By Gina Bang, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer – Avanti Destinations 

People always ask me what it was like growing up in Kodiak, Alaska. I know what they’re really asking — the remoteness, the cold, the dark. And yes, all of that is true. But here’s what I actually tell them: my parents still live there, and the winter sky in Kodiak is one of the most luminous things I’ve ever seen. A full moon with snow all around you doesn’t feel dark — it feels bright. Millions of stars. Shooting stars. The Aurora dancing overhead. You stand there and think: I have never in my life seen a sky like this. 

That’s my origin story with astrotourism. And it’s why I mean it when I say: in 2026, the universe is putting on a show, and you should be there for it. 

We’ve been looking up at the sun, moon, and stars with awe and curiosity since the beginning of human history. And that looking up is precisely what connects us across cultures, centuries, and continents. Whether you want to witness a once-in-a-generation celestial event or simply sit quietly under a canopy of stars somewhere far from a city’s glow, astrotourism delivers the kind of travel that’s genuinely hard to forget. 

And in 2026, the calendar is stacked. 

The Big One: Solar Eclipse over Spain, August 12 

On August 12, a total solar eclipse will cross northern Spain, Iceland, and western Ireland, the first visible in Europe since 1999. Avanti has a seven-day/six-night Spain package departing August 10 that puts you exactly where you want to be: watching the eclipse and the Perseid meteor showers that same evening, from the top of a castle surrounded by vineyards. That’s not a sentence I expected to write, and yet here we are. 

The itinerary winds through Madrid, the Ribera del Duero wine region, La Rioja, Zaragoza, and Barcelona, through medieval towns, wineries with tastings, stays in luxury historic properties (one was a synagogue in the 13th century). An expert astronomy guide is with you for the eclipse itself. It’s the kind of trip that has a story in every single element. 

Dark Sky Reserves: The Southern Hemisphere’s Best Kept Secrets 

New Zealand’s Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest in the southern hemisphere and one of the finest stargazing spots on the planet. It’s where the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. A 1.5-hour guided tour pairs high-powered binoculars and state-of-the-art telescopes with a Theatre Planetarium orientation. Go in winter (our summer). 

In Chile, the Atacama Desert logs more than 320 clear nights per year with minimal light pollution at high altitude. A two-hour experience, maximum of 15 guests, a driver, an astronomy guide, and an aperitif at a hand-picked location, is exactly the kind of thing that sounds understated and lands as extraordinary. 

In Peru, the Cuzco Planetarium sits at over 11,000 feet and grounds you in the ancient Andean relationship with the cosmos before sending you outside with professional astronomical equipment to see it for yourself. 

Northern Lights: Multiple Ways to Chase the Aurora 

In the northern hemisphere, the Aurora Borealis remains the ultimate fleeting reward, and there are more ways to chase it than ever. Take an Aurora safari by snowmobile-pulled sledge near Ruka, Finland. Lace up snowshoes in Saariselka or Kiruna. Ride a dogsled in Sweden. Take a SuperJeep in Iceland. 

My personal favorite on the list: a Northern Lights photography tour near Svolvaer in Norway’s remote Lofoten Islands, led by a local nature photographer who shares his favorite spots for capturing the best shots. That’s not a tour; it’s an invitation into someone’s world.

And if you really want to lean in, the Aurora Colosseum in Kiruna, Sweden is a handmade, hand-carved ice structure rebuilt every year. You arrive by snowmobile to watch the lights from beneath reindeer hides with fires nearby. Pair it with a stay at the legendary IceHotel in nearby Jukkasjärvi and you’ve got yourself a trip. 

The universe has always been putting on a show. In 2026, we’ve got front-row seats. 

About Avanti Destinations

Since 1981, Avanti Destinations has been selling custom-crafted independent travel vacations in Europe, Asia, North Africa/the Middle East, the South Pacific, and Central and South America. The Portland, Oregon-based wholesale tour operator offers a wide range of FIT components to travel advisors only, including air, rail, rental cars, hotels, sightseeing/attractions, transfers and hard-to-find experiential travel options, such as astronomy, soft adventure, nature/wildlife spotting, cooking classes, food and wine/beer/spirits tastings.   

