Two of our advisors, Kate Moore and Theresa Howard, recently journeyed through Iceland as part of an immersive educational experience hosted by Iceland Encounter, a valued member of the Avenue Two Alliance.  From dramatic landscapes and authentic cultural experiences to exceptional accommodations and insider discoveries, the trip offered a deeper understanding of what makes Iceland such an extraordinary destination. We invited Kate and Theresa to share their favorite moments, key takeaways, and firsthand insights from their journey. A2: When considering this trip, what is the first thing your clients should know?  Theresa: Iceland is one of the most visually stunning places I’ve...

Some places whisper luxury. Tortuga Bay sings it! Perched along three miles of powder-white sand in Punta Cana, this ultra-exclusive enclave inside Puntacana Resort redefines “secluded.” Picture 30 suites within 13 sun-washed villas, designed by Oscar de la Renta himself, complete with mahogany, rattan, and linen so crisp it deserves its own passport. Arrival, Elevated Before you even unpack your swimsuit, Tortuga Bay sets the tone. Guests glide through customs with VIP treatment, bypassing every line, then step into private transfers that lead straight to their personal slice of paradise. Think butler (your “Embajador”), golf cart, and a rhythm that instantly...

If your last vacation ended with a tan and an existential crisis about why you ever came home, this one’s for you. Island time is calling, and there’s a fresh wave of newly opened resorts and jaw-dropping renovations making a very convincing case for disappearing into vacation mode. These properties aren’t just pretty, they’re perfectly timed. The kind of places that remind you how good room service tastes after a swim, and how little you miss your inbox when you're off-grid. From understated luxury in Costa Rica to breezy indulgence in Aruba, Marriott International’s luxury brands are serving up sunny...

If you've heard murmurs about a new “visa” to visit Europe and thought, surely not, it’s time to listen up. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is finally launching—expected by the end of 2026—and yes, it’ll apply to you. It’s not a full-on visa. It’s more like Europe’s version of the U.S. ESTA: a quick online form, a small fee, and a green light to go sip wine in Italy or shop in Paris. But without it, you’re not boarding your flight. No ETIAS = no Europe. Let’s break it down. So… What Is ETIAS? A pre-travel security...

Yep, REAL ID Is Actually Happening: Here’s What You (Really) Need to Know Before May 7, 2025   If you’ve been quietly ignoring those airport signs about REAL ID—thinking, “Sure, I’ll get around to that eventually”—this is your friendly nudge: it’s time. Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will require a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another federally accepted form of ID to board any domestic flight. No exceptions. No pleading with the gate agent. No last-minute sprints to the DMV. So let’s break down what this means (in plain English), and how to make sure you’re good to go.  ...

It’s finally here. After months of early sunsets, puffer coats, and soup that somehow lasted three nights in a row, we’ve made it to the good part—where time slows down and meals are best served al fresco. If you ask us, summer isn’t just a season—it’s a state of mind. It’s that laid-back blur when lunch turns into dinner. It’s ordering a second glass of wine, booking the 10:30 reservation, and not checking your email until Tuesday (maybe). Our favorite summer spots just get it. They’re less “group tour” and more “guess we live here now.” The kind of places...

Here’s the thing about Alaska: it’s big. Really big. And while cruise ships will happily shuffle thousands of passengers through its most Instagrammed ports, the real magic of the Last Frontier isn’t found in a packed souvenir shop in Juneau. It’s in the misty, glacier-lined fjords, the hidden fishing villages, the kind of wild, untouched beauty that feels like it should require a survivalist training course to reach. But let’s be clear: there’s absolutely no need to “rough it” here. Enter Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s sleek, impossibly elegant way to see the Alaskan wilderness—without sacrificing even a whisper of...

If your travel bucket list has been collecting dust—or worse, you haven’t made one yet—consider this your wake-up call. The world isn’t going to explore itself, and 2025 is shaping up to be the year to go big, bold, and (let’s be honest) way beyond that same old beach trip. From postcard-perfect towns to off-the-beaten-path gems, this list has something for everyone ready to turn “someday” into today. So grab a pen—or your Notes app—and let’s dive into the ten destinations that deserve a spot on your must-see list this year. 1. Kyoto, Japan For cherry blossoms, temples, and a...

Journeying to Antarctica might seem, well, a bit intimidating—remote, wild, and downright daunting. Stories of bone-chilling temps, choppy seas and accommodations reminiscent of a college dorm room have nearly pushed Antarctica into a PR fire storm. Or should we say, ice storm? But before you buy into rumors about Antarctica’s frosty reputation, let us set the record straight: the truth behind the frozen frontier isn’t actually all that scary! Silversea is peeling back the icy layers of this legendary destination, combining adventure and luxury in ways that just might surprise you. Ready for some myth-busting? Let’s dive in. Myth #1:...

