The Fluent Traveler, Mary Vaughan Misinco

01/24/2025

More privacy and freedom - that sounds perfect!

Your new home away from home is here. Sun, sand, and luxurious private villas set the scene for your next vacation. With Villas of Distinction, you can expect curated, authentic accommodations in some of the most sought-after destinations around the globe. Many villas are equipped with private butle...

01/24/2025

There’s no better way to invest in your relationship than by traveling together. From honeymoons to anniversaries, consider these top destinations for romance this year:

Find a Beach: Seychelles offers luxury resorts and beaches that will take your breath away. Arrive in early May for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on Mahé! Closer to home, Hawaii offers something special for every couple.

Go North: Treat yourselves to a five-star lodge in Banff National Park, Alberta. Hike, bike, or ski, then relax in the Banff hot springs. For something truly unique, head to Churchill, Manitoba to spot polar bears or go beluga boarding in Hudson’s Bay.

Go Overwater: Nothing says romance quite like an overwater bungalow. You’ll find these in the Maldives, French Polynesia, and Fiji.

Ready for a romantic escape? Let’s start planning your custom trip!

01/23/2025

Celebrity Cruises are my favorite in the large ship category!

Raise a glass in the Bahamas, visit historic sites in Turkey, or explore baroque landmarks in Malta. The moment you step onboard a Celebrity Cruises ship, you’re greeted with thoughtful service, elevated details, and curated experiences. Your journey is complemented with Broadway-style entertainme...

01/23/2025

2025 is your invitation to explore the world like never before! Below are some of the unforgettable - and trending - adventures we can plan together.

Galápagos Islands — Charter your own yacht, get close to incredible wildlife, and explore the islands with an itinerary created just for you.

Bhutan — Trek through the Himalayas then relax in lodges that embrace nature. It’s a journey of peace, adventure, and luxury.

Patagonia, Chile — Hike across glaciers, stay in luxury eco-camps, and experience exclusive guided treks through some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth.

Iceland — Witness the Northern Lights, explore lava caves, and relax in countryside retreats—just you and the wonders of Iceland.

(Advisor tip: Travel during the shoulder seasons to experience these incredible places with fewer crowds)

Let’s start planning your 2025 adventure!

01/22/2025

Ready for an adventure? Seabourn has some ideas for you!

Seabourn encourages you to follow your sense of adventure, wherever it leads you. With sailings traversing the heart of the Amazon or the iceberg-lined passageways of Antarctica, you can expect unmatched wildlife sightings and destination experiences curated by a team of experts, scientists, histori...

01/21/2025

Viking - a special offer!

Viking introduces you to wonders of the world and stories worth sharing. Enjoy the convenience of unpacking just once while discovering captivating destinations alongside like-minded guests on small ships designed to evoke the comfort of a floating hotel.

01/21/2025

Is a safari still on your travel bucket-list? This is finally the year to start planning – and we have some great recommendations!

If Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls is on your list, we’ve found a must-visit retreat to experience it all. Victoria Falls River Lodge sits right on the Zambezi River, guaranteeing you front-row views to Africa's most amazing wildlife show with easy access to one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls.

Want more recommendations or ready to start planning your Zimbabwe adventure? Let’s chat!

01/21/2025

A new year brings with it the chance for a fresh start – especially when it comes to new adventures. If you're considering where to travel this year, here are some trending destinations for 2025:

• Calabria, Italy: The Italy that most tourists haven't discovered yet

• Antarctica: Your wildest expedition dreams come true

• Montenegro: Game of Thrones-worthy castles without the crowds

• Salta, Argentina: Rainbow-painted mountains and amazing high-altitude wines

• Turkish Riviera: The crowd-to-beach ratio is unreal (trust us on this one!)

Get in touch with us to explore these destinations or to discover what other spots are trending this year!

01/19/2025

Namibia is shaping up to be one of this year’s most exciting eco-adventure destinations, and our partnerships with companies like Wilderness allow us to book private adventures you won't find anywhere else.

You'll be able to explore Namibia with expert local guides who know every inch of this unique landscape. Watch desert elephants roam through ancient valleys or spot beautiful oryx against orange dunes. (Message us about booking a hot air balloon experience, too!)

Get in touch to start planning your one-of-a-kind journey through Namibia!

01/17/2025

Valentine's Day is just weeks away. A romantic getaway would be the perfect gift to give each other!

Sunny beaches, city escapes, and all the romance.

01/17/2025

The Cyclades are stealing the spotlight in 2025, and the iconic Mykonos Blu Hotel (reopening this May) is the perfect spot to soak up this must-visit destination.

We can book you a VIP trip to experience this Greek island paradise. Their Island Bungalows offer unbelievable views, and we love recommending special touches like the Floating Breakfast - served right in your private villa's pool.

Another insider tip? Let us arrange for the hotel's signature 6-hour private driving tour. It's a great way to explore the island!

Save this post – or reach out to start planning your trip to Mykonos!

01/17/2025

There's something magical about a resort that knows exactly where to place itself. Amanera resort sits 60 feet above Playa Grande, where just 25 casitas enjoy what might be the Caribbean's most spectacular address.

This Dominican Republic property spans 2,000 acres and features a stunning golf course – reimagined by Rees Jones from his father's original design, with more coastal holes than any course in the Western Hemisphere.

The Bay View Pool Casitas are our favorite spot to wake up (even if you sleep through sunrise - no judgment). For pure bliss, head to the spa for their signature Taíno-inspired treatments. A favorite evening ritual? Ordering a hand-rolled cigar and local rum to your private clifftop dinner.

Ready to discover your own slice of Dominican paradise? Save this post or reach out today to start planning!

01/16/2025

Virtuoso Magazine - always informative! Read the article about my friend Shanti - she is beautiful inside and out!

The January/February issue of Virtuoso, The Magazine, out now, is all about style with substance: Jaipur’s glittering jewelry scene and the generations of artisanship behind it, a legendary Himalayan hotel bringing mindfulness to a new audience, and more. Plus: A cozy Wyoming stay and sustainably ...

01/15/2025

Experience Africa. There is nothing else like it. It is time!

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with African Travel, Inc.'s new Concierge Safaris. These intimate escorted journeys accommodate just 14 guests and include a dedicated concierge, expert-led game viewing, luxe accommodations, most meals, and gratuities. While the concierge ensures a seamless exp...

01/14/2025

Exclusive availability for you, through me, until Jan 19.

What do you imagine when you daydream of your next globetrotting quest? Standing at the edge of Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland? Watching in silent awe as a herd of elephants lumbers across the African horizon? Or maybe you see the radiant colors and cuisine that highlight Kyoto’s geisha di...

01/14/2025

Thinking about visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2025? These aren’t just places you visit—they’re stories of culture, history, and humanity. And with us, you won’t just check them off a list—you’ll experience them in ways most travelers can’t.

We’ll arrange private guides, secure visits during quieter times, and customize every detail to turn your trip into something unforgettable.

Which UNESCO site do you want to explore? Let’s make this the year you get to experience it, with none of the stress and all the magic.

01/13/2025

You need to answer this call - it is Europe - calling to say 'come back'!
I suggest a river cruise. Or a tour. Hotel stays before and after. I have a plan!

A continent of adventures.

01/12/2025

Is Madrid on your list of 'must-see' places? It should be.

Madrid Travel Guide: The Best Hotels in Spain, Madrid's Many Neighborhoods, and More Travel Tips.