This year I returned to Virtuoso Travel Week in Vegas for a deep dive on Luxury travel, redefined. As you may already know, Virtuoso travel week brings together more than 2,000 hotels, resorts, tour operators, and more – all in the name of helping advisors like myself to provide one-of-a-kind travel experiences are for my clients. I’m thrilled to share some of the unforgettable experiences and insights gained during the event this year:

Sustainability and Emerging Destinations: A Focus on Africa

This year’s Virtuoso Travel Week placed a significant emphasis on sustainability, a value that resonates deeply with Heather Lane Adventures and increasing numbers around the globe. I was particularly captivated by discussions around delicate ecosystems and the role of responsible tourism in promoting conservation efforts.

Africa, a continent known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, was in the spotlight this year! I attended a special lunch hosted by top Africa Tour operators and Lodges to discuss how sustainable travel isn’t just about reducing carbon footprints but also about enriching local communities and preserving their cultures and wildlife, particularly in Africa. From eco-lodges that fund wildlife conservation to cultural experiences that support local artisans, the potential for responsible travel to make a positive impact here is immense.

This focus on sustainability and the vibrant cultures of Africa has inspired a new line of travel offerings that I can’t wait to introduce. With these upcoming trips, you’ll have the opportunity to not only witness the wonders of the African continent but to do so in a manner that is respectful and beneficial to the local environments and communities.

My Favorite Properties I met

I am blown away every year by the amazing places to stay around the world, but what I am most excited by are the meetings I had with:

Auberge Sant-Antoine: located in Québec City in the heart of Canada’s richest historical district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is, after all, North America’s first city.

Thorntree River Lodge: an iconic stay on the banks of the Zambezi River. Indulge in the wildly luxurious and be guided by the best as you embark on an unforgettable journey in Zambia.

Round Hill Resort and Villas: Choose from 36 oceanview or oceanfront rooms that overlook the sea or the infinity-edge swimming pool, a magnificent one-bedroom suite, or one of the 28 private villas.

Top Travel Destinations and Trends

For my themes of off-the beaten path and authentic travel, I was very excited by my meetings with:

Peruvian Tourism Board: Beyond Machu Picchu, Peru teems with more ancient ruins, captivating culture, and a culinary-forward capital.

Slovenia Tourism Board: From Lake Bled to the Julian Alps to the Adriatic Sea, there’s a lot of natural wonder packed into this small European country.

Indigenous Experiences Canada: Tour the rain forest, vineyard-hop, hit the beach, and meet Indigenous guides – then choose your next adventure among 13 provinces and territories.

Top Travel Experiences

What are the new and unique travel experiences to be had? Well, I learned that my clients can:

Set sail on a gulet in Turkey: Derived from the Venetian goletta, a gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden yacht that’s been built in and around Bodrum since the Ottoman period – you’ll see plenty of them moored in the city’s marina. There’s no better way to explore Bodrum’s azure coastline, whether it’s for a few hours or on a multiday jaunt

Spend a Perfect Day at Samaritaine in Paris: Imagine having a glam squad to get you red carpet-ready for a special occasion, or a pro who can advise you on how to revamp your wardrobe or redefine your personal style. Shoppers sink into sofas and sip complimentary coffee or Champagne while nibbling macarons as stylists show off looks from the designers’ latest collections and makeup artists prep products.

Moorings Yacht Charters: Whether it’s a self-skippered monohull, a Sail catamaran with a skipper at the helm, a high-performance Power catamaran or a Crewed yacht with a captain and chef—we’re here to make your time on the water truly unforgettable.

Looking ahead to 2025

Filled with new knowledge and ideas, I’m more excited than ever to help you craft your next memorable journey. With the latest insights from the leading edge of luxury travel, I am perfectly equipped to make your travel dreams come true and to leave the places better than when you arrived!

If any of these sound appealing to you, or if you have travel dreams and ideas of your own, Create a Wanderlist to share these with me so we can get to making these dreams a reality in the not-so-far-off future.