Mapping Memories: Recapping Our Favourite Client Itineraries of 2024
At Y Travel, we have a fundamental belief that travel isn't just about ticking destinations off a list - it's about the Y Factors that transform a simple journey into an extraordinary adventure. As the year draws to a close, we asked each of our passionate Travel Advisors to reflect back on the incredible itineraries they’ve crafted for their clients in 2024 - each one a carefully choreographed dance of unique experiences, unexpected discoveries, and life-changing moments - and asked this simple question: “Which of your client’s itineraries would you have loved to tag along on, and why?”
YVONNE - Y TRAVEL CO-FOUNDER
2024 client trip I would have loved to tag along on: SUMMER ADRENALINE IN THE EUROPEAN ALPS
"I've created so many amazing itineraries for clients this year that choosing just one is impossible! Being a bit of an adrenaline junkie myself, the journeys I would have loved to have tagged along on were those that incorporated adventure-based experiences in some of the world's most gorgeous destinations.
If I had to choose a favourite itinerary for 2024 it would be one of the journeys I created that had my clients experiencing the stunning European Alps during the summer months - from Zermatt in Switzerland to the food lover’s paradise of the Italian Dolomites. As an avid skier, I've experienced both of these fabulous destinations in winter, and promised myself to return to the Alps in summer, when the white landscape turns green and I could swap my skis for hiking boots.
In planning these getaways for my clients, I felt a small pang of jealousy that I was curating the adventure itinerary of my dreams for these lucky clients and not for myself! Not only were the itineraries loaded with exciting adventurous activities such as hiking and mountain biking, but also my ultimate bucket list adventure - the 'via ferrata', which literally translates as 'iron path'. A via ferrata is a rock-climbing route with fixed protection in the form of heavy metal cables, ladders, bars and bridges cemented into the rock face. The security of being harnessed directly to the rock provides access to the magnificence of the Dolomites in a way that would otherwise only be afforded to experienced rock climbers and mountaineers. What a thrill!"
Y Factors: Adventure, Nature & Sustainability, Taste, Wellbeing
DANA - TRAVEL ADVISOR
2024 Client Trip I Would Have Loved To Tag Along On: FAMILY ESCAPE TO COMO LAUCALA ISLAND, FIJI
"I would have loved to sneak into the luggage of my clients who traveled to Fiji and stayed at the breathtaking COMO Laucala Island, an exclusive private island resort I booked for their multi-generational family getaway. This all-inclusive paradise ensured everything was taken care of – from gourmet dining and top-shelf drinks to indulgent wellness treatments at the Shambhala Retreat – all while being attended to by their dedicated Tao, or personal butler, who made sure every moment was effortless and unforgettable. It allowed them to truly relax, reconnect, and enjoy precious family time together. It checked all of our Y Factors, and that location - Wow! Escaping to those warm, white sandy beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific with my own family would be an absolute dream come true."
Y Factors: Culture & Community, Nature & Sustainability, Wellbeing
SHELLEY - TRAVEL ADVISOR
2024 Client Trip I Would Have Loved To Tag Along On: GORILLA TREKKING IN THE UGANDAN FOREST
“Back in May I had some clients who embarked on a trip to see the Gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, which had been a long-held dream of theirs. They only had a short window of time in between other commitments, but were so determined to do this gorilla experience that they literally flew into Entebbe by private charter for 3 days on the ground in Uganda before flying out again! Staying at the gorgeous Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp Retreat, with only 10 private luxury tents, allowed for an exclusive guest experience. Situated just inside the gates of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the Retreat was the perfect location for getting up close and personal with these remarkable creatures. Unfortunately they did not have the opportunity to explore the rest of Uganda and all that it has to offer, but I was thrilled that I was able to help make their bucket-list dream come true.”
