-starred dining.

Dolomites, Italy: After the Games

With the 2026 Winter Olympics heading to nearby Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy’s Dolomites are seeing a luxury renaissance. New openings — including Aman Rosa Alpina, Mandarin Oriental Cortina, and the reimagined Hotel Ancora — will welcome guests long after the medals are awarded. A&K’s Venice and the Dolomites trip offers alpine adventure paired with Italian elegance, from cheese tastings to Prosecco picnics in the highlands.

Intrepid’s 2026 Not Hot List Reveals 10 Under-the-Radar Destinations

September 23, 2025

In a world where 80 per cent of travellers visit just 10 per cent of destinations, Intrepid Travel is steering adventurers elsewhere. The company’s 2026 Not Hot List, developed with trend forecasters Globetrender, spotlights 10 places often overlooked but poised to welcome visitors—from Central Asia’s vast mountain ranges to North America’s least-visited national park.

Among the highlights is Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone, newly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2025. Here, travellers can overnight in rainforest lodges and embark on river cruises while supporting local communities that reinvest tourism revenues into conservation and development.

In Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan Mountains, the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail—a grassroots trekking network expanded to 2,000 km—opens up alpine valleys and glacial lakes. Trekkers stay in yurts and share meals with nomadic families, offering a rare glimpse into a way of life largely unchanged for generations.

Closer to home, Great Basin National Park in Nevada remains one of the United States’ quietest parks, drawing just over 150,000 visitors in 2024. With expanded campgrounds and new programming planned, a visit here is both a retreat into solitude and a statement of support for preserving fragile landscapes.

Other destinations on the list include:

  • Sierra Norte, Mexico, where Zapotec villages operate under a pioneering community-led tourism model.

  • Vis Island, Croatia, an antidote to overtourism with no airports or cruise stops.

  • Southeastern Anatolia (pictured in feature image), Türkiye, home to UNESCO sites and renowned culinary traditions.

  • Arunachal Pradesh, India, celebrating its first Sunrise Festival in 2026.

  • Via Transilvanica, Romania, a 1,400 km trail dubbed the “Camino of the East.”

  • Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador, a highland route famed for coffee and culture.

  • Oulu, Finland, the European Capital of Culture 2026, merging Arctic gastronomy with bold climate programming.

“While some places receive millions of visitors each year, many others go virtually unnoticed,” said Erica Kritikides, Intrepid’s General Manager of Experiences. “Our Not Hot List reflects an approach to tourism we’ve long championed: better tourism, not less tourism.”

For the curious and conscientious, the 2026 Not Hot List is an invitation to take the road less travelled—and to leave a positive impact along the way.

New report shows luxury travellers seek purposeful travel beyond the price tag

May 30, 2025

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand representing more than 600 hotels across 80 countries, recently released its first Luxury Travel Report— a comprehensive luxury consumer trends study developed in partnership with The Harris Poll.

The findings affirm that the desire for travel remains robust, with luxury travelers planning an average of eight leisure trips this year — including three international journeys — and over half expecting to spend more on travel than in 2024.

The Luxury Travel Report by Preferred Hotels & Resorts reveals that today’s affluent travelers are investing not just money but meaning into their journeys. Luxury travelers seek immersive, curated experiences that feel personal and enduring— avoiding generic, mass-produced offerings in favor of authenticity and emotional connection.

Five key trends revealed

The Luxury Travel Report identifies The Five Emerging Forces of Luxury Travel, signaling a new era of expectations:

      1.   The Beige-ification of Travel Is the Industry’s Wake-Up Call

Luxury travelers are turning away from sameness in design, service, and experience—nearly 70% say modern luxury hotels have lost their soul to standardization. The rise of “dupe culture” and algorithm-driven itineraries has fueled a wave of “destination disillusionment,” where cities and stays feel indistinguishable. Today’s affluent traveler craves the unrepeatable: places that excite, environments that surprise, and experiences rooted in individuality. Nearly three-quarters say they won’t pay for luxury accommodations that feel generic.

      2.   Legacy Moments Are the New Luxury Currency

Luxury is less about accumulation – it’s about transformation. Today’s affluent travelers seek rare, authentic experiences that fundamentally shift their worldview and create lasting memories. Over four-in-five say that insider connections unlock the most unforgettable travel moments and 64% prefer to navigate a destination with advice from locals rather than AI-driven concierge services and digital guides.

      3.   Curation is the New Standard of Luxury

Curation is now as essential as five-star service. Over 90% of luxury travellers say the best journeys feel effortless yet are expertly crafted, with 89% expressing interest in seeing local charm reflected in hotels. Travel advisors are the new power brokers, with 84% of survey respondents agreeing that a trusted travel advisor is more valuable than unlimited internet research.

      4.   Heritage Is the New Frontier

Luxury travellers don’t want to just observe history – they want to be part of it. Over 90% seek experiences that immerse them in history and culture, favouring heritage-rich stays. Additionally, with 71% planning multi-generational trips in 2025, demand continues to rise for spacious accommodations that foster connection to each other and their own family roots.

