Designs on Travel

10/21/2026

🇪🇸 DUCO Spain & Portugal | Day 1 Discoveries!

Three exciting takeaways from my first day meeting with luxury travel partners. And plenty of inspiration for future adventures!

🏔️ 1. ANDORRA: Europe’s Alpine Hidden Gem

Just 2.5–3 hours from Barcelona, this tiny country tucked into the Pyrenees is emerging as a year-round luxury mountain escape.

Think winter skiing, summer hiking, wellness retreats, and spectacular scenery. I love the idea of combining Barcelona’s vibrant city life with a few days in the mountains!

🌊 2. LUXURY ALL-INCLUSIVE… IN EUROPE?

Absolutely! Ikos Resorts is redefining the all-inclusive experience with beautiful Mediterranean properties in Mallorca and Greece.

Gourmet dining, elevated accommodations, and so much included. A fantastic option for families, multigenerational travel, groups, and honeymooners looking for exceptional value without compromising on quality.

🎨 3. EXPERIENCES YOU CAN’T GOOGLE (OR FIND ON CHATGPT OR CLAUDE!)

This one really captured my imagination!

🐟 Join a local fisherman for a sustainable fishing excursion, create art using ink from the catch, then prepare and enjoy your fresh seafood.

🪡 Learn traditional flamenco embroidery alongside master artisans in Seville.

🍯 Discover sustainable beekeeping and honey production, or try your hand at pottery with local craftspeople.

These are the kinds of experiences that turn a wonderful vacation into a collection of unforgettable stories.

My biggest takeaway? Some of the most extraordinary travel experiences aren’t found in a Google search, ChatGPT, or Claude. They come from local connections, trusted relationships, and people who genuinely love sharing their culture.

And having trusted local partners opens doors to experiences you might never discover on your own.

✨ More from DUCO Spain & Portugal tomorrow!

Which experience would you choose?

10/21/2026

The best present isn't what's under the tree—it's what's waiting on the horizon.

With our Gift of Travel options, you can gift the expertise and planning needed to turn a dream vacation into a reality. Whether it's a milestone family escape, a romantic weekend, or a bucket-list adventure, you're gifting the promise of a future adventure.

Give the gift of discovery this year. Explore our Gift of Travel options here: https://www.givingthegiftoftravel.com/

10/21/2026

Some of the best trips through Spain and Portugal are shaped by details you may never see in a guidebook.

This week I’m in Spain for DUCO Spain & Portugal, an invitation-only luxury travel summit that brings together a carefully selected group of travel advisors with some of the most exceptional hotels, destination experts and local partners across Spain and Portugal.

Before heading to Marbella, I’m exploring Madrid, Seville and Córdoba firsthand, paying attention to the things that matter when a trip is thoughtfully designed: where to stay, how a neighborhood feels, which experiences are worth making time for, and where the right local connection can add something truly special.

One of my favorite recent examples came from Portugal, where clients spent a day exploring Sintra and Cascais and were surprised with a beautifully set private picnic at a palace, complete with discreet butler service. It was elegant, personal and completely unexpected.

Those are the kinds of details that can change the feel of a trip.
DM me if Spain or Portugal is on your radar.

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10/20/2026

Two weeks in Egypt, infinite stories to tell.

From sailing the Nile at sunset to walking through centuries of history at the Pyramids of Giza, a journey through Egypt stays with you long after you return home.

Ready to create a camera roll of your own? Connect with us to start curating your bespoke Egyptian adventure.

10/19/2026

As settles in, the best journeys invite us to slow down and trade rushed itineraries for warmth, rich textures, and atmospheric scenery.

Whether it's fire-lit manors in the Cotswolds, the amber glens of the Scottish Highlands, or private harvest cottages in Vermont, a countryside estate offers the ultimate seasonal reset.

Read our latest article below to begin planning your cozy autumn escape: https://www.largaytravel.com/theinsidersclub

10/19/2026

One of the luxuries of returning to Barcelona is not having to see it all.

You’ve already stood in front of the landmarks. You know why Gaudí makes the city unlike anywhere else. So the next visit can be less about covering ground and more about choosing what deserves your time.

