New Trends & Frontiers for 2025

With 2025 well underway, active travellers are proving to be more curious than ever. While the classic appeal of Italy and France springs eternal, some savvy folks are pushing off to new frontiers in search of unique destinations, as well as extraordinary experiences and top service levels. At Gray & Co., for the past 16 years we've been crafting our custom active trips in many such spots, including Japan, Croatia, Laos, Iceland, and Scotland. We've also enjoyed unlocking new experiences in Spain, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand. Each bespoke journey is always painstakingly produced, fully vetted, expertly guided, and full of fun for all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Let's go!

Cheers, Cari
PS: Travel & Leisure's annual "World's Best Awards" voting is open until tomorrow, February 24th. Win prizes! We thank you for helping us win first place Tour Operator – yet again! 

Trending: Cool Summers

To beat the increasing summer heat and crowds, we've been casting our net to more northern locales. In Finland, Octola Lodge features a myriad outdoor activities (early visit with Santa, anyone?). In Norway, the fjords and waterfalls near Union Øye and the more intimate Villa Åmot are best explored by hiking and by rib boating. Ireland and Scotland are old friends, boasting epic biking and hiking routes plus castles and courses galore. In otherworldly Iceland, we snorkel over tectonic plates and ride Icelandic horses. Finally, our close-to-home pick is Canada's beautiful British Columbia, which delivers bears, whales, lakes, surfing, fishing, kayaking and more. 

Yoga at Octola Lodge, Finland

Snow monkeys near Nozawa, Japan 

In the Press: Robb Report Japan

Robb Report's Katie Lockhart notes that Japan is "already booked solid for cherry blossom season". But with the help of Gray & Co., she finds ways to still see the flowers, and uncovers more reasons to travel to the country. Per our own Cari Gray, as quoted in the article, "The history is so rich, complicated and interesting." The cherry season actually starts in February in Okinawa and wraps up in April in Hokkaido. Get beyond Tokyo & Kyoto and bike the Seto Sea's 60-kilometer-long Shinamani Kaido, hike in spectacular Nikko National Park, or meet a monkey! From epic ryokans to rich ramen, Japan is a must year-round. More HERE and HERE!

Spotlight: Gray & Co. "Magic"

On a recent trip, a traveller confessed to falling for Gray & Co. "magic". We laughed, especially when we realized that, in translation, "magic" meant "it's my vacation too!". For parents, sometimes family holiday time can mean "life with fewer conveniences". But not on our trips! Team Gray & Co. is always at the ready – anticipating transitions, managing expectations and taking care of details big and small. From sunscreen to date night, we've got "magic" for all ages and abilities. Learn more about what we do HERE. 

Pool time fun in Los Olivos, California

Moana & Pat cycling around Luang Prabang, Laos

Notes from the Road:
Guides in Action

As a "people business", travel means making connections. Team Gray & Co. is constantly on the move, sourcing the ultimate contacts around the globe, and solidifying our relationship with them. We need to know first-hand that all is tip top for our travellers. From accommodation and vehicle inspections, chef and vineyard tastings, local expert and driver vetting, pool temperatures and spa services – we do it all, the world over.

Where are they now, you ask? CLICK HERE to take a peek!

We Go Almost Anywhere