Avanti specializes in hand-picked 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels, resorts, and unique accommodations, such as jungle ecolodges, villas, and castles, in both large cities and small towns and in connecting all the pieces of complex or multi-destination itineraries. The company also creates complete packages for custom groups of 10 or more passengers.  

For more information: https://book.avantidestinations.com.  

The post Astrotourism around the world in 2026: solar eclipse, meteor showers, Northern Lights, and stargazing  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

New Zealand combines breathtaking landscapes with mindful experiences, creating the perfect setting to recharge your body, mind, and spirit. Peaceful lakes in the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island and soothing geothermal wonders on the North Island offer moments to reflect, connect, and slow down. 

AAT Kings makes it easy to enjoy these wellness experiences. You can walk on quiet beaches, take a hot springs bath, explore Māori culture, or meet friendly locals in the countryside. The Māori are the Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, and their traditions remain an important part of life throughout the country. Spending time in nature this way helps reduce stress and calm your nervous system.

Explore these mindful escapes and discover a side of New Zealand that nourishes more than just the senses. 

A Restorative Journey: Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, Rotorua, North Island

At Wai Ariki Hot Springs, you can relax and reconnect, surrounded by Māori culture and nature. This two hour spa experience helps relax your body, calm your mind, and restore balance.

Move through thermal heat, water, mud, and steam in a thoughtfully curated sequence that draws on traditional healing practices. These practices are rooted in Māori culture, which has a deep connection to the land and natural geothermal waters. This ritual combines relaxation and cultural stories, leaving you feeling refreshed, calm, and renewed by the natural springs. 

Experience this during your free time on the following tours: Spirit of New Zealand, Essence of New Zealand, New Zealand Uncovered, New Zealand’s Northern Gems, Northern Spotlight, Kia Ora New Zealand, New Zealand Magic, New Zealand Vista, New Zealand Marvel 

Serenity by the Lake: Lake Tekapo & the Church of the Good Shepherd, South Island

Lake Tekapo, with Aoraki also known as Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, and the Southern Alps in the background, is located on New Zealand’s South Island and is a place that invites calm and quiet. Wander the lake’s vivid shoreline, breathe in the crisp alpine air, and take time to simply pause and reflect. 

Visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd adds to the experience, with one of New Zealand’s most peaceful and photographed spots. Whether you are enjoying the view or taking photos, this calm spot helps you slow down and connect with the landscape. 

Experience this on the following tours: Spirit of New Zealand, Essence of New Zealand, Kia Ora New Zealand, New Zealand Magic, New Zealand Vista, New Zealand Marvel, Southern Spirit, New Zealand’s Southern Sounds, Southern Spectacular, New Zealand’s Southern Drift, Southern Spotlight, Southern Wonders 

Warm Kiwi Hospitality: Bamford Family Be My Guest Experience, North Canterbury, South Island

Visit the Bamford Family in rural New Zealand in the Hurunui region of North Canterbury on the South Island for a Be My Guest experience. They have been farming in Hurunui since 1884. Six generations of experience go into this welcoming visit, giving you a real connection to farm life. 

Have morning tea with vast country views, see the farm animals, and learn how people live and work sustainably here. A chance to slow down, soak up the scenery, and experience the warmth of Kiwi hospitality firsthand. “Kiwi” is a common nickname for New Zealanders. 

Experience this on the following tours : Contrasts of New Zealand 

Unwind on Golden Shores: Nelson & Abel Tasman National Park, South Island

In New Zealand’s sunniest region at the top of the South Island, Abel Tasman National Park offers a perfect blend of gentle adventure and relaxation among natural highlights. Walk along golden beaches, see granite cliffs, and explore old coastal forests at your own pace, with time to relax. 

Optional boat trips show natural sights like Split Apple Rock, fur seals at Adele Island, and quiet forest trails along the coast. Whether you choose to explore or relax, this region invites you to embrace the restorative power of nature. 

