Image courtesy of Château Voltaire
New year, new airline routes. Condé Nast recently announced the latest itinerary additions to take advantage of in the new year — and I concur. With new direct flights from the US to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations, airline travel has never been easier.
Read on for the latest airline routes to add to your 2024 travel plans, plus where to stay when you land, of course. If there’s anything I learned in 2023, it’s that the hotel makes the vacation.
New York → Belize (3x per week)
Image courtesy of Itz'ana Belize Resort & Residences
Direct flights from JFK to Belize City mean stunning jungle paradise and a pervasive relaxing vibe in no time (or, more precisely, about four-and-a-half hours). Where to stay? I love Turtle Inn for an intimate beachfront hideaway owned by the Coppola family, and Itz'ana Belize Resort & Residences for a rejuvenating, immersive experience. (The latter’s sister property, Ka’ana, is also an excellent choice.)
Fora Perks at Turtle Inn:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Itz’ana and Ka’ana:
$50 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Los Angeles → Guatemala (daily)
Image courtesy of Casa Palopó
Craving more tropical bliss? Travelers can now travel directly from LAX to Guatemala City. Casa Palopó, a 15-room Relais & Châteaux property on the shores of Lake Atitlán, is the perfect place to stay. The hotel was in fact once a private home, and today, it is a hyper-local, delightful and authentic place to unwind.
Fora Perks at Casa Palopó:
VIP welcome.
Breakfast daily.
Several major US cities → Tulum’s new airport (!)
Image courtesy of Be Tulum
It finally happened: Tulum has opened an airport. Translation? Easy nonstop flights to this Mexican paradise. There are several hotels to choose from, but a few favorites are Be Tulum, Our Habitas Tulum and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, all of which offer that chic barefoot luxury I love.
Fora Perks at Be Tulum:
Exclusive food & beverage discounts.
One bottle of mezcal.
Fora Perks at Our Habitas Tulum:
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
New Jersey → Algarve (4x per week)
Image courtesy of Anantara Vilamoura
Portugal is having a moment, and I’m here for it. 2023 seemed to be the year where the world really started to understand its magic, and 2024, I believe, will be the year it truly shines. Starting in May, you’ll be able to depart on a direct flight from Newark straight to the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region renowned (and beloved) for its beautiful beaches. Head to Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort or to Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort to make the most of your Portuguese sojourn.
Fora Perks at Pine Cliffs Hotel:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Welcome amenity.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Anantara Vilamoura:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Raleigh-Durham → Paris (weekly)
Image courtesy of Château Voltaire
Weekly direct flights from RDU to CDG come just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now it’s as convenient as ever to get to the French capital, although I recommend traveling to Paris either before or after the Games, when things will be a bit calmer (and when hotels will have better prices and availability). For a stylish and discreet stay, Château Voltaire, a handsome boutique property beloved by savvy travelers and locals alike, is the obvious choice.
Fora Perks at Château Voltaire:
Welcome amenities.
A complimentary glass of wine paired with tapas.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
San Francisco → Manila (daily)
Image courtesy of the Peninsula Manila
The Philippines is another under-the-radar gem I expect will soon get the attention it deserves. It’s stunningly beautiful, the people are exceptionally friendly and it's free from a lot of the tourist traps seen in the more popular destinations of the region. The Peninsula Manila is a sophisticated oasis in the heart of the country’s vibrant capital.
Fora Perks at the Peninsula Manila:
60-minute in-room massage for two.
Welcome amenity.
Daily access to the Gallery Club Lounge.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade whenever possible.
Check-in/out anytime (as early as 6am and as late as 10pm).
New York → Palermo (2x per week)
Image courtesy of Villa Igiea
Sicily experienced quite the travel boom following the juicy second season of HBO’s “The White Lotus.” New York’s JFK airport recently introduced a direct flight to Sicily’s capital city, the perfect home base for exploring the island (minus the toxic drama, of course). I love Susafa, a seasonal countryside retreat that seriously respects its natural surroundings, and Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte stunner overlooking the Gulf of Palermo.
Fora Perks at Susafa:
$50 hotel / resort credit
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Villa Igiea:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Additional exclusive offers.
Detroit → Istanbul (3x per week)
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus
With mesmerizing architecture, fragrant bazaars and a dynamic history, Istanbul enchants. This city never gets old (trust me). To level up your vacation, head to Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus or Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus, five-star options right on the eponymous strait.
Fora Perks at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus:
When you book Mandarin Oriental with me, you will enjoy exclusive Fan Club preferred partner amenities. I’ll be pleased to give you more details.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul:
When you book Four Seasons with me, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. I’ll be pleased to give you more details.