I’m not a great one for travel bucket lists. In this changing world, what’s on top of mine today might well be at the bottom tomorrow. Geopolitics, your frame of mind, where you’re at in your life and not least your pocketbook all play a part in where you might like to go and when.
That said, a recent compilation from travel experts and luxury tour operator Scott Dunn got me thinking. In a war- and strife-free world, the planet bathed in brotherly love, time in abundance and money no object, here are some ideas that might make your bucket list dreams take flight:
Rwanda
June / September
With two annual rainy seasons, February to June and mid-September to mid-December, Rwanda is visitable any time of year, but June to September is the ideal time to see its gorillas in their natural habitat in the Volcanoes National Park. The Rwandan Development Board issues the permits, releasing few to ensure these extraordinary creatures are not overexposed to tourism. Scott Dunn’s “Highlights of Rwanda” itinerary includes a game safari drive in the savannah of Akagera, tracking buffalo, lions and black and white rhinoceroses, as well as catching up with the mountain gorillas on an epic mountain trek – which is epic in anyone’s book.
Botswana
July / September
Still in Africa, a Botswana African safari is defined by the Okavango Delta, which acts as a sanctuary for scores of bird species and herds of migratory zebra, supports a huge diversity of game and contributes to Botswana’s reputation as the most sought-out country for safari destinations. Scott Dunn chooses hotels and lodges based on their facilities and consistently excellent guest experiences, but Christina Gordon, Scott Dunn’s destination manager for Africa, warns that the Okavango has one of the smallest numbers of camps in a protected wildlife area for safari tourism in Africa. With only a handful of rooms, availability is a real challenge in some camps, she said, so don’t delay if you have Botswana on your bucket list for summer 2024 – or even 2025.
France
July / August
With the impending 2024 Olympic games, Paris is going to be on everybody’s itinerary this summer (and do look out for one of my March Travel Talks, in which I will be suggesting the best Paris hotels.) That said, a lot of the smart money will avoid the French capital altogether, choosing instead under-the radar regions and experiences, such as the 80th D-Day Anniversary of the Normandy Landings, or exclusive journeys throughout Normandy, Burgundy and the French Riviera. Scott Dunn has just revamped its programming for France, with some truly delicious itineraries in those areas. And look out, too, for my upcoming Travel Talk story on Monaco – no longer just “a sunny place for shady people,” in W. Somerset Maugham’s immortal phrase, but a thrilling destination in its own right, with a new reputation for gastronomy.
Grenada
Winter 2024
This beautiful Windward Island in the southern Caribbean is home to arguably some of the best beaches, as well as the most beautiful town in the entire West Indies – its capital, St. George’s. Included on The New York Times’ list of “52 Places to Visit in 2024,” Grenada is celebrating its 50th year of independence this year and also welcoming two exciting hotel openings – Six Senses La Sagesse, the brand’s first Caribbean property, and Silversands Beach House – so now is the time to book. Indeed, regarding the Caribbean in general, Josh Peacock of Scott Dunn said that availability in the Caribbean is already extremely limited for the upcoming winter season, and “the best hotels are booked out earlier than you would think.” You have been warned.
Japan
March / May; October / November
I can never get enough of Japan, where there is so much to explore beyond the two top destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto – so much so it stays almost permanently on my radar for one place or another. And, while cherry blossom season, between March and May, has long been one of the most popular times to travel to Japan, according to Lili LeBaron, Scott Dunn’s U.S. travel consultant, autumn is now considered the better season to visit, thanks to smaller crowds and the striking colors of turning leaves. Scott Dunn’s 11-night “Ultimate Japan” itinerary explores more than 2,000 shrines and temples, the breathtaking Mount Misen and the tastes of the world’s freshest sushi. Yes, please.
Patagonia, Chile
December 2024 / February 2025
“Demand is high and supply low for the ultimate Patagonian getaway,” said Simon Hunt, Scott Dunn’s lead Latin travel consultant. With extreme weather patterns for large parts of the year, travel to Patagonia falls into a specific season of December through February, which makes early booking essential. Designed with solo travelers in mind, Scott Dunn’s “Epic Highlights of Patagonia” itinerary complements this vast region — combining soul-searching trekking, dramatic scenery and luxury camping. I’ll need to save up first, but do – absolutely do – count me in. Maybe for 2026. I guess my travel bucket list lives, after all.
For more, visit scottdunn.com.
Travel Talk’s Jeremy Wayne is a luxury travel adviser with Superior Travel of New York. Contact him at jeremy@superiortravel.com.
