mid-year resolutions, anyone?

Can you believe the year is half over?! We certainly cannot – but it did get us thinking – why are there no “Mid-year Resolutions”? Seems like 6 months into any year is a great time to reflect on all that’s gone well (or maybe not-so-well) and make some new resolutions to carry us into the next “new year”.

As you can probably imagine, for us, a lot of our resolutions revolve around travel! Some are long term dreams and aspirations – all 100 countries on the Century Club List, all 7 continents by a certain milestone birthday, an around-the-world cruise – and some are much smaller, events and activities that only happen once in a lifetime, or very occasionally (Paris Olympics, anyone?!). So, in the spirit of inspiration, we’re listing the Top Ten Travel Resolutions for the rest of 2023 (and into 2024). The best part? If any of these spark joy with you, we can get you there!

2023 Resolutions –

1. Oktoberfest in Munich! It’s almost time to lift a stein and celebrate the 213th anniversary of wedding of the Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen! Yes, that’s right, Oktoberfest was originally the most major rager of all wedding receptions. So pull out the lederhosen and the dirndls and offer a hearty prost! We’ve got amazing hotels in Munich and the surrounding areas with all sorts of VIP amenities – just for booking with us!

2. Ride through the Changing Seasons on Rocky Mountaineer. One of our newer partners, Rocky Mountaineer offers a fantastic long weekend on their Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary. Start in Denver or Moab (ending in the other) and enjoy first class service including meals, drinks, and stunning Fall views of the Rockies and Utah’s famed National Parks. Add on some pre or post nights in Denver or the surrounding areas for shopping (or early season visits to the local ski areas – Aspen for the aspens, anyone?).

3. Christmas Market River Cruise – sail up or down the Danube (or Rhine) with one of our preferred partners on Christmas Market River Cruises starting in November, and going through the holidays. Bring your extended family and enjoy tree-decorating on board and handmade decorations, glugwein, and so much gingerbread on shore.

4. Thanksgiving in New York – we admit it, we’re pretty partial to NY at the holidays, but with very good reason. And did you know? We partner with a supplier who specializes in making the both the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Don’t hang out overnight on the sidewalk, freezing, to secure the best spot – book with us and arrive in a chauffeured car to blissful champagne brunch overlooking the parade route with a bird’s eye view of all the iconic balloons – or go behind the scenes the night before and see all the floats and balloons prepping for their march down to Harold Square.

5. NYE in Times Square – yes, New York gets TWO on this list because, like we said, we’re partial. But you can spend New Year 2024 in style at a luxury hotel in our preferred portfolio with those fab VIP amenities AND get a great spot with a fantastic view of Times Square at an invite only party at a high-rise restaurant with all the city views out full length windows.

And with that, we’re at the start of a new year! So for 2024, how about????

1. New Year Sail Down the Mekong River. Spend the first week of 2024 sailing down the Mekong River with one of our favorite river cruise partners, Ama Waterways. As an added incentive, Huckleberry’s own Erin will be onboard for this transformative trip, exploring the cultural richness and vast beauty of Cambodia and Vietnam. Seek out authentic experiences in riverside markets, enjoy immersive cultural experiences in traditional villages and colorful markets, and participate in a Buddhist blessing ceremony to put your new year on the right track. Double bonus, champagne yoga on board!

2. SuperBowl in Vegas. That’s right, for the first time, the Super Bowl will be held in Las Vegas! Hosted at the “Greatest Arena on Earth”, Allegiant Stadium, the game will have everything but the commercials. We work with suppliers who can help with tickets, rooms at some of the best resorts in Vegas, and more. But don’t stop at the Super Bowl, go in a few days early (or stay late) and take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, do the “hard-hat” tour of the Hoover Dam, or try your luck with zip-lining at the Fremont Experience or the SkyJumping off the side of the Stratosphere.

3. Valentines’ Day on the Love Boat (or your favorite cruise line). Come aboard, we’re expecting you! February and March are some of the best times for cruising – ships are making some of their “repositioning” cruises (going from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, the East Coast to Europe, from Florida to California through the Panama Canal), as well as short “Spring Break” cruises to Mexico, the Bahamas, or cruise Australia in their Autumn, All you have to do is pick your person, and we’ll help find the perfect cruise line for love, romance, or getting your groove back!

4. Springtime in Paris! But seriously, if you want to miss most of the heat, a big chunk of the Olympics and D-Day Anniversary crowds visit Paris in the Spring this year. Cooking classes, picnics at Versailles, floating along the Seine, and eating all the macarons take on a different quality in March and April, than in the heat of the Summer months. And if you thought the only places to see thousands of cherry trees in bloom were Japan and Washington DC, think again! Paris has all the pink perfection up and down the Seine, at the Palais Royal, and Tuileries Garden, and Champs du Mars, and other spots throughout the city.

That brings us to this time next year…so you tell us…where do you see yourself in 2024? Let us help you plan the journey. We promise it will be one resolution you look forward to keeping.