Y Factors: Adventure, Generosity, Nature & Sustainability
PINA - TRAVEL ADVISOR
2024 Client Trip I Would Have Loved To Tag Along On: SELF-DRIVE TOURING AROUND THE EMERALD ISLE
"I had lovely clients travel to Ireland for nine nights in October, as part of a larger European itinerary, and I was delighted that they chose to discover Ireland as a self-drive journey. Their trip looked absolutely amazing—interesting, steeped in history, and brimming with Irish charm!
They drove around independently and stayed at beautiful, historical properties such as Hayfield Manor in Cork, Michelin-keyed Adare Manor in County Limerick, The Westbury in Dublin, and the spectacular Dromoland Castle in County Clare. They particularly enjoyed the 'Secret Ireland' experience I arranged for them, where they were taken by motorboat for a day of unexpected surprises that included private home visits, lunch, and local gin and whiskey tastings. I have never explored Ireland myself, but in researching this itinerary and getting such amazing feedback from my clients on their return, it’s definitely a destination I’ve added to my travel wish-list."
Y Factors: Adventure, Culture & Community, The Unexpected
TRACY - TRAVEL ADVISOR
2024 Client Trip I Would Have Loved To Tag Along On: THE SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES OF PATAGONIA AND ANTARCTICA
My favourite client itinerary of 2024 took a couple on an extraordinary journey through Patagonia and Antarctica, a trip that has genuinely stirred my own desire to explore these remarkable landscapes. Beginning their journey at the architectural gem that is the Explora Torres del Paine hotel, strategically positioned to offer stunning views of the national park's iconic granite peaks and windswept terrain, they immersed themselves in Patagonia's raw beauty. Their Argentine adventure continued in El Calafate, where they stayed at the Los Panchos Boutique hotel and spent a memorable day trekking the Perito Moreno Glacier, before enjoying the cultural vibrancy of Buenos Aires for 3 nights.
Departing the South American continent, they then embarked on a 10-night Silversea cruise to Antarctica, transforming their expedition into a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The idea of exploring such rugged and breathtaking landscapes in one of the world's most untouched environments, in a way that is both sustainable and luxurious, this was definitely a journey I would have loved to tag along on too.”
Y Factors: Adventure, Nature & Sustainability, The Unexpected
BILL - TRAVEL ADVISOR
2024 Client Trip I Would Have Loved To DID Tag Along On: BAROSSA VALLEY TEAM RETREAT
“My favourite itinerary of 2024 was very close to my heart - so much so that I did actually tag along on it! When Yvonne suggested having the Y Travel end-of-year team retreat in the Barossa Valley, where I am based, I jumped at the chance to draw on all of my local knowledge and contacts to create an incredible three-day Barossa adventure.
Incorporating all of our Y Factors - from wine tastings at Two Hands and Torbreck wineries (Taste), a site visit to 'Le Mas' Provençal-styled boutique hotel (Culture & Community), early morning yoga sessions by the vines (Wellbeing), a visit to the Wonderground art gallery (Artistry), to discovering delicious local produce at the weekly farmers' market and Maggie Beer's farm shop and café, there was something for everyone. And while there was plenty of 'play', it was balanced by the 'work' component of the retreat, which found its perfect spaces at Jacob's Creek winery and the beautiful, architecturally designed Barossa Wine Cellar (The Unexpected).
Of course, the pièce de résistance was our accommodation at Baillie Lodge's stunning property amongst the vines, The Louise, where we enjoyed hearty breakfasts and sumptuous dégustation dinners, and collapsed into their amazingly comfortable beds at the end of each jam-packed day! I absolutely loved curating this perfect short-but-sweet immersion into this beautiful part of the world I am grateful to call home.”
Y Factors: Artistry, Culture & Community, Taste, The Unexpected, Wellbeing
LEORA - TRAVEL ADVISOR
2024 Client Trip I Would Have Loved To Tag Along On: WALTZING ALONG THE BLUE DANUBE
“My favourite client itinerary to plan (and live vicariously through) in 2024 was a magical Danube river cruise aboard Riverside Cruises' 'Mozart', a journey that transformed travelling through this fairytale landscape into a seamless, immersive experience. Meandering from Budapest through Slovakia and Austria, with stops in Bratislava, Vienna, and Visegrád, the route offered an exploration of Central Europe - from the grand imperial architecture of Vienna to the charming medieval streets of Bratislava and the historic hilltop castle of Visegrád - with each destination revealing a unique chapter of the region's rich history and stunning scenery.
