Dear Traveller,
Whether you travelled far and wide these last few months or enjoyed the warm weather in your own backyard, I hope you had a wonderful summer. As we head into the cooler months, I’d love to inspire you with some of the great trips we have coming up this winter – all to places with plenty of sun, warmth, and interesting things to see and do.
Looking for a slower travel experience without having to do all the planning yourself? We designed our Stay-put tour style just for you. Our upcoming Calabria – Southern Italy Stay-Put tour offers a fully-organized stay at a beautiful seaside resort, with included excursions to historic towns, local farms, artisan experiences, and more. (Keep reading to find out why Calabria is one of our favourite spots for a slower-paced vacation.)
From underground rivers to lush rainforests, ancient cities to laid-back beach towns, the Philippines is rich in culture, nature, and history. Join us on our Island Treasures of the Philippines tour on an active 18-day adventure through this diverse island nation, with plenty of time for discovery and downtime.
Simmering volcanoes and vibrant cities. Coffee plantations and remarkable wildlife. Costa Rica is a true paradise for nature and culture lovers alike, and our 15-day Costa Rica tour gives you a taste of everything this country has to offer.
Wherever your next trip takes you, we hope this issue offers a little inspiration for the journeys ahead. For even more ideas, download our latest brochures!
Happy travels!
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
Calabria: The perfect slow vacation destination
What if your ideal trip wasn't about seeing as much as possible, but getting to know one place really well? Calabria, Italy invites that kind of slower pace – walking the scenic coastline, exploring pretty hilltop villages, shopping local markets, whiling away quiet afternoons in local cafes.
Calabria sits at the southern tip of Italy (the toe of the boot), and remains one of the country's most untouched regions, mostly off the beaten tourist track. Ancient festivals and local customs are still observed here, with Roman ruins, Romanesque cathedrals, and remote hilltop villages to explore.
Dramatic coastlines made for walking. Late winter and early spring bring mild weather that’s perfect for scenic walks with beautiful views.
Colourful markets. Local markets open a door into Calabrian culture, with farmers, food producers, and artisans offering a friendly feast for the senses. Pick up some locally grown tomatoes, olives, and fresh bread for a simple and delicious al-fresco snack.
A long and fascinating history. Calabria's history runs deep: explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins, medieval villages, Byzantine churches, and Norman castles.
The land of wine and olive oil. Small farms across the region press their own olive oil and produce their own wine using centuries-old techniques. A visit to a farm offers a wonderful taste of authentic Calabrian hospitality.
Afternoon aperitivo. The Italian tradition of having a light drink and snacks before dinner is about unwinding after the day, catching up with friends, and easing into the evening. Try 'nduja, a spicy, spreadable cured pork salume that’s a perfect aperitivo accompaniment.
Ancient traditions. Visit a ceramics workshop to see how artisans throw and glaze pottery using techniques and symbolic designs passed down through generations. You can even try your hand at making your own creation.
Gelato every day. Sample every flavour or go back each day for a scoop of your favourite limone or strataciella. Stick to one gelateria or try a new one with each visit.
Morning coffee ritual. Stand at the bar with your espresso or cappuccino like a local, taking in the vibe. Or pay a little extra to sit at a table and take your time.
Ready for a rich Italian experience at a slower pace? Our Calabria – Southern Italy Stay-Put tour is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in this rich, authentic, beautiful region.
Firefly watching in the Philippines
Along a quiet river near Puerto Princesa, thousands of fireflies send their courtship signals into the dark. Glide through a tranquil mangrove sanctuary on the Kitu-Kito Firefly Watching Tour to see this magical sight.
Fireflies light up through a chemical reaction called bioluminescence. Each species has its own distinct flash pattern, timing, and colour, which is how they recognize potential mates.
But the species on the Kitu-Kito tour do something extra-special. Instead of each flashing independently, males in the same tree sync their flashes, creating a unified, pulsing effect across the whole tree – a synchronized lightshow that’s thought to be more effective at attracting mates than individual fireflies flashing alone.
Dinner first, then darkness
The evening starts at a riverside restaurant, where you dine on tasty local dishes while you wait for the light to fade. Then, once it's fully dark, it’s time to head out onto the water, gliding silently through the dark with the fireflies as the only light.
As the fireflies flash in near-perfect unison, the shoreline sparkles, an effect doubled by its reflection on the still water. (Camera flashes aren’t allowed since sudden light throws off the fireflies' rhythm – so just sit back and take in the wonder.)
Your guide might also dip a paddle into the water to stir up bioluminescent plankton, activating small flashes of light beneath the surface.
It's a quiet, unhurried way to spend an evening. No rush, just the sound of paddles in the water and sight of a forest full of tiny lights. Join us for the Kitu-Kito Firefly Watching experience – it’s just one stop on our incredible Island Treasures of the Philippines tour.
Soak into pure relaxation in Costa Rica
After days spent adventuring, there’s nothing like a relaxing soak to relieve tired feet and bodies. Ecotermales, a small hot springs resort tucked into the rainforest at the base of a volcano, is just the place to pause, recharge, and connect with nature.
The springs are entirely natural, fed by water that originates deep within the volcano and emerges warm, mineral-rich, and ready-made for soaking. Several pools are spread across the property at different temperatures around 37-41°C (99-106°F). They’re connected by paved trails that wind through the rainforest. One pool sits beside a small waterfall, and a poolside bar keeps refreshing drinks within easy reach.
The water’s rich mineral content is a big part of why hot springs like Ecothermales have been valued for generations. Calcium, magnesium, and other minerals carried up from deep underground are believed to ease circulation and help relax sore, tired muscles, turning a simple soak into something truly restorative.
The steady rush of a waterfall feeding the loudest sound you’ll hear – beyond that is the rainforest with its chorus of insects and frogs.
Admission is still to a set number of people per shift, so the place never feels crowded. As the afternoon light starts to soften, there’s room to relax and enjoy the experience, taking in the a lush rainforest setting that’s quiet, unhurried, and totally therapeutic.
We visit Ecotermales as part of our 15-day Costa Rica tour, with departures in January and March 2027.
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