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The travel mindset for our advisors this year was all about seeking meaning, longing for authenticity, and a chance to slow down to connect with a destination on a deeper level. As we look ahead to 2026, we can’t help but reflect on the memorable places our advisors visited and the journeys they planned that created a great year full of exceptional travel experiences. From rediscovering Japan to planning dream trips to Paris, 2025 was full of those special moments, and we hope sharing some of their favorite journeys will guide you to your next adventure. Let’s dive in!
There’s always been an allure of remote, quiet landscapes, and with 2025 being one of the best years to see the Northern Lights, Norway was high on the bucket list for many travelers, including our advisors. Brownell advisor Caroline Wallace and her daughter and travel coordinator Anna Wallace experienced the beauty of the fjords and glaciers of Norway firsthand this year on a special mother-daughter trip. Throughout their journey, they had several new experiences all while enjoying the remote luxury of Isbreen The Glacier, a bespoke igloo retreat nestled far above the Arctic Circle and optimal for Aurora Borealis sightings.
“Isbreen The Glacier in Norway is a new favorite! My mom and I shared a lot of “firsts” on that trip, including seeing the northern lights and trying reindeer meat!” – Anna Wallace
A luxurious safari remains on the definitive bucket list, yet 2025 was the year for deeper connection and purpose-driven experiences across the continent. On a Brownell educational trip to Rwanda, Brownell advisor Kristen Meckem noted the majestic phenomenon of gorilla trekking, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was thoughtfully prepared, fully focused on conservation, and one that will stay with her forever. Meanwhile, a classic Kenyan safari was crafted into an epic milestone birthday celebration for advisor Stephanie Miller Murphy. Designed with our partners at Africa Inscribed, the trip was full of personalized luxury that turned a typical safari into an intimate celebration.
France remains one of our top-booked destinations year after year, and for good reason. Between iconic cities like Paris and the stunning countryside in the south, our community crafted several iconic journeys for themselves and their clients across the country this year. Brownell advisor Vida Barham shared how a fun Parisian getaway for a couple and their granddaughters was a favorite trip she planned this year, complete with a cruise down the Seine, dinner with Eiffel Tower views, and stays at luxurious hotels like Le Bristol. Further south, advisor Bowden Sarrett saw a different side of France aboard a luxurious Belmond barge, sailing through the canals of the Camargue region. Though she has been to France many times, this exclusive educational trip allowed her to explore the French countryside at a slower pace, full of vineyard visits and charming villages.
Japan has firmly established itself as one of the most culturally rewarding destinations for our travelers, and many of our advisors choose to experience Japan’s blend of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation for themselves. Brownell advisor Alessia Bell is no stranger to Japan, but was able to share her most recent trip to the Land of the Rising Sun with her sixteen-year-old son, and with the help from their guide through our partners at Remote Lands, the experience was deeper, richer, and more immersive for them both. Between template visits and learning about the origins of Buddhism, the trip was equal parts educational and joyful.
This year brought many memorable journeys, from the tranquil Zen gardens of Japan and the glittering lights of Paris to the deeply moving gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda and game drives in Kenya. What makes each of these trips truly memorable is not just the destination itself, but the special touches and details woven into every itinerary. These details, whether it’s a private guide to Japanese temples or insider access to a unique conservation project, are all possible because of our advisors’ strong connections with trusted partners around the world. The best part: these added perks are not just for our advisors themselves, but their clients! If you’re feeling inspired to book your own journey for 2026, connect with a Brownell advisor today, and turn your next trip from ordinary to absolutely extraordinary.