Look more closely at the extraordinary details of the Sagrada Família. Spend an afternoon at Park Güell without rushing to the next stop. Walk the rooftop of La Pedrera and notice just how strange and beautiful it really is. Find a restaurant because the façade caught your eye. Leave part of the day completely unplanned.

For experienced travelers, returning somewhere familiar can be one of the best ways to travel. There’s less pressure to see everything and far more freedom to experience the city on your own terms.

Barcelona has plenty left to show you.

If you’re thinking about going back, send me a DM and let’s design a trip around what you want to experience this time.

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10/16/2026

No two journeys are ever the same, and your accommodations shouldn't be either.

by Hyatt is a celebration of individuality. Unbound by a single design template, this portfolio is a gathering of independent sanctuaries around the globe, from historic five-star palaces and architectural icons to retreats steeped in local culture.

Swipe through to explore a few of these story-worthy properties, each offering a distinct sense of place paired with the seamless benefits of Hyatt Privé.

Which of these destinations speaks to your style? Connect with us to learn more and to curate your next escape.

10/16/2026

🇪🇸 Madrid After Dark: Sometimes the Best Plans Are No Plans at All! 🍷

One thing I often notice when planning trips for clients is the temptation to schedule every evening with a dinner reservation. And while I absolutely love a fabulous restaurant experience, some of my favorite travel memories have come from evenings with absolutely no plans!

Tonight in Madrid was a perfect example.

I set out on foot with no particular destination, wandering through the narrow, winding streets of Madrid’s historic neighborhoods. Around every corner, another little discovery: lively tapas bars, neighborhood taverns, tiny cafés, w**e bars, and locals spilling out onto the streets, enjoying good food, w**e, and conversation.

🍷 I eventually found a spot for a glass of Spanish w**e and some delicious tapas, soaking up the atmosphere and watching the evening unfold.

No reservations. No itinerary. Just exploring.

✨ This is one of the things I love most about travel. Yes, the iconic sights, incredible hotels, and thoughtfully planned experiences are wonderful. But there’s something equally special about discovering a city on your own terms.

When I design itineraries for my clients, I’m intentional about balancing curated experiences with time to simply explore. Because sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones you never planned.

And tonight was a wonderful reminder of exactly why.

❤️ My travel tip: Don’t schedule every evening. Leave a little room for spontaneity. You never know what wonderful little gem you might stumble upon!

10/16/2026

🇪🇸 Madrid Through the Eyes of a Local Expert!

One of the things I love most about being a travel advisor is the relationships I’ve built with wonderful partners around the world. And today, I got to experience firsthand what I arrange for my clients!

I spent the afternoon exploring Madrid with Susana, a fantastic private guide arranged by my trusted Spain partner, Queen of Clubs Lifestyle Luxury Services

🏛️ From wandering Madrid’s historic Old Town and Plaza Mayor to stepping inside the magnificent Royal Palace, Susana brought centuries of Spanish history, architecture, and culture to life. The stories, details, and insights she shared made the experience so much richer than simply sightseeing on my own.

And that’s exactly why I love arranging private guides for my clients!

Whether it’s an art historian bringing a museum collection to life, an architecture specialist explaining centuries of design, or a passionate local historian sharing stories you won’t find in a guidebook, the right guide can transform how you experience a destination.

🤝 But the value of my trusted local partners goes well beyond great guides.

They’re also behind the scenes throughout my clients’ journeys, coordinating logistics, providing concierge support, and offering 24/7 emergency assistance should something unexpected arise.

That extra layer of personal care and peace of mind is just as important as the experiences themselves.

✨ For me, that’s what thoughtfully designed travel is all about. Not simply seeing the sights, but experiencing a destination more deeply, with the right people making it all come together.

A big thank you to Susana and Queen of Clubs for a wonderful afternoon in Madrid!

📸 A few favorite moments from today’s explorations!

10/15/2026

Agave for days, Baja-inspired wellness, and service with a sixth sense are just a few reasons to stay at Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort. From the first margarita to the smallest thoughtful touch, here are five reasons this San José del Cabo oasis is worth a visit. 🌵✨

Read more, then connect today to make your travel plans a reality ⬇️

In San José del Cabo, Mexico, thoughtful service, standout dining, and Baja-rooted spa rituals set this resort apart.