An Honest Guide to Destination Fit, Budget, and Timing
The best trips begin with clear expectations.
Safari and Africa
There is nothing quite like Africa, and we say that having planned trips all over the world.
A safari adventure can be life-changing, but it is also one of the trips where thoughtful planning matters most. Camp selection, timing, routing, internal flights, and conservation logistics all shape the experience, and the difference between a good safari and an extraordinary one comes down almost entirely to the details.
Budget Range $10,000 per person and up Most well-designed safaris for two travelers begin around $20,000 and often fall between $20,000 and $35,000 depending on destination, camp level, and length. East Africa tends to offer a lower point of entry, while Southern Africa and more remote destinations such as Botswana command a premium.
Recommended Trip Length10 to 14 Days MinimumAfrica rewards time. A week feels rushed once you're there.
Best Time to VisitThis depends heavily on destination. East Africa's Great Migration peaks between July and October. Southern Africa is best visited May through October during the dry season when wildlife is most concentrated around water sources. We'll help you time it right based on what you most want to see.
A Note on PricingSafari travel is almost always priced as a comprehensive package by our trusted on-the-ground partners. This covers camps, guides, internal flights, park fees, and logistics, all of which need to work together precisely. We work exclusively with vetted operators and will walk you through exactly what is and isn't included before anything is confirmed.
Greece consistently ranks among the most requested destinations we plan, and for good reason.
Croatia
Croatia is one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe, and deservedly so.
The Dalmatian Coast is strikingly beautiful, and the combination of walled cities, island hopping, and azure water makes for an itinerary that feels both active and indulgent. It is also a destination where local knowledge matters, as the best experiences are rarely the most obvious ones.
Budget Range Starting at $15,000 for two travelers for ten days.Croatia sits at a slightly lower price point than Italy or Greece for comparable hotel quality, which means the budget goes a little further here.
Recommended Trip Length10 Days MinimumTen days minimum, ideally two weeks if you want to incorporate both the coast and the islands at a relaxed pace.
Best Time to VisitJune and September are the sweet spot.July and August are peak season with higher prices and significant crowds in Dubrovnik and Split in particular.
France
France is endlessly versatile, which is part of what makes it such a consistent favorite.
Paris is Paris, and it never disappoints. But France beyond the capital, whether that's the lavender fields and rosé of Provence, the vineyards of Burgundy, the glamour of the Côte d'Azur, or the quiet elegance of the Loire Valley, offers experiences that rival anywhere in the world.
BUDGET RANGE
Starting at $15,000 for two travelers for ten days.
With Paris at luxury hotel levels sitting toward the higher end of that range. A Paris plus Provence or Côte d'Azur combination is a beautiful pairing that fits comfortably within this range.
RECOMMENDED TRIP LENGTH
Seven to ten days for a single region.
Two weeks if you want to combine Paris with a secondary destination.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
May, June, and September for most regions.
The south of France in July and August is stunning but crowded and expensive. Paris is wonderful nearly year round, with spring and fall being particularly lovely.
Spain
Spain rewards the traveler who slows down and lets the rhythm of the country set the pace.
Madrid and Barcelona are world-class cities in their own right, Andalusia offers some of the most culturally rich travel in Europe, and the northern coast remains genuinely off the beaten path for most American travelers. Spain is also a destination where the food alone is worth the trip.
Budget Range Starting at $12,000 for two travelers for ten days.Spain sits at a similar price point to Portugal and offers excellent value at the luxury level.
Recommended Trip Length10 Days MinimumTen days minimum to cover more than one region meaningfully. Two weeks is ideal for a multi-city itinerary.
Best Time to VisitApril through June and September through October.Andalusia in particular becomes very hot in summer. San Sebastián and the north are beautiful nearly year round.
Hawaii is one of those destinations that sounds simple to plan and turns out to be anything but.
Japan
Japan is one of the most extraordinary travel experiences we plan, and also one of the most investment-intensive.
The hospitality, the food, the cultural depth, and the sheer beauty of the country reward every dollar spent, but we want to set expectations clearly from the start: Japan is not an inexpensive destination when done at the level we plan it.
Budget Range A minimum of $1,500 per person per day as a starting point.A ten day trip for two travelers begins around $30,000. This reflects the cost of exceptional ryokans, private guides, and the kind of seamless logistics that make Japan feel effortless rather than overwhelming.
Recommended Trip Length10 to 14 Days MinimumJapan is dense with extraordinary experiences and the temptation to pack too much in is real. We always encourage clients to build in breathing room.
Best Time to VisitCherry blossom season in late March through early April is magical but extremely popular, and needs to be planned well in advance. October and November offer stunning fall foliage and more manageable crowds. We generally recommend avoiding the peak summer heat of July and August and the busy Golden Week holiday period in late April through early May.
Caribbean and Mexico
The Caribbean and Mexico represent some of the most popular trips we plan.
Particularly for families, honeymoons, and milestone celebrations that call for beautiful weather, exceptional resorts, and genuine relaxation. The range of experiences across these destinations is enormous, from the ultra-luxury private island resorts of the Turks and Caicos to the cultural richness of Mexico City combined with the beaches of the Yucatan.
BUDGET RANGE
Starting at $7,500 for two travelers.
Starting at $7,500 for two travelers for a well-designed getaway at a luxury all-inclusive or boutique resort. Families of four should budget from $10,000 and up depending on resort, room category, and length of stay. Private island and ultra-luxury properties move significantly higher.
RECOMMENDED TRIP LENGTH
Five to seven nights for a single destination.
Five to seven nights for a single destination. Ten days if you want to combine a beach stay with a cultural component, such as Mexico City and the Riviera Maya.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
This varies by destination.
This varies by destination. Generally December through April offers the most reliable weather across most Caribbean and Mexican beach destinations. Hurricane season runs June through November, though many resorts offer attractive pricing during this period and weather is often perfectly fine.