Emerging Destinations

10/11/2026

More and more travelers are choosing destinations for the story behind them, even when that story is a horror.

Jonestown, Guyana is a clear example. It was named for Jim Jones, and it's the site of the horrific demise of Jones and more than 900 of his followers in 1978. If you don't know the story, it will break your heart and probably spark your curiosity. That pull is exactly what draws travelers to places with complicated histories: grief, deep curiosity, a wish to learn, or a specialist interest in cult psychology or history.

Places hold onto pain, and Jonestown does. Is it worth adding to a Guyana itinerary? Absolutely, for the curious traveler. Wanderlust Adventures runs tours to Jonestown, and they met with the local community first so the visit is handled with respect for what happened there.

Joe Yogerst looks at this and other "dark places" in a CNN Travel piece worth reading. Link in the comments. Share this with a curious travel advisor!

Discover Guyana Wanderlust Adventures GY

10/09/2026

The best part of the APTA Global Forum was the people. This year’s forum was hosted by Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia, and Clarke and Paula spent the three days in face-to-face conversations with African suppliers and North American trade.

A few themes that came up:
Solo women travelers are a growing market, and the way a lodge handles single rooms and rates matters to them.
Green season is earning its place in the calendar for more than price.
Zambia deserves more nights than it usually gets.
Travelers want to know who benefits from the parks they visit.

Save this for later. Thank you to Avani Victoria Falls Resort for hosting, the APTA team and to everyone who made time to talk. See you at the next one!

10/07/2026

Porto and the north of Portugal are full of chic experiences 🍷

10/05/2026

Joe Yogerst's new LA Times feature on Panama calls out La Coralina Island House directly — the Balinese-style anchor of Isla Colón, above Playa Paunch. This island paradise to keep on file for luxury travel, wellness escapes or special events.

Read about the wondrous beauty of Panama below:
https://f.mtr.cool/8eea0myg9u

A new nonstop flight from Southern California puts Panama back on the map — from Casco Viejo's revival to the Panama Canal and the reefs of Bocas del Toro.

09/28/2026

Webinar coming up! Register for India's UNESCO Treasures: Your Insider's Guide to Selling Heritage Tours with India Exotica Travels DMC on Sep 30, 2026 12:00 PM EDT at:
https://f.mtr.cool/gcpu8lxtbc

Join India Exotica Travels DMC for a practical session on India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Walk away with ready-to-use talking points, itinerary ideas, and insight into which sites resonate with different traveler types — plus logistics and on-ground support available through our DMC.

About India Exotica Travels: A Delhi-based DMC with 15+ years crafting immersive journeys across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Known for firsthand destination expertise and authentic, story-driven travel trusted by advisors across the USA and Canada.

About the speaker: Manoj Sharma founded India Exotica Travels after a childhood train ride through the Himalayas sparked a lifelong passion for exploration. Over 15+ years, he has personally curated journeys for 200+ groups, and remains hands-on in itinerary design and partner relationships.

09/21/2026

Garonga Safari Co is so dynamic it's all the best parts of a great safari experienced three unique ways, each befitting of the various travel romantics- from wedding to anniversary or honeymoon there's something to celebrate with each camp.

MCH Luxury Tented Camp: the most recent addition, four tents perched on a kopje with views over Makalali and the sunrise peaking over the Drakensberg mountain; modern, luxury and best for couples looking for a smaller, leveled up safari experience

Garonga Safari Camp: six luxury tents, boma dinners, a plunge pool, star baths and made for couples, great game traffic, and most importantly star-baths on site.

Little Garonga: a private, lodge of three suites in harmony with wildlife, ideal for exclusive-use and fantastic for events 🥂

Same abundant Makalali reserve, with three incredible accommodation options.

Want the full breakdown for your next itinerary? Schedule a discovery call: [email protected].

09/16/2026

Howdy from Quebec! 👋

Jane Stabenau Behrend and Jenna LM Farber are having a blast at ATWS sharing all the details about the amazing Emerging portfolio.

We also caught up with the cool people from the cool places we represent.

Cool people: Judy from Enchanted Expeditions 🇪🇨 Ecuador & Galapagos Travel 🐢 and Enchanted Galapagos Lodge the ultimate guides to cruising the Galapagos Islands and exploring mainland Ecuador.

Mauricio from Las Torres Patagonia and Hotel Las Torres the gateway to Chilean Patagonia and the only hotel within Torres del Paine National Park.

And Carla from Discover Guyana - the land of the giants with 80% forest coverage and 400+ bird species coupled with vibrant cultures.

If you didn’t get to say hello drop us an email for a discovery call [email protected].

09/10/2026

The Kingdom of Tooro in western Uganda—centered around Fort Portal at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains—is mourning the passing of its traditional ruler, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who passed away on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34 while receiving cancer treatment in the United States.

Ascending the throne in 1995 at just three years old following the passing of his father, King Oyo was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's youngest reigning monarch. Across his 31-year reign, he served as a cultural leader for more than two million people, actively championing youth empowerment, public health, and environmental conservation across western Uganda.

In Uganda, traditional monarchies—including Tooro, Buganda, Bunyoro, Busoga, and Rwenzururu—occupy a unique constitutional position. Restored in the 1990s as cultural institutions, these kingdoms hold symbolic and cultural authority rather than political power. Monarchs like Omukama Oyo serve as custodians of indigenous heritage, language, community unity, and regional development.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with the Royal Family, the people of Tooro Kingdom, and all of Uganda as they celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy. 🌿🤍

09/08/2026

A client asking for the hotel closest to Victoria Falls might be asking the wrong question. Anantara Stanley & Livingstone sits on the Zimbabwe side, inside its own private reserve — and makes a strong case on its own terms.

How far is it from Victoria Falls? An easy 10–15 minute transfer, and you're there.

What makes the safari experience stand out? Fantastic Black Rhino tracking for the area, offering real, special encounters — plus elephants and other wildlife visiting the lodge itself.

What's the accommodation like? 16 elegant suites, dinner at the 1871 Restaurant surrounded by the sounds of the bush.

Want to know more? Schedule a discovery call: [email protected]

09/07/2026

Porto & the North of Portugual in color 💙💛💚