One crisp fall day is all it takes to spark visions of sugar plums and a dreamy European holiday dancing in our heads. There’s something truly magical about Europe in the winter: a dash of snow here, twinkling lights there… Pair that with a stay at some of Europe’s coziest hotels, and you’ve got the makings of the season’s most enchanting Hallmark movie. Feed your holiday spirit at some of our favorite spots that feel less like a hotel and more like an old friend. From Scotland’s legendary Balmoral Hotel to the charming Brown’s in London, these places will have...

We'll state the obvious: when it comes to the most iconic winter hotspot, Aspen takes the cake. With freshly manicured slopes and world-class après-ski, there’s really no competition. But what if we told you there is more to Aspen than hot toddies and fur-lined everything—faux fur, of course? Aspen now has its sights set on a new title, something... warmer. That's right, Aspen is staking its claim as one of the top spots for a summer getaway. As the snow melts, this cozy mountain town starts to heat up. Sun-drenched meadows and crisp mountain air combine to create a refreshing...

It goes without saying that vacation is for unwinding, not winding up a mental to-do list. But let's be real, ditching every aspect of your routine can leave you needing a vacation from your vacation. But we have a secret for how to avoid that post vacation crash... We know, we know. The last thing you want to think about on vacation is routine. But sticking to some semblance of your normal life can actually enhance your vacation experience - less jet lag, better energy, and a smoother transition back to reality. So, how do you pull this off without...

If we had a nickel for every time we heard the age-old question, "When do I need to start planning?" we would be enjoying an early retirement from the comfort of our poolside lounge chair. When it comes to planning a vacation, many travelers are not only unsure of where to start but also when to start. The truth is, there is no easy answer. We'll spare you the full lecture about how the early bird gets the worm, but one thing is for sure: planning ahead has its perks. From avoiding sky-high, last-minute rates to having your pick of...

If a good book is at the top of your packing list then you are in the right place. Our team of bookworms travel advisors are sharing their favorite summer reads that will pass the time of even the longest flights. From fun beach reads to thrilling page-turners, here is the Avenue Two summer reading list. My favorite summer read is Too Late by Colleen Hoover. It was an easy read and definitely a page turner! I'm currently reading A Shot In The Dark by Victoria Lee. So far it's off to a good start! Candice Signor-Brown All Carly Fortune books...

We’re almost halfway through 2024, and our biggest question is: have you used your vacation days?

Summer along the coast of the Mediterranean feels like stepping into a postcard—if said postcard smelled of sunscreen and sangria. From Italy to Greece and everywhere in between, the region is full of a little joie de vivre that will have even the most tone-deaf among us singing along to Mamma Mia! Make the most of your holiday under the Mediterranean sun aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Effortlessly hop from one coastal gem to the next without ever unpacking your bags. And, of course, treat yourself to a little onboard luxury with world-class dining and the white-glove service that The...

There’s only one destination so chic and so iconic that it makes even the Met Gala feel drab. That’s right, we’re talking about Carlo, Monte-Carlo. James Bond jokes aside, the sun-soaked shores of Monaco have long been a mecca for sophisticated travelers longing to spend their days shopping, sipping, and sunbathing along the French Riviera. With a little help from our friends at the hotels of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, we're piecing together summer plans that are so stylish, even Miranda Priestly would raise a brow. Arrive in Style... We believe the best vacations start with a bang—or,...

Do you find yourself daydreaming as you stare blankly at the stunning, high-definition landscapes on your laptop's wallpaper? Us too. It's time to put the "great" back into the Great Outdoors. Enter Lindblad Expeditions. Traveling with Lindblad Expeditions is about embracing the wild, the remote, and sometimes, the chilly. With over half a century of experience in expedition cruising, Lindblad knows a thing or two because they've seen a thing or two. So, pack your binoculars and your sense of adventure, and let's embark on a journey that goes beyond any route on Google Maps. The Amazon Rainforest The Amazon...

Planning a vacation that appeases every member of the family can feel like a juggling act. But before you cry, “not my monkeys, not my circus!” let us help. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite kid-tested, parent-approved vacations that check all of the boxes on your family’s list. Wildlife Safari Who said Africa was the only place to go on safari? From the Galapagos to Yellowstone National Park, experience some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife from the best seat in the house. The creatures and critters that call these places home offer no shortage of entertainment for moms,...