Condé Nast Traveler
September 7, 2025
By Charlie Hobbs and Jasmine Ting
The following sections have been excerpted and paraphrased from an article originally published in Conde Nast Traveler where writers Charlie Hobbs and Jasmine Ting detail the 33 trips you should book a year in advance. AdventureSmith Explorations’ Top Travel Specialist, Andrew Browning, was interviewed for the piece, sharing his expert insights on planning Antarctica cruises.
It’s never too early to plan these one-of-a-kind trips for next year. It just gives you something to look forward to.
With life’s unpredictabilities, planning a trip a year in advance may seem like too much. However, one could argue that it’s precisely because of these uncertainties that a good plan, and buffers against any last-minute hiccups, are needed. Getting a head start on an itinerary, and having enough time for preparation, research, and contingencies are absolutely necessary—especially when you’re embarking on some of the most remarkable (often, once-in-a-lifetime) travel experiences that the world has to offer. There’s no time to be wasted.
We’ve put together a roster of 33 bucket-list-worthy trips that require the extra care and attention a year-long lead would provide. Whether you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure, a journey through history, a cultural excursion, or a grand seasonal celebration, we’ve got you covered. There’s no way to guarantee an absolutely flawless trip, but hopefully you can get close to perfection with some expert insights from our favorite travel experts from the Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists network.
A cruise to Antarctica
Over the past few years, Antarctic cruises have become more popular excursions among nature-lovers and thrill-seekers. There are more cruises, as well as newer, modern, and high-end vessels making the expedition to the remote continent—plus more specialized itineraries to choose from. This also means that while booking a trip to Antarctica has gotten a bit more accessible, it has also become more competitive. According to Andrew Browning of AdventureSmith Explorations, the lowest-price cabins, high-end cabins, and single occupancy cabins sell out the fastest. Your best bet to be able to arrange a trip suited most to your preferences. “The best trip looks different for every traveler,” says Browning. “And having someone who knows the landscape inside and out can help narrow down the options using insights you won’t find online or from operators who only promote their own trips.”