      5.   Loyalty Programs Are Lifelines to Consistency and Customization

Amid economic pressures and rising costs, loyalty has become more valuable than ever. For 82% of luxury travelers, loyalty programs are very important to ensuring hotel quality, while nearly two-thirds say a great past stay drives repeat bookings. Today’s loyalty isn’t transactional — it’s deeply personal, driven by human touch, customization, and consistent excellence.

The Luxury Travel Report was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Preferred Hotels & Resorts from February to March, 2025, among over 500 affluent U.S. travellers. Respondents met criteria including an annual household income of more than $250,000, at least $1 million in total assets, and a minimum spend of $10,000 on leisure travel annually.

This luggage company just released a limited-edition gilded gold set

April 23, 2025

The limited-edition collection features four silhouettes from the brand’s signature 19 Degree Aluminum collection—a Briefcase, International Carry-On, Watch Travel Case and Minaudiere—in celebratory Bullion Gold.

Each radiant piece features an aircraft-grade aluminum shell with TUMI’s iconic 19 Degree contours and distinctive details—and comes finished with a 50th anniversary story patch that includes its unique edition number. Only 250 units of each silhouette are available worldwide, making these pieces covetable collectors’ items for TUMI enthusiasts.

The collection is now available for purchase online at TUMI.com. Prices for the limited-edition pieces range from $650 to $1,995.

A curated selection of pieces will be offered in extremely limited quantities at the following TUMI retail locations in North America:Aventura Mall, Copley Place, Houston Galleria, Lenox Square, North Michigan Avenue, North Park Center, Rockefeller Center, Scottsdale Fashion Square, South Coast Plaza, Stanford Shopping Center, Tysons Galleria, and Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

Select styles will also be available at TUMI flagship and retail stores globally, including locations across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. While door-level availability may vary, participating countries include:

China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Middle East, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, France, Germany, Italy the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Panamá and Mexico.  

Remote Lands and Aman launch 2026 Private Jet Journeys

April 7, 2025

Remote Lands, the ultra-luxe tour operator offering bespoke travel to 38 countries in Asia, unveils its 2026 Private Jet Expedition itineraries with long-term partner, Aman, the preeminent luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand. 

These small-group adventures for 16-18 guests showcase diverse destinations ranging from Cambodia to Sri Lanka, India to Greece, and more, highlighting each destination’s culture, history, cuisine and spirituality with an emphasis on experiences exclusive to Remote Lands. New for 2026 is China’s UNESCO Treasures, a journey spanning seven monumental destinations, four Aman properties, and highlighting the nation’s rich culture and history dating back over 6,000 years.

Since 2013, Remote Lands and Aman have partnered to provide deep, meaningful private jet expeditions unlike any other. Each trip includes accommodations at Aman properties, private transport in an Airbus ACJ 319 (or similar), and immersive, globe-spanning experiences. Since its inception, Remote Lands has operated more than 30 private jet journeys and continues to raise the bar for around-the-globe private jet travel in partnership with Aman.

About the itineraries

Designed for ultimate personalization, each itinerary offers private touring with a dedicated luxury car, driver, and expert guide for every couple or solo traveler, allowing for deeper exploration based on individual interests.

Remote Lands’ team of seasoned travel experts orchestrates these exceptional journeys, crafting bespoke experiences that connect guests with people in the world’s most exclusive and breathtaking destinations.

“For thirteen years, Remote Lands has meticulously curated extraordinary journeys through our Aman Jet Expeditions, crafting transformative travel experiences,” said Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands. “In 2026, we are honored to continue this esteemed partnership, further elevating our offerings to whisk guests away to the world’s most sought-after destinations. With unparalleled access and expertise, our bespoke once-in-a-lifetime expeditions promise to create indelible memories that transcend the ordinary.” 

For more information about Remote Lands and its Private Jet Expeditions in partnership with Aman, please visit www.remotelands.com/aman-jet-expeditions.

According to this survey, 61% of Canadians crave slow, restful travel

March 17, 2025

A recent Flight Centre survey conducted by YouGov suggests that 61% of Canadian travellers will prioritize slow and restful travel in 2025.

That means choosing destinations away from crowds, opting for slower paced itineraries that highlight life’s simple pleasures, and leaving plenty of time to recharge, reflect, and refocus priorities.

“Soft travel, or the ‘calm-cation,’ looks different for different people,” says Ryan Bond, Travel Expert at Flight Centre Canada. “It puts the emphasis on mental and physical well-being so you return from your vacation with renewed energy and purpose.”

What is slow travel?

There are many ways that Canadians can embrace the “soft travel” movement:

  • Visit healing locales: A whopping 76% of Canadian travellers crave peace away from crowded destinations. This preference holds for every age group: Gen Z (81%), Millennials (80%), Gen X (77%), Baby Boomers (75%) and Silent Gen (75%). Discover quiet havens steeped in nature and community, not other tourists, such as the serene forests and beaches of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia or the volcanic craters of Açores, Portugal.
  • Find balance: More than 3 in 5 (61%) of Canadian travellers say travel is extremely or very important to their mental health and overall wellbeing. Reset mind, body and spirit by touring the Euphoria Retreat in the mountains of the Peloponnese, Greece or the historic monastery turned wellness retreat, Le Monastère des Augustines, Québec City.
  • Indulge in beauty sleep: Enjoying a restful vacation is especially important for Zillennials (Gen Z, 80%; Millennials, 76%), people with children (77% vs. people without children, 53%) and people who work (69% vs. people who don’t work, 48%). Combat stress and sleep disturbances by booking at a secluded riverside eco-lodge with stargazing suites in Trout Point Lodge, Nova Scotia or escaping to Masseria Moroseta, Italy, a stylish farmhouse in Puglia designed for slow living, featuring minimalist decor and quiet countryside views.

