Three Dream Trips You Can Realize Now

By Tiffany Figueiredo

There’s something about December gatherings that turns conversation toward dreams. Maybe it’s the Champagne, or the way the year is winding down, and the new one feels full of possibility. Someone mentions a place they’ve always wanted to see. Another admits they’ve been thinking about a certain trip for years, but can never seem to make it happen.

These aren’t idle fantasies. They’re real desires waiting for the right moment, the right push, the right plan. But dream trips rarely materialize on their own. They need intention. They need someone to say “this is the year” and actually mean it. They need the kind of planning that turns a vague longing into a confirmed booking, a packed bag, a memory you’ll carry forever. Those of you who've worked with me know this is exactly what I do.

Here are three of the dreamiest trips we're designing now.

01. African Safari

Of all the trips I design, safari holds a special place in my heart. I’m based in South Africa and am fortunate to go on safari regularly, but no matter how often I return to the bush, it never loses its magic. Every trip brings something new: a leopard ascending a tree with her kill, a lion so close, its roar vibrates through your chest, a fiery sunset to top all others.

Over the years, I’ve built a trusted network of camp managers, guides, and insiders across Africa who welcome me as family. I know which lodges are worth the investment, which small camps punch above their weight, and where the value is exceptional without compromise.

Whether you’re honeymooners being thoughtful about budget (I shared some of my strategies in Condé Nast Traveller UK), or a multigenerational family flying across three countries by private charter, my team and I create the safari you’ve been imagining, shaped entirely around how you want to travel — anchored by years of on-the-ground knowledge you won’t find anywhere else.

02. Japan Discovery

Japan rewards careful planning in ways few destinations do. You cannot Google or ChatGPT your way through it. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage in Kyoto, or simply seeking the country’s unique blend of ancient ritual and cutting-edge modernity, timing and access make all the difference.

This is a country where the best ryokans book a year ahead, restaurant reservations require connections, and understanding regional rhythms and cultural differences separates an okay trip from an extraordinary one. I work with trusted Japanese partners who navigate the country’s complexity seamlessly, and I bring insider access to some of the world’s best restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments and World’s 50 Best venues.

The result is a Japan journey designed with care, insight, and the kind of access that transforms a dream trip into something unforgettable.

03. Luxe Hotels as Yachts

For travelers who love the idea of slow travel without ever unpacking, the world’s great hotel brands are taking to the water. Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons have reimagined cruising as something far more intimate: super yachts with residential-style suites able to slip quietly into lesser-known ports. Days unfold gently with mornings on deck, swims straight off the stern, and long lunches that stretch well past noon.

Then there are the yachts designed for those who prize design and discretion above all else. Aman’s upcoming yacht promises the brand’s signature restraint at sea: serene spaces, understated luxury, and nothing rushed or overdone. With fewer guests and an emphasis on privacy, these voyages feel less like a cruise and more like a beautifully designed floating retreat where the horizon is always changing.

And for travelers drawn to nostalgia and storytelling, Orient Express brings old-world glamour to the modern ocean. Think Riviera routes, polished wood, white-glove service, and the feeling of stepping into a golden age of travel, updated for today.

Realize Your Travel Dream