by Geoffrey Ravoire, Marketing Manager & Luxury Travel Advisor

One of the lessons of this quarantine is to never take anything for granted.

Travel is not always far-flung; it might well be the simple pleasure of traveling to your neighborhood coffee shop and chatting with the owner for a while. Now that the world is reopening, we are all eager to see what our new life is going to look like. Here are some of the activities we are excited to be planning again.

Dining Out and Al Fresco

A fair share of us have spent the past 4 months in an urban environment, and with less than cooperating weather. Even those who migrated to country homes weren’t able to truly enjoy a nice evening of dining out. From sunset and Spritz at The Dining Room at Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara to an evening catching up with friends by the river at Chicago’s Pizzeria Portofino, there’s a lot to look forward to — and many restaurateurs, chefs, and wait staff anxious to see you again. Not ready to dine out quite yet? EatWith might be your happy medium!

Being in Nature

It may sound contradictory to be craving the emptiness of the great outdoors after a quarantine, but we are so excited by the fresh air, unlimited adventures, and carefree life in the mountains of Colorado or Utah that it makes sense. Be it on your bike, whitewater rafting, or simply hiking, social distancing with friends and family is easier than you’d think in a gorgeous place like Aspen, Telluride, Park City, and so many more.

Enjoying the Beach

Running on the beach in the morning. Bathing in the sun. Watching the sun go down on the horizon. It might have seemed accessible in 2019, but today, it is something we all have found a new appreciation for. This summer, we are excited for the beaches of the Outer Banks –and are sure your kids are too if they have a Netflix account– but the beaches of Aruba or Bermuda will also be just as beautiful this summer and more private than ever in recent years.

Wine Tasting

Much like any other social activity, dinners with wine pairings and wine club get-togethers haven’t been on the books lately. And so the anticipation for a trip out west is building for the next helicopter wine tour in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, or the next wine tasting in the Yakima Valley, WA, facing the snow-capped volcanoes in the distance.

Joining Studio Classes

Virtual classes are great, but it’s not the same. Although we always prioritize safety and fully expect new guidelines for fitness, exercise, and dance classes, we can’t wait to go back to our favorite studios, with our favorite instructors, and feed on the positive energy in the room. Speaking of energy, it’s time for a reset and a visit to Lake Austin Spa Resort! That is until we can travel to Cuba and Argentina to meet with our favorite salsa and tango instructors.

Booking Massages

There’s nothing like a deep tissue massage, a facial, or simply some relaxing time spent at a spa to heal your body and soul. One of the spas we’ve missed the most is the one at The Brando. The lushness, privacy, and service are second to none on this remote, private island of French Polynesia where we hope to travel back soon now that restrictions are being lifted. Another memorable experience? The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland where geothermal activity fuels the creative process of the spa team. Plus, Iceland is probably one of the safest places to be right now.

Meeting a Stranger

Last but not least, we’ve missed interacting with strangers and discovering a new perspective. As you all know, one of our greatest prides is in the guides we engage to take care of you on your trips, and the incredible individuals we set up visits with. Be they business owners, artists, members of a foreign tribe, or friends from Urban Adventures, the people you meet are often one of the highlights of your vacation. We have missed creating those encounters. A lot. Time to go explore and learn about what we don’t know yet.