Hello there,
August is usually when everyone rushes to squeeze out the absolute last drops of peak summer. I love the energy of August, but my absolute favorite time to travel in Europe is just around the corner. That is why I am already looking ahead and booking September in France for several of my clients right now.
PS I’m adding a self-booking tool, where you can log into my portal, put in your city and dates, and can see some of the hotels that I can book with extra perks and amenities, and then self-book if that’s easier for you! I don’t have every hotel in there yet, so feel free to keep contacting me, but this can help if you just want to browse hotels, room types, and/or book on your own!
https://trips.foratravel.com/atelier-journeys/book
Why I’m Already Booking September in France
Summer in Paris and the Côte d’Azur is wonderful, but it comes with intense heat, crowded piazzas, and a frantic pace. September changes everything. The light turns golden and soft, the air cools down just enough for a light jacket in the evenings, and the crowds dissipate as local families return to school and work.
More importantly, September marks the beginning of the grape harvest across France. Whether you are wandering through the rolling hills of Burgundy, touring historic vineyards in Bordeaux, or lingering over a long lunch in Provence, you get to experience the countryside at its most vibrant and authentic moment. Boutique wine estates are buzzing with activity, and the hospitality is deeply personal before they wind down for the season.
I always tell my travelers that September is when France truly belongs to people who appreciate slow living, exceptional wine, and design-forward stays. If you want to experience the harvest season firsthand this fall, let me know so we can secure the best boutique properties before availability vanishes.
Travel Intel: What’s Happening This Month
As always, I keep a close eye on industry updates so you don’t have to sift through the noise. Here is what crossed my desk recently:
1. The Hyatt × Air Canada Partnership: An Underwhelming Verdict
Many of us hoped for groundbreaking loyalty perks when Hyatt and Air Canada announced their cross-linking partnership. Unfortunately, after looking at the fine print, the benefits feel a bit underwhelming. While reciprocal elite recognition sounds great on paper, the restrictions and limited tier matching mean most casual travelers won’t see massive day-to-day value. If you have specific Aeroplan points or Hyatt globalist status questions, feel free to ask me how to best deploy them elsewhere.
2. Amex Platinum Reminder: Re-enroll for Hertz President’s Circle
If you hold an American Express Platinum card, check your car rental benefits right away. Hertz status perks require manual re-enrollment annually or periodically depending on your account cycle. Make sure you are re-enrolled for Hertz President’s Circle by December 31 to keep your complimentary elite status, skip the lines at airport counters, and grab upgrades on your next trip.
3. Travel Insurance Reminder with Faye
Summer weather disruptions and airline delays have reminded us all why solid travel insurance is non-negotiable. When my clients ask for coverage that actually pays out quickly without endless bureaucratic paperwork, I always point them toward Faye. They handle claims through a seamless app experience with real-time support. Make sure your upcoming trips are fully protected before departure.
4. Virgin Voyages Sailing from NYC
For those looking for a quick getaway without long-haul flights, Virgin Voyages is ramping up their departures right out of New York City. Their adults-only, design-forward approach to cruising is a refreshing departure from traditional mega-ships. Think upscale dining included in the fare, modern cabin aesthetics, and zero formal nights. It is a surprisingly chic way to sail down to Bermuda or up to Canada from our own backyard.
Current Offers
I always like to keep an eye on offers that actually feel worth building a trip around. These are the ones I would pull forward right now for travelers who love quiet luxury, thoughtful design, and a more curated pace.
Cunard Transatlantic Flash Sale
Select January through March 2027 sailings are pricing out around $75 to $99 per night, with some itineraries featuring overnights in New York or London. I love this for anyone drawn to slow luxury and old-world glamour with a design-forward edge.
Azamara Alaska 2027
Azamara is offering up to $1,000 in onboard credit for 2027 Alaska sailings, and I like the small-ship feel for travelers who want something more boutique than the typical cruise experience. It is a great fit for adventure-luxe clients who want wild scenery without giving up comfort.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal currently has offers with up to $5,000 in savings per suite, plus onboard credit, for travelers who want a true ultra-luxury experience at sea. I would look here for clients who care as much about service, space, and polish as they do about the itinerary itself.
Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica
Round Hill is offering a third night free, and I love it for families who travel with children but do not want to compromise on style. The bespoke villas and dedicated nanny option make it feel both polished and genuinely relaxing.
Partner Spotlight: Prima
Prima
Struggling to get a table at that impossible-to-book restaurant? Prima is a hospitality marketplace that gives me real-time access to reservations at the world’s most exclusive dining rooms — Michelin-starred spots, chef’s tables, and members-only-style venues in Miami, LA, NYC, London, Paris, and beyond. Want in? Just tell me where and when and I will handle the rest. Book through my referral link: https://primaapp.com/4173/MCRMUI
Warmly,
Thomas Spears
Pro Travel Advisor & Founder, Atelier Journeys
Atelier Journeys
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