Craft Travel

01/02/2025

2025 is off to a beautiful start. What a pleasure to receive these incredible photos taken by our clients during their five-week adventure through Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa & Mozambique. While not everyone has the time or resources for a journey of this magnitude, it’s a reminder that often our most memorable travel occurs when we slow it down and stop rushing.

Another lesson learned from this trip? The luxury of space never ceases to disappoint. Out of all of the incredible properties these special clients visited, their favorite was Okavango Explorers Camp in Botswana from our friends at . It is the “simplest in accommodation”, yet the pristine remote wilderness touched by so few travelers coupled with the most passionate and knowledgeable of staff forge an experience that simply can’t be bought.

Here’s to slowing it down and exploring uncharted territory together in this exciting year ahead! 📣 And PS: pay extra attention to the final photo in this carousel for a preview of some exciting news coming soon...

12/20/2024

What a year for this team! 33 countries visited, 62 weeks of combined travel. Scores of hotel and lodge inspections, over a dozen trade shows and invitational familiarization travel. Plus hundreds of client trips planned across seven continents. And a whole lot of learning.

What are some of our most memorable takeaways? The photos in the carousel provide a fun roundup and hopefully some good inspiration to take you into the new year... but on a deeper level:

For Clare, it’s that knowing the Caribbean better than anyone is great, but that impactful and meaningful travel beyond the marketing fluff is what ultimately fills her cup: she’d much rather be promoting gorilla conservation trips than Six Senses Grenada.

For Elissa, it was that sometimes “luxury” safari camps disappoint and high end amenities cannot replace a top-notch guide or that genuine sense of community that makes you feel part of something bigger and remains etched in your memory.

For Autumn, it’s the revelation that Italy has always had her heart, and that helping honeymooners and families experience the magic of the country is her greatest passion… and strength!

For Andrea, it was confirmation that genius level product knowledge (Julia’s words, not hers 😉) and unwavering relationship management pays off. The most discerning of clients appreciate it and reward it with loyalty.

For Julia, it was that never has it been more important in this industry to have a thoughtful point of view. The world does not need another generic luxury travel advisor account with pastel Pinterest curation and an image of the team wearing sun hats in the Amalfi Coast explaining “why work with me”. Craft does best being authentic, because ultimately we’re here to inspire trust in our clients who appreciate depth, experience and nuance.

Every year we learn and grow, thanks to you. You push us to be the best version of ourselves both personally and professional and we are eternally grateful.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, and that 2025 delivers on all of life’s greatest adventures.

12/03/2024

Which matters more to you: how many countries your travel advisor has been to, or how well she knows the countries she’s advising you on?

Let’s be clear: the ladies of Craft have traveled the world. But we are intentional in not making a habit of sharing/boasting our “country count”. Why? Because our expertise isn’t about checking off a box on a list.

What is relevant to us? That Andrea has traveled to Chile nearly every year of her life. That Clare is a citizen of three countries spanning three continents and visits the Caribbean at least once a month. That Autumn and Elissa have collectively explored Southern & East Africa eight times in the last year... but Autumn just got back from three weeks in Italy and Elissa spent the same amount of time this year in Thailand. That when not at home in South Africa, Julia is spending months at a time in Europe.

We are invested in continued development of our knowledge and craft, which means that simply adding a country to our count is not a valid metric in determining professional experience. Spending considerable time in one destination - and returning to it frequently to see what’s new - is how we feel we can best serve you in our role as trusted advisors.

An overnight layover or a weekend trip during a study abroad program may technically mean one more country crossed off the list, but neither translates into a nuanced understanding of how it should be explored. Our take? It’s not a competition. 🤷‍♀️

11/26/2024

Three Weeks in Vietnam & Cambodia -

We always prefer not to bog down inboxes during the frenzy of late December, so now’s the moment for the team and I to express our overwhelming gratitude for the year you’ve made possible. 2024 was our biggest and best one yet, and once again it’s all thanks to you. This Thanksgiving, we will ...

11/11/2024

When you work with safari specialists who moonlight as parents (⚠️ trigger warning for this post’s final video)…

Elissa recently returned from the ultimate Kenyan family safari with her 4-year old daughter.

We are often asked, “Which country is the best safari for kids?” The honest answer is that there is no straightforward answer. There are so many factors that will decide this question, ranging from the time of year, to the age of your kids or your family’s interests, to name a few. But it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Kenya doesn’t come to mind.

There are many reasons why Kenya works so well for young families, but for Elissa, the two driving factors are clear: the warmth of the people and the outstanding array of lodging options where the family experience is celebrated. And in each place where Elissa and her family stayed, it was clear that the assignment was fully understood on both fronts.

