Beyond the perfect itinerary
Sometimes, the best travel lessons come not from guidebooks but from experience. This past August, my family and I created a carefully curated itinerary through southern France, Barcelona and Mallorca. With private chefs, vineyard tours and villas that felt like home, it was the kind of trip I would dream about. And yet, even bespoke journeys have their unexpected turns. Here is what I loved about my trip, and what I would do differently next time.
What I loved
Mallorca’s Private Catamaran
Hands down, this was one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip. We chartered a private catamaran off the coast of Mallorca, and the world slowed down for four hours. Spanish tapas, crystal-clear water and the perfect sea breeze.
The Charm of Our Villas
Every house we stayed in felt like a destination in itself. Whether it was sipping red wine on our rooftop balcony or gathering around the table for chef-prepared dinners, these spaces gave the trip a sense of rhythm.
The Michelin Star Meal in Arles
Tucked into the quiet streets of Arles, one dinner in particular stole the show. My family got an 8-course meal with wine pairings. Every course was a masterpiece—artful, intentional and unforgettable. They blended flavors that were surprising, yet delicious. It was the kind of evening that reminds you why food is an essential part of travel.
A Wine Lover’s Dream
We spent an afternoon in Mallorca touring a private vineyard, tasting local wines paired with meats, cheeses and olives grown on the land. It was a one of a kind experience. As the owner described it, “It isn’t a wine tasting… it’s a wine drinking.” My favorite part was dancing with my sister, Emily, to ABBA at the end of the tour.
The Local Side of Arles
Arles surprised me. It felt unspoiled, raw in the best way. With no American tourists in sight, we immersed ourselves in its markets, Van Gogh exhibits and Roman Ruins. All of which were unfiltered and fully French.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
Too Much Time in Tiny Towns
As charming as Arles and Saint-Paul-de-Vence were, five days was too long. Since these towns are small, three days would be the perfect amount of time. By day three, we’d seen it all. In hindsight, I would’ve rebalanced the itinerary.
More Time in Barcelona, Please
Barcelona had energy. We barely scratched the surface—flamenco shows, late-night dinners and stunning architecture came in a flurry. I wish we’d had another day (or three) to settle in, explore local neighborhoods, and just be. Next time, I’ll prioritize time in the bigger cities.
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded me that bespoke travel is about more than luxury—it’s about fit. It’s about learning how to match the pace of your itinerary with your energy, carving out time to explore deeply instead of just broadly. Would I change parts of the trip? Yes. Would I do it all over again? Absolutely.
Next up: slowing down a little more, staying curious, and letting the best parts unfold naturally.
With love, Ava
Ava Stepanian 