I have to say that the the convenience, luxury, and slow-travel ethos of river cruising - unpacking just once and being left to enjoy the majestic scenery of Central Europe passing by along the banks of the famous ‘Blue Danube’ is something that was very appealing to me. The 'Mozart', with its boutique approach, provided my clients with a refined experience that, unlike traditional land travel, created an effortless and intimate way to discover the cultural treasures of the region. With plenty of opportunities to get onto dry land and explore each stop along the way, I loved how this style of travel offered them the best of both worlds.”
Y Factors: Adventure, Artistry, Culture & Community
KARA - TRAVEL ADVISOR
2024 Client Trip I Would Have Loved To Tag Along On: A PORTUGUESE CULTURAL & CULINARY ADVENTURE
“I love curating itineraries where clients stay at hotels that beautifully reflect local culture and heritage. For these clients, the journey we designed was a tour of Portugal, featuring three exceptional Relais & Chateaux properties (they are huge R&C fans) and other beautiful and authentic boutique accommodations along the way.
Their Portuguese journey began in historic Porto, staying at the Maison Albar Le Monumental, where they enjoyed an amazing walking tour that highlighted where J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for her Harry Potter series during the time she lived there. Rumour has it that the robes worn at the University of Porto inspired the Hogwarts uniforms. Coincidentally, a special event occurred during their stay known as the 'Serenade concert', dedicated to new university students beginning the school year, and my clients had a front-row seat to this magical evening.
The Douro Valley highlight was Quinta Nova Winery, a Relais & Chateaux property offering panoramic views of terraced vineyards and, of course, the incredible food and wine that the region is famous for. They enjoyed a romantic Rabelo boat ride along the river, capturing the region's dramatic landscape. Their Portuguese journey concluded in Lisbon at Relais & Chateau’s beautiful historic Valverde Hotel located on Avenida da Liberdade. Lisbon became the base from where they explored the local towns of Sintra—a fairytale town with lush forests—and the enchanting beachside town of Cascais, which evoked Sleeping Beauty and The Little Mermaid vibes for the Disney addict in me!”
Y Factors: Culture & Community, Taste, The Unexpected
LINDA - TRAVEL ADVISOR
2024 Client Trip I Would Have Loved To Tag Along On - A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN FINNISH LAPLAND
“My favourite client itinerary of 2024 hasn't even departed Australia yet, which means there's still a tantalising possibility of me tagging along—though I'm fairly certain the family would prefer their magical holiday to remain an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience in the enchanting winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland!
These clients will be exploring Finland's largest ski resort, Levi, located an extraordinary 170 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, before heading south to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, where the Christmas spirit truly comes alive in the most spectacular fashion in Santa’s Village.
Throughout their Arctic adventure, the family will experience the unique experience of staying in glass igloos - well insulated, transparent sanctuaries that offer uninterrupted views of the celestial winter sky as vibrant ribbons of green and purple from the Northern Lights dance around them.
Their days will be filled with exhilarating activities that capture the essence of Lapland's unique winter landscape. They'll experience the heart-racing thrill of ice karting, snowmobile safaris and the thrill feeling the crisp Arctic air against their faces as they explore the wilderness on a magical dog sledding expedition as eager huskies pull them across the glistening snow.
And while certain 'special' reindeer only travel through the sky once per year, this family will create treasured memories to last a lifetime by gliding through snow-covered forests on a traditional Sámi sleigh, surrounded by these gentle, mystical creatures that have been integral to Arctic survival for thousands of years.”
Y Factors: Adventure, Culture & Community, The Unexpected