Our philosophy is that every safari should be fully curated to match the specific needs of each family, and -though it may sound controversial- that lodges should not be fully geared toward children. We don’t want them to feel like zoos or amusement parks. But a handful of places fully grasp how to make safari truly come alive for our littlest travelers in the most authentic ways, and it’s in this department where Kenya truly thrives.

When your safari experts are all moms to young children, rest assured your adventure will be designed understanding what exactly makes a safari “kid-friendly”, but also what makes it unforgettable for the parents. Those little details are always at the top of mind, whether it be total flexibility, unmatched wildlife encounters or a curated packed game drive dinner of the world’s best chicken nuggets 😜

10/28/2024

The Best Month of the Year -

This was supposed to be a September newsletter celebrating the joys of traveling in shoulder season. But ironically, because our shoulder season has actually been even busier than our summer, it was difficult to find the time to sit and focus on this letter.

10/25/2024

October is the best month. And as you’ll see in this post, our clients tend to agree.

We’ve been quiet here, because at Craft, early fall is actually our busiest time of year. Most of our clients prefer to travel now, after the summer crowds and before the intensity of the holidays. But in our minds, it’s not a compromise: in reality, so many places truly are at their best in October.

Peak wildlife throughout Africa, opening season in Patagonia, jaguars in the Pantanal and in Europe, a reduction in crowds that coincides with glorious milder weather.

In Italy, our clients are still enjoying boat days along the Amalfi coast, Capri and Sicily. But they are also taking advantage of truffle hunting and the wine harvest. The cities are less frenetic, there’s no risk of heat stroke and the rates feel ever so slightly less mind-boggling.

In South Africa, the early days of summer are the Western Cape’s most beautiful: October marks the arrival of long sunny days ideal for hiking, visiting penguins and wine tasting. From there our clients head to safari just in time for the end of the dry season, meaning wildlife sightings are at their prime. And several (including Julia and her family) had their finale on the beach in idyllic Mozambique, where weather is at its absolute best.

It’s certainly not groundbreaking territory to discuss the benefits of travel in the “shoulder season”. But it’s a good reminder that we shouldn’t equate shoulder season with a sacrifice. For those in the know, it doesn’t get much better than these few weeks.

These 19 countries are at their most captivating in October, and our clients are experiencing them firsthand:

1. Italy
2. Greece
3. South Africa
4. Mozambique
5. Morocco
6. Portugal
7. United Kingdom
8. United States
9. Namibia
10. Botswana
11. Uganda
12. Tanzania
13. Anguilla
14. Spain
15. France
16. Kenya
17. Zimbabwe
18. Brazil
19. Argentina

09/17/2024

Can we ask you just to trust us?

There are brand names that everyone knows and that market themselves. And then there are places you may have never heard of that could very well end up being your favorite travel experience of all time.

For example, if you’re planning a first time trip to East Africa, we will almost always ask you to consider a place called Chem Chem. Have you heard of it? Probably not. Will you see the Migration? No. Is it in the Serengeti? No. Will your mind be blown? We’ve yet to have a client who was ready to leave on the day of check-out.

We often present these places to our clients and simply ask for their trust in us. To take a step back from what they’ve seen online or on social media and put faith in our process. You might not immediately get why these places are life-changing, but our job is to give you the confidence to believe in our lens.

How do we earn your trust? Well, if you haven’t already traveled with us, hopefully by showcasing a vision that resonates with you. By sharing content that is authentic with an AI-free point of view, and that favors our first-hand experiences over stock photos.

Our job at Craft is to match our clients to their dream destinations by searching the world for its greatest gems; if you haven’t noticed, it’s how we spend quite a bit of our time! We are not relying on the opinions or experiences of others to advise our clients. By sharing our favorite “Just Trust Us” places with you, we seek to show what we are all about, and to inspire your trust in the luxury of our craft.

09/03/2024

August was all about *experiences*

Don’t get us wrong: we are bonafide hotel snobs. And Craft Travelers graced some of the world’s top properties this August. But the trend we saw last month was less about the hotel and more about experiential immersion in the destination.

Interestingly enough, August is one of our slower travel months. Many of our clients prefer to wait until fall to embark once summer rush has ended. But for families who want an epic getaway before it’s back to school, newlyweds eager to escape post-wedding or safari goers seeking prime conditions, August travel doesn’t have to mean being stuck with the masses. But crafting experiences that will deliver even in peak months does require both expert planning + local connections.

Some examples:

1. We had two different families traveling to Iceland in August. The first focused on adventure in southern Iceland, with much of the exploration done via ATV.

For the second family, it was a nonstop 5-day bucket list itinerary, beginning at ultra exclusive Lava Cove, the private suite at famed .bluelagoon including custom spa treatments and its own private lagoon. From the hotel’s own pad, they made a scenic flight via helicopter over the active volcano before making a stop for a private hike atop a remote glacier. They then flew to Deplar Farm, a world class adventure lodge offering privately guided experiences.