“In an uncertain world, Canadians are searching for meaning,” Bond says. “Travel provides the opportunity to take a break from day-to-day life and focus on what really matters: taking care of our bodies and minds, savouring the moment with the ones we love, and making a positive difference in our global community. “

World’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian, takes to the waters June 2026

March 3, 2025

Orient Express sets a new standard of excellence, bringing a spirit of quiet revolution to the world of exceptional sailing.

In June 2026, Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, will take to the open sea, tracing a course through the French and Italian Rivieras, jewels of the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas.

A triumph of engineering and artistry, Orient Express Corinthian is the product of a visionary collaboration between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a world leader in naval innovation. Designed with both grandeur and purpose, the vessel represents a seamless convergence of ultimate refinement and cutting-edge innovation, two hallmarks of French excellence.

About Orient Express Corinthian

Her dimensions are extraordinary—220 meters (722 feet) in length, with three towering masts supporting 1,500 square meters (16,145 square feet) of rigid sails. Yet beyond its sheer scale, she is a pioneer: Orient Express Corinthian is the first sailing yacht equipped with the revolutionary ‘SolidSail’ propulsion system.

Its three tilting, rotating masts optimize performance under sail, harnessing the wind with exceptional efficiency and reducing reliance on conventional fuels. This advanced system is further supported by a hybrid propulsion solution powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which offers a substantial reduction in emissions compared to traditional marine fuels, marking a meaningful step toward more sustainable navigation.

The commitment to sustainability runs deep. An AI-driven detection system minimizes the risk of marine mammal collisions, while dynamic positioning technology eliminates the need for anchoring, preserving delicate seabeds. Every aspect of the ship’s design is calibrated to protect the ocean it traverses.

Reservations open on March 25, 2025. Join the journey at orient-express.com/sailingyachts today.

There’s a new luxury yacht sailing the French Riviera in May 2026

January 29, 2025

In May 2026, Ponant Explorations will debut a brand-new eight-day itinerary along the Côte d’Azur aboard its iconic three-masted sailing yacht, Le Ponant.

Beginning and ending in Nice, the elegant vessel — the world’s first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht — will chart an unforgettable course east to the colourful Italian fishing village of Portofino before gliding back along the French Riviera. Along the way, guests will discover coastal gems such as the citrus-hued port of Menton, the glamour-soaked shores of Antibes, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, and the charming, lesser-known port of Cassis. 

Stretching nearly 300 feet and recently refitted by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio, Le Ponant accommodates just 32 guests in 16 stylish staterooms, each boasting panoramic windows with sea views.

Guests can lounge on the sun deck beneath the billowing white sails, sip a cocktail from the outdoor bar, indulge in Biologique Recherche spa treatments, or savour organic, Mediterranean-inspired dishes at the yacht’s restaurant, Le Diamant. All this unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mediterranean’s colourful seaside villages, parasol-dotted beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs. 

Onshore, the adventure continues with curated excursions to the Riviera’s most iconic and cultural landmarks, following in the footsteps of Picasso and Bardot. Whether exploring charming villages or world-renowned historical sites, such as Portofino’s cliff top lighthouse and the old town of Antibes with its 16th-century ramparts, every stop offers another perspective on the Riviera’s wonders.

Back on board, guests can dive straight into the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters or make use of Le Ponant’s array of aquatic toys. From glass-bottomed kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to snorkelling gear and a saltwater pool, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the sea. 

 Itinerary details

The French Riviera under Le Ponant’s Sails 

Nice-Nice | 8 days, 7 nights 

May 7-14, 2026 

Fares starting from $12,220 per guest 

More information linked here. 

Celebrity River Cruises is launching in Europe for a truly boutique experience

January 27, 2025

Celebrity Cruises will usher in a new era in river cruising with Celebrity River Cruises, a premium river cruise vacation that will begin taking bookings this year.

The brand has signed an initial order for 10 transformative ships that will take guests to historic cities on the world’s most iconic rivers, launching in Europe. Celebrity Cruises will bring the elevated design and sophistication of the Edge Series ocean ships to the river.

Celebrity River Cruises is a natural extension of Celebrity’s premium offering that will bring its unique service-first approach to the river. Guests will get the keys to sail through the heart of culturally and historically significant cities, experience locally inspired cuisine and unique shore experiences.

With ships that will give guests 360 degrees of breathtaking views, every moment will be designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the journey.

More information about Celebrity River Cruises, including booking opportunities, destinations, fleet size and ship details, excursions and more, will be announced in the coming months.