Experience this during your free time on the following tours: Southern Spirit, Spirit of New Zealand 

A Cultural Connection: Te Pō Indigenous Experience, Te Puia, North Island

Visit Te Puia for the Te Pō Indigenous Experience to learn about Māori culture, the land, and stories. The Māori are New Zealand’s Indigenous people, with traditions centered on family, storytelling, and a strong connection to the land. Start the evening with an exciting cultural show in a carved meeting house called a wharenui, a traditional Māori gathering place, and learn about Māori traditions and values with genuine connection.

Keep exploring the geothermal area to see the Pohutu Geyser, then enjoy a buffet inspired by a local hāngī, a traditional method of cooking food slowly in earth heated ovens. This immersive experience nourishes both body and soul, creating a meaningful connection to New Zealand’s people and place. 

Experience this on the following tours : Spirit of New Zealand, Essence of New Zealand, Kia Ora New Zealand, New Zealand Magic, New Zealand Vista, New Zealand Marvel, Untamed New Zealand, Contrasts of New Zealand, New Zealand Panorama, New Zealand’s Northern Gems, Northern Wonders, Northern Spotlight 

A Restful Coastal Retreat: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, West Coast, South Island

Stay at Scenic Hotel Punakaiki on New Zealand’s wild West Coast of the South Island, where rainforest, ocean, and open space create a naturally calming retreat. Set beside Paparoa National Park and just steps from the beach, the hotel offers a peaceful base to slow down and reconnect with nature. 

Rooms are designed to blend into the surrounding landscape, with ocean or rainforest views that invite rest and reflection. With easy beach access and a relaxed resort setting, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki is an ideal place to unwind and restore. 

Experience this on the following tours : Spirit of New Zealand, Essence of New Zealand, Southern Spirit, Southern Spectacular, New Zealand Uncovered 

About AAT Kings 

A century ago, the Australian outback was but a twinkle in most travellers’ eyes. But thanks to visionaries like the Pyke family and Bill King, the way we explore the Land Down Under was about to change in unimaginable ways. Over the coming decades, maps were unfolded, desert cruisers and coaches were customised, and guides were trained. From humble beginnings, the company now known as AAT Kings was going places few had gone before, pioneering new paths across Australia and New Zealand and taking intrepid travellers on a wild and wonderful ride. 

We’ve come a long way and clocked a few kilometres in the process. But some things will never change. Like our spirit for adventure. Our oh-so-knowledgable Directors. The local character we meet (and will never forget) along the way. The epic, goosebump-inducing stories we’re told by First Nations guides. The life-changing experiences on offer — the kind that only 100 years of exploring affords. We’ve never been more passionate about our next discovery. Join us, and fall in love with Australia and New Zealand all over again.

Connect with us – #AATKings #MakeTravelMatter @aatkings www.aatkings.com/en-us 

The post Mindful Escapes: Wellness Experiences in New Zealand  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By: Gina Bang, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Avanti Destinations

In a world increasingly dominated by mass tourism, travelers are seeking more meaningful experiences. Immersing yourself in the traditions of indigenous communities offers a window into a world that is both ancient and profoundly different from our own. These cross-cultural experiences are a vital aspect of regenerative tourism.

Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by aiming to leave a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Engaging with indigenous cultures in a respectful and authentic manner not only helps preserve endangered traditions but also provides essential income for these communities. This form of tourism allows visitors to gain insights into lives and practices that have remained unchanged for centuries, offering a truly transformative experience.

Here is a selection of indigenous and ethnic minority encounters—from short visits to full-day tours—in Australia, Belize, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, and Peru. English-speaking local guides make it possible to interact with native people committed to maintaining traditions that have endured for centuries, even millennia.