2. Another family used the as a base for early season truffle hunting with dogs. But the highlight of their time in Italy was Forte dei Marmi, where they lived like locals and activated true vacation mode, biking from hotel to hidden beach clubs and walking into town for local pasta. We organized a private yacht finale along Cinque Terre on their last night.

3. Our lovely honeymooners wanted African bush and beach, but with an emphasis on local culture and history. We arranged for an Apartheid specialist guide and a visit to one of our hidden gem wine farms that boasts one of the Winelands’ most celebrated Black female sommeliers. And no place offers romance + authentic, unscripted immersion quite like the beaches of Mozambique.

Luxury travel is our proud craft.

08/19/2024

Thrilled that Craft Travel has been featured in The New York Times again. It breaks my heart that I never had the chance to live these experiences with my beloved Grandpa Roy, who passed when I was only 11. But luckily my Granny Irene and I were able to share a girls' trip to Paris about ten years ago, and the memories from that adventure will always go down as my favorite with her.

Also exciting to think about all of the memories that await our girls with their extraordinary set of four grandparents.

Life is too short to not create the memories you want with the people you love.

With older adults staying fit longer, many are joining their grandchildren on travel adventures like wilderness hikes, bike tours and even bungee jumping.

08/19/2024

Peru newest off the beaten path gem…

PUQIO is the sister property of Lake Titicaca’s iconic TITILAKA and CIRQA in Arequipa, and the final installment in a cutting edge trilogy that creates a new overland route through the wild southern highlands of Peru.

Set in Peru’s breathtaking Colca Valley, PUQIO redefines luxury with safari-style glamping and exceptional experiences. It’s all about immersion, with diverse outdoor adventures through stunning remote landscapes and authentic engagement with local culture. For enthusiasts of festivals and folklore, the surrounding villages offer endless opportunities to celebrate vibrant traditions year-round. Plus, the valley is home to with pre-Incan archaeological sites ready to be explored, either on foot or horseback.

The most popular way to experience PUQIO is to fly into magical Arequipa and spend a couple of days based at the sister property, CIRQA, exploring and acclimating to altitude before driving into the Colca Valley, 3.5 hours by car. You can then return to Arequipa and fly to Cusco or Lima.

Our favorite way of visiting PUQIO? Take the Belmond Andean Explorer Train between Puno and Arequipa, disembarking mid journey to enter the Colca Valley by car. Or from Cusco, allowing you to end here after exploring Machu Picchu.

We love PUQIO because it’s just as good for first-time visitors to Peru as it is for those who already love the Andean country and are looking for an excuse to come back. And because the family behind it is highly passionate about showcasing the hidden gems of Peru in a discerning and authentic way.

To us, the greatest luxury a property can offer is location exclusivity and intimate, bespoke service. If you agree, you won’t be disappointed with PUQIO. DM us to schedule a discovery call and learn more.

08/09/2024

What did our clients have to say about traveling with Craft in July?

“It was a majestic and amazing trip. Everyone loved it and it was very, VERY smooth! The tours were even better than we could have ever imagined.” - Cynthia G, traveled to Italy & Switzerland

“Everything was amazing! We loved the hotels and the experience with Jaume and Clara was terrific! They are the most interesting people and we learned a ton about Catalonia and wine and how to prepare dishes. Their home was lovely and they were the best hosts ever!” - Kathy C, traveled to Spain & Italy

“Just know that it was stupendous. You knocked it out of the ballpark!” - Deborah D, traveled to Iceland

There may have been severe weather, tech armageddon at the airports and another record-breaking busy summer travel season but we worked hard to ensure that our clients enjoyed seamless vacations all across the globe.

Paris Olympics, peak migration river crossing activity in Kenya, young family safari in South Africa (love us some quad bunkbeds!) and a luxe last minute couples’ getaway to Cabo’s best beach resort were some other highlights in addition to the ones our clients shared above.

Here’s the complete list of where our clients traveled to in July:

*Italy slide 6
*Switzerland
*South Africa slides 3-4
*Mozambique
*Iceland slide 1 + .bluelagoon slide 2
*France slide 7
*Spain
*Portugal
*Mexico slide 5
*Brazil
*Kenya slide 8 + slides 9-10

Now is the time to start planning next summer’s adventures. Use those points to book good flights while you still can, and reach out to us to craft the rest!

07/26/2024

Highly honored that Forbes has featured our luxury Madagascar travel guide in this exclusive piece.

The guide was something very personal to me that I wrote after our most recent family adventure there. Madagascar has so much to offer (special thanks to Miavana by Time + Tide), and there has never been a better time to visit this majestic country: crowds are few and lodges are not only incredible but remarkably committed to regenerative travel.

