The Wine Regions UNESCO Chose to Protect in Europe

22 June 2026 by Alison Eastgate

The UNESCO World Heritage List contains a small group of European wine regions whose significance extends far beyond viticulture. Terraced hillsides, medieval vineyard boundaries, historic cellar networks and centuries-old trading routes all contributed to their designation. These cultural landscapes record centuries of agricultural knowledge, commercial development and human ingenuity. Generations of farmers transformed steep slopes … Read more

The Best Luxury Family Vacations in Europe Go Beyond Sightseeing

17 June 202617 June 2026 by Alison Eastgate

What makes luxury family vacations in Europe truly memorable Luxury family travel is changing. A decade ago, many families focused primarily on finding the right hotel and enough activities to keep children occupied. Today, there is far greater emphasis on experiences that bring families together. Italy remains one of the most popular destinations for family … Read more

Exploring Bordeaux: Wine Estates, Châteaux and Gastronomy

9 June 20269 June 2026 by Alison Eastgate

Earlier this month, I joined a small group of travel industry professionals on an educational visit hosted by the Bordeaux Tourism Board. Over four days we explored the vineyards of Pessac-Léognan, Médoc and Saint-Émilion, alongside the history, gastronomy and hospitality that make Bordeaux one of France’s most celebrated regions. Over four days we explored renowned … Read more

UNESCO Creative Cities: A New Opportunity for Sustainable Luxury Group Tours

22 June 20262 June 2026 by Alison Eastgate

The rise of sustainable luxury travel has changed the way people choose destinations. Instead of prioritizing landmarks or resorts, travelers are increasingly seeking cultural depth, authenticity, and shared group experiences. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) plays a central role in this shift. It is a global network of cities recognized for placing creativity at … Read more

Tracing German Ancestry Through Regional Traditions and Craftsmanship

28 May 202628 May 2026 by Alison Eastgate

For many North American families, German ancestry is preserved in the corners of a home: a Black Forest clock ticking in the hallway, a carved wooden chest, a family Bible, or old brewing tools tucked away in an attic. These objects reflect the large waves of 18th and 19th-century emigration, when skilled tradesmen, farmers, merchants, … Read more

Why Americans Are Traveling to Italy to Trace Their Family Heritage

19 May 202619 May 2026 by Alison Eastgate

Americans-Travel-to-Italy-to-Trace-Their-Family-Roots

For generations, millions of Italians left their homeland in search of new opportunities in America. They carried with them family recipes, traditions, photographs, dialects, and stories of the towns they left behind. Today, many Americans with Italian ancestry are traveling to Italy to reconnect with those family origins and explore the places their relatives once … Read more

Why I Fell in Love With Switzerland: A Personal Travel Story

13 May 202613 May 2026 by Alison Eastgate

Finest Journeys Expert: Travel in Switzerland By Becky Springer, Head of Travel DesignSwitzerland has a special place in my heart. As a young 16-year-old girl, I went on holiday, met a Swiss boy, fell in love, and then spent almost two years of my life in Switzerland. I lived in a city called Lausanne, about … Read more

Best Family Activities in Switzerland for a Luxury Vacation

12 May 202611 May 2026 by Alison Eastgate

Switzerland has a legendary reputation for breathtaking Alpine scenery, world-famous rail journeys, and hospitality that truly spoils you. But beyond those postcard-perfect peaks and lakes, it’s also one of Europe’s finest destinations for luxury family vacations. Safe, incredibly easy to navigate, and remarkably family-friendly, Switzerland strikes a rare balance between outdoor adventure and premium comfort. … Read more

Sustainable Luxury Travel in Sweden: A Private Guide to Nature, Design & Slow Adventure

12 May 202615 April 2026 by Alison Eastgate

Why Choose Sweden for Luxury Nature Tours? A world leader in low-impact innovation, Sweden has created the ideal setting for sustainable luxury travel, where thoughtful design elevates every journey. Through a multi-decade phase-out of fossil fuels, the country has optimized transportation for low-impact travel without compromising ease or style. In cities like Stockholm, the entire … Read more

Sustainable Travel in Denmark: A 2026 Guide to Hygge and Innovation

12 May 20262 April 2026 by Alison Eastgate

Building on the principles of the Nordic Blueprint, where well-being and environmental stewardship are closely intertwined, Denmark offers a distinct model for sustainable travel. While other Nordic nations find harmony in the vast wilderness, the Danish secret lies in the art of the meticulously crafted, urban community. In 2026, Denmark continues to lead in green … Read more