Australia

This full-day, small-group tour of eastern Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge, home of the Kuku Yalanji tribe, puts Australia’s ancient roots on display. Included is participation in an Aboriginal Dreamtime painting class, a form of storytelling taught by a native artist. Travelers learn to throw a spear and hunt for fish in the Kuku Yalanji way, witness a soap and paint-making demonstration, learn how the tribe prepares “bush tucker” food and medicines from local plants and animals, and participate in a traditional smoking ceremony to ward off evil spirits.

Belize

A private seven-hour tour visits a Kekchi Maya family’s home, furnished with all natural materials. Travelers help prepare and partake in a traditional meal with these descendants of the ancient Maya and also explore the ancient Maya archeological site Nim li Punit, known for its intricately carved stone stelae. Another private all-day tour visits the Garifuna, a people who trace their origins to the Caribbean’s first inhabitants, the Carib-Arawak, and Afro-Caribbeans. Learning about the Garifuna’s history, their musical and culinary traditions, and how to make a typical meal are the highlights.

New Zealand

Private tours in Rotorua teach you the traditional Maori greeting—pressing your nose and forehead to another’s—and how to play Maori musical instruments. A ceremonial war dance is performed in traditional costumes inside the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. The tour also visits Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, which houses schools for flax weaving, and wood-, stone-, and bone-carving. An evening tour takes travelers to a forest village experience, featuring Maori songs and a “hangi” feast, which changes with the Maori lunar calendar.

Norway

The Sami people are indigenous to northernmost Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. They are renowned as semi-nomadic herders of reindeer. On a small group evening tour out of Tromsø, Norway, you walk among 300 reindeer and feed them, then take a sled ride to a traditional meal cooked over an open fire. The evening continues in a “lavvu” tent—similar to a Native American tipi—with storytelling about Sami life and culture and a traditional Sami chant.

Panama

Panama boasts a surprising variety of indigenous groups. A private all-day excursion takes you to the pristine San Blas Islands, home of the Guna people, who produce colorful textiles called “mola.” Another tour visits an Ngäbe indigenous community, where they will show you where they source ingredients and teach you how to make an authentic, organic meal. In a thatched-roof village in Chagres National Park, travelers are greeted with Embera traditional music and dances and enjoy a lunch of local specialties. The Embera people are renowned for their unique baskets, masks, carvings, and body painting.

Peru

In the scenic Sacred Valley, Misminay is a village of 120 families who are descendants of the Inca with a unique worldview. On a four-hour private tour, you are welcomed with traditional music and dances, learn how they plant and harvest native crops, watch Andean textiles being made by hand, and enjoy a Pachamanca lunch prepared in an underground hot stone oven.

About Avanti Destinations:

Since 1981, Avanti Destinations has been selling custom-crafted independent travel vacations in Europe, Asia, North Africa/the Middle East, the South Pacific, and Central and South America. The Portland, Oregon-based wholesale tour operator offers a wide range of FIT components to travel advisors only, including air, rail, rental cars, hotels, sightseeing/attractions, transfers and hard-to-find experiential travel options.  Avanti specializes in hand-picked, locally-owned hotels in both large and small cities and in connecting all the pieces of complex or multi-destination itineraries. The company also creates complete packages for custom groups of 10 or more passengers. For more information: https://book.avantidestinations.com.

The post <strong>Making Travel Meaningful: Connecting with Indigenous Communities</strong> appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By Katie Manly, Swain Destinations 

New Zealand is for adventure seekers of all levels.  

Its Māori culture is renowned for being welcoming and wise.  

The adventure on offer ranges from mild to high octane.  

Its landscapes have become immortalized thanks to the many films it has set the backdrop for, including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, because of its otherworldly natural formations. Here are just a few amazing places in New Zealand that will make you feel like your life is a movie… 

On the South Island, witness the pristine wilderness of the Fiordland National Park. Experience the unspoiled beauty of the Southern Alps with a helicopter tour of Fiordland National Park’s breathtaking wilderness. A landing at Milford Sound, where you can indulge in a delightful picnic lunch, will be an absolute highlight of your time in New Zealand as its beauty is so legendary, that it is almost folklore.  