Craft Travel

This sprawling island nation is home to fascinating fauna, stunning landscapes and a wealth of high-end hotels.

04/19/2024

We send a monthly newsletter reflecting on our recent travels, recommended experiences, enticing offers from our favorite places and Crafted destination guides.

Our most recent newsletter showcases Antarctica and all of the amazing ways to experience the White Continent (hint: it's not only by cruise ship).

Click on the link below to check out the type of curated content we provide, and if you like it head to our website and sign up for our newsletter- we promise we won't spam you!

https://mailchi.mp/crafttravel/antarctica-ultimate-guide

04/18/2024

Ultimately the only affirmation the ladies of Craft Travel truly seek is that of gratified clients who return to us time and time again, but...
..it certainly does feel nice when our ultra-luxe experiences are recognized by some of the world's biggest media outlets. 😎

Super proud of Andrea Galvez for this amazing coverage in CNN Travel on the most over the top ways we are servicing our VVVIP clients during the Summer Olympics in Paris!

Got a few hundred thousand dollars to spare? Here’s how Olympic-class spenders will be watching the summer games in Paris this year.

03/06/2024

As passionate globetrotters ourselves, we understand the thirst for that next unparalleled adventure. That’s why we’re here to unlock doors to extraordinary experiences you won’t easily find elsewhere, thanks to our global network of partners.

One experience we have crafted that stands out is a private charter yacht to Antarctica, perfect for a multigenerational family. Our clients came up close with penguins and had spontaneous encounters with humpback whales, while also enjoying the marine life from the comfort of their private deck. These yachts are havens of comfort, equipped with jacuzzis, saunas, steam baths, and massage rooms, all attended to by a devoted crew.

Opting for a private charter over a group expedition transforms your journey into an intimate, tailor-made adventure. With zodiacs and snow scooters readily available for your exclusive use, the experience is entirely yours to shape. Thanks to their more compact size, these yachts offer the unique advantage of navigating through secluded areas, unreachable by larger expedition ships.

If this sounds like the type of experience you’d love to have, let us know and share this post with a fellow adventure seeker who would love this! Have we just found your next destination?

02/29/2024

We’ve had clients jetting off on some pretty incredible trips this past month. Take a peek at where they explored:
⁠
🇧🇼 Botswana for the perfect combo of meerkats and zebra migration at with nonstop Okavango Delta predator action at Duba Plains by

🇨🇴 Colombia for a two-week exploration starting in Bogota, followed by Barichara, Medellin, Armenia in the coffee region and ending in Cartagena on the coast.

🇦🇶 Antarctica for an epic penguin safari with sea kayaking, hiking up a sparkling glacier, and sealife spotting.

🇵🇦 Panama with a stay at the iconic in Panama City.

🇨🇱🇦🇷 Patagonian Chile & Argentina with stays at some of Andrea’s all-time favorite properties: 's El Chalten, and .
⁠
What trips are you hoping to get on the books for this year?

02/27/2024

Being based in Cape Town means Julia gets real-time insight on the city's constantly evolving hotel scene. Here are three of her favorite options, and how you can determine which one is the best fit for you:

📍 Ellerman House
➡️ Why we love it: A luxurious boutique hotel nestled atop Bantry Bay, Ellerman truly does feel like a house, or perhaps more like an intimate mansion! With just 13 rooms and 2 neighboring private villas, all with stunning ocean views, the only complaint we receive from guests is that they didn't get to spend enough time at the hotel. Inclusions such as wine tastings, sunset cocktails, 24/7 access to the coveted Guest Pantry and private tours through their gallery (considered to be one of the best private African art collections) offer massive value.
➡️ Who it's best for: Honeymooners and couples seeking an immersive, tranquil, refined boutique-type oasis with impeccable service away from tourists... and with the best ocean views in town!

📍 The Silo Hotel
➡️ Why we love it: Towering above the V&A Waterfront, Liz Biden's landmark design property offers jaw-dropping views of the city skyline and Table Mountain, with iconic architecture and a lively rooftop bar and pool where cocktails are always flowing. Still considered the hottest hospitality address in town, The Silo shares a space with Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) which houses Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art.
➡️ Who it's best for: Design enthusiasts, art lovers, and trendy jetsetters who want to be in the heart of the Cape Town social scene with easy access to the city

📍 One & Only Resort
➡️ Why we love it: Situated in the heart of the V&A waterfront with unparalleled views of the marina & Table Mountain, stunning rooms +"private island" suites, arguably the city's best spa, bar & dining options including Nobu Cape Town, and extensive family-focused amenities, including a coveted Kid's Club.
➡️ Who it's best for: Families seeking relaxation with sprawling space, endless activities for all ages in a central location with top resort amenities

Which one are you booking for your next trip to Cape Town?