CELEBRATING MILESTONES

 

Below, we’ve paired four celebration-worthy milestones with some of our favorite journeys. Both close to home and far afield, these trips will renew your sense of wonder, open your eyes to the world around you, and provide the inspiration for memories that will last a lifetime.

 

The Caribbean Islands are the best place to reunite with loved ones

Reunions – The Islands

Whether an annual family get-together or a reunion of old classmates, taking time to reconnect with friends and loved ones is one of the great joys of life. What makes that joy even better is adding a little paradise to the mix, preferably at a nearby island oasis.

With direct flights from most major East Coast cities and a temperate climate, Bermuda is the perfect destination for gathering the troops for a few days of rest and relaxation. This charming British outpost has many things going for it, not least of which are its gorgeous beaches famed for their pink-hued sand and crystal-clear water. As for things to do, Bermuda boasts multiple world-class golf courses, some with spectacular oceanfront fairways, all manner of water sport and some impressively cozy pubs that are perfect for catching up over a few pints.

The Caribbean Islands are also quite easy to reach, though they are quite difficult to leave. Your tribe may want to stay forever after spending a week at an all-inclusive resort, the powder-soft beach just steps away from your private bungalows and smiling staff always ready to hand you a fresh drink. Between snorkeling adventures, rainforest hikes and rum tastings, you can all catch up while creating new memories together.

A couple admires the view of Table Rock in South Africa

Wedding Anniversaries – South Africa

There is something inherently majestic about South Africa. From the magnifcent wildlife to the staggering beauty of the windswept coastline, the chic glamour of Cape Town to the laid-back atmosphere of the Cape Winelands, this endlessly fascinating country combines spectacular natural wonders with the best of human creativity.

There are the classic sights one must-see when visiting this land of plenty — Kruger National Park and the Big Five game animals, Table Mountain and the Southern Right whales — but in recent years the country has also become a cultural mecca of international proportions. The cutting-edge Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is attracting art lovers by the droves, while Johannesburg, undergoing a revitalization of epic proportions, is quickly gaining a reputation for its dazzling street art scene with colorful large-scale murals blanketing the city.

Feeding tortoises on the Galapagos Islands

Birthdays – Galapagos Islands

There are few destinations as awe-inspiring as the Galapagos. From the giant tortoises roaming the grounds of El Chato Reserve to the blue-footed boobies waddling across the lava rocks of North Seymour Island, nowhere else in the world can you get so close to such spectacular wildlife. The expectations are high, but these stunningly beautiful islands go above and beyond, making this the trip of a lifetime.

Darwin’s finches and the giant tortoises might be the most famous residents of this unique archipelago, but make no mistake, these islands, and the waters that surround them, are teeming with wildlife. Penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions galore, the biodiversity is staggering. And thanks to a lack of natural predictors, the animals have no fear of humans, making even a casual walk incredibly rewarding. Hiking, kayaking, snorkeling or just sitting on a rock watching whatever flies or scampers by — rest assured, there is no wrong way to do the Galapagos.

Enjoying the view from Wave Rock in Australia

Retirement Celebration – Australia

A long and successful career deserves commemorating, and what better way to transition to a life of leisure than with a trip that rewards slow travel. Stunning scenery, cosmopolitan cities, friendly people and great wine make Australia a traveler’s favorite. Getting to know this beguiling behemoth takes time, making it the perfect destination for those who are lucky enough to have what is considered to be the ultimate luxury.

The same size as the continental U.S., even the most committed travelers have to pick and choose their destinations when visiting Australia. There are the classic itineraries — a road trip along the Great Ocean Road, sailing around the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Outback and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — but since you’ve got the time, take the opportunity to visit some of Australia’s less-visited gems. Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, the Margaret River Valley near Perth, and Kangaroo Island off the coast of Adelaide are all spectacular. You won’t be sorry you stayed a few extra days — or weeks.

To make the most of your next milestone, contact your travel professional today.