There’s no place quite like Queenstown for adventure seekers. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, it’s no wonder that it is considered the adventure capital of the world – who wouldn’t want to see this iconic destination from every angle? Take a leap from an airplane or bungee from the iconic Kawarau Bridge for a bird’s eye view. Prefer to keep your feet closer to the ground? Get the adrenaline pumping from a more reasonable height; try jetboating or whitewater rafting on the Shotover River. But, if your stomach does somersaults at the thought of it all, you can still enjoy Queenstown’s picturesque scenery from aloft by scenic helicopter flight, ATV, cycling, or hiking the countryside. 

After an action-packed adventure in Queenstown, an escape to blissful seclusion in the Ahuriri Valley, a destination truly off the beaten path, is a must-do. Home of the Ahuriri River, a legendary spot for world class fly fishing, it is considered to be in the top five best places to cast a line across the planet. If fly fishing isn’t your area of expertise, there is still plenty of adventure on offer. Hiking, horseback riding, and star gazing all top the list as must-dos in this beautiful part of the country. 

After recharging your spirit in the expansive wilderness of the Ahuriri Valley, put your explorer boots on and hike the estimated 16,000-year-old Tasman glacier and marvel at the beauty of Mount Cook. Spot dolphins, whales, seals, and adorable little blue penguins at Marlborough Sounds before traveling through the rolling hills of the Marlborough wine region in search of your favorite Sauvignon Blanc. 

Stay a few nights in the cultural and architectural capital of the South Island, Christchurch, a city on the sea with a small-town feel. Christchurch also serves as the gateway to Akaroa and Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a seaside settlement renowned for its variety of marine mammals, including the giant sperm whale and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins. Kaikoura is overlooked by majestic, snow-capped mountains. Experiencing this stunning alpine scenery while swimming with dolphins is a memory which will stay with you for a lifetime.  

On the North Island, visit the ancestral home of the Te Arawa, a Māori tribe whose people came by canoe and settled the area more than 600 years ago. This is Rotorua, famous for its geothermal springs, bubbling pools of sulfuric mud, and geysers. Allow the locals to show their Māori history and hospitality in all its glory, sharing a meal cooked from the steaming ground, a traditional Haka performance, and indulgent spa therapy. 

A couple hours’ drive away through dairy farms and kiwi fruit orchards, Waitomo Caves are subterranean limestone caverns with something unique deep within. Arachnocampa Luminosa, or glow worms as they’re lovingly called, are found exclusively in New Zealand and light up the Waitomo Caves as though they were decorated for the holidays. 

This is just a small sampling of the awe-inspiring destinations in New Zealand that don’t feel as though they belong to this planet. Well worth the trip, these places will have you wondering how you’ve lived this long without bearing witness to these otherworldly vistas for yourself.   

About the author: 

Katie Manly, VP of Sales & Marketing at Swain Destinations 

As the VP of Marketing and Sales at Swain Destinations, I craft the communications and advertising that represent a truly knowledgeable and purpose-driven team of master designers of luxury travel – a responsibility that I am honored to have been given. As part of my job, I am lucky enough to travel to our destinations all over the world, just as our clients do. Traveling as a Swain Destinations client would is a privilege of my job and also part of what makes Swain Destinations so successful, as we experience what our clients experience – whether on safari, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, or even taking my family to meet the real Santa Claus in the Arctic Circle. I truly believe that travel has the capacity to create personal connections and fulfillment so strong that it changes us for the better, which is why I am so passionate about what we do here at Swain Destinations. 

About Swain Destinations

Swain Destinations are Master Designers of luxury travel. Our Team has been meticulously planning personalized vacations to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific Islands, Africa, and the Middle East for over 35 years. Nothing we ever do is cookie-cutter. We have access to places and excursions that can only come with time, relationships, and experience.  It is our culture of integrity, value, and personal service that makes us the luxury traveler’s choice and is why our philosophy is “luxury with heart”. 

The post Places In New Zealand That Don’t Feel Real appeared first on USTOA Blog.