Welcome to a new decade! In honour of 2020, this issue of Virtuoso Life takes a walk down memory lane, with an eye toward what’s ahead. You’ll find plenty of inspiration to fill your travel calendar for the year ahead, including the destinations Virtuoso travel advisors are recommending now, our report on the latest sustainable-travel news, a gorgeous photographic dispatch on Ireland’s maker movement, and much more. While only hindsight’s 20/20, one thing is clear: There’s never been a better time to see the world.

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EMERALD STATUS

An introduction to Ireland through its craft traditions.

B-SIDE BETS

For every on-repeat destination, there’s a place less travelled (and just as cool).

RUM LUCK

A spirited tradition gets fresh life in Barbados.

SOUTH TEXAS SIREN

Head to San Antonio for culture, cuisine, and contemporary art.

 

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We’re all familiar with the adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Virtuoso is built on that concept of in-the-know connections and in these pages, we highlight the benefits of insider expertise. In fact, Virtuoso’s own spin on that saying might be, “It’s not who you know, but who knows you.” 

Your Virtuoso travel advisor is a specialist in you, and makes it their business to get to know you. With that knowledge, they then leverage Virtuoso’s network of travel connections around the globe to ensure your trip is custom-tailored, every time. Plus, they tap into those contacts to secure you VIP treatment, upgrades, and other perks – insider access at its best.

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OUR FAVOURITE NEIGHBOURHOODS 

Where we want to be around the world via 13 of its coolest neighbourhoods.

ROSY ON JAIPUR

Rajasthan’s timeless Pink City is a gem of contemporary arts and culture.

WHY I TRAVEL

Exploring comes naturally to Montarna Pitt.

INTO VIENNA

Four well-connected locals share their must lists for the Austrian capital.

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There’s just something about being on the water that’s good for the soul. Whether it’s an ocean, river, lake, or even a pool, water can energise or calm, inspire or entrance. It certainly calls to us on our travels. If water is life, then let’s not waste either. The world is waiting, so go ahead and dive in. 

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INTO THE BLUE 

One retreat has big plans to keep its little corner of Fiji pristine.

PLAYING WITH FIRE

Tulum’s culinary scene turns up the heat.

CATCHING UP WITH THE CREW

Cruise-line staff members from across the globe share the secrets of their jobs, their favourite itineraries, and how the magic happens.

ESSENTIAL CINQUE TERRE

When the ship docks, a crowd-dodging plan is key in these coastal Italian postcard villages.

WHY I TRAVEL 

Penthouse suites and passage aboard high-end ships create cruise magic for David and Pam Ryall.

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In the following pages you will find a luxury travel look book to help inspire your next life-changing adventure, courtesy of Virtuoso, a network of more than 17,500 travel advisors worldwide. We represent the best of the best in travel, with a portfolio of nearly 1,700 partners (some of which are featured in this guide), including hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, and more.

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WELCOME TO VIRTUOSO

Warm welcomes and why you should work with a travel advisor.

FIVE TRIPS OF A LIFETIME

Polar cruises and deep cultural dives highlight these high-five bucket-list trips.

GOODS TO GO: PACK IT IN

A few things to take on your next getaway.

POSTCARD: FUN IN THE SUN 

Highlights from the South Pacific.

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Travel editors generally dislike the term “bucket list” – it’s overused, unoriginal, and derives from the phrase “kick the bucket” (such an unglamourous way to go out). But sometimes a cliché is unavoidable for a reason: It resonates. Bucket list, wish list, life list – whatever you call it, you surely have one: a mental catalogue of all the places you want to go and all the experiences you want to have. Virtuoso calls it a Wanderlist, and your travel advisor can help map out a long-term plan to get those trips out of your head and onto an itinerary. So go bold, go big, go now – time waits for no one, and the world is waiting for you.

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AFRICAN CONNECTION

A classic Kenyan safari proves to be the ultimate family holiday.

SMALL WONDERS

Peaceful by day, hopping at night, and bursting with colourful sights, Casco Viejo is Panama City’s coolest thing since the canal.

DOHA DOES IT UP

Souqs, seaside dining, and a wealth of new cultural attractions await in Qatar.

WHY I TRAVEL

Good food, outdoor pursuits, and cheeky wildlife shape Christine Sanderson’s adventures.

OLD TOWN ROAD  

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road outposts are as shoppable now as in Marco Polo’s day.

 

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