Curated Staycation: Refining the Concept for 2027

If you've been following along for a while, you know that in 2024 I introduced a new way to travel: the Curated Staycation Abroad. 

The original concept of a Curated Staycation was radically simple: The ease of a group trip with the joy of independent travel. Exploring the world with an exceptionally small group of family or friends. Vacationing with Karla herself, using her time-tested travel techniques.

And that's not changing.

So let's go back to November 11, 2024, when I first introduced the concept. Here's a snippet from the very original blog about my new concept.

stay·ca·tion:

/ˌstāˈkāSH(ə)n/

Common staycation definition: "A vacation spent at home or nearby." 
 
When people take a staycation, they typically stay in one place -- at home or close by -- exploring all there is to see in their area. So let's take this concept and expand it to travel in  Europe.

Curated Staycation definition: "A vacation spent at a home base and nearby."

  

And that's exactly what we did!

In the summers of both 2025 and 2026, I vacationed with small groups of travelers in Scotland, England, Switzerland, and France. On each trip, we stayed in one location, exploring both the city we were in AND taking day trips to locations within an hour or two of our home base.

Did everyone do the same thing every day? That's a negative! As anticipated, much of the time, we all ventured out together, but sometimes guests explored on their own, choosing from carefully researched activities that were -- yes -- Curated by Karla.

So what's changing in 2027? 

Based on feedback from those who've traveled with me and those who've wanted to, I've updated the Curated Staycation concept.

Three big changes for Curated Staycations 2027:

(1) NEW DESTINATIONS -- with one completely Alcohol-Free option next fall:

** ITALY: Two separate Curated Staycations in Italy -- one Alcohol-Free and one Wine-Forward!

STAYCATION ITALY:
Customized For You!

Can you sign up for both Italy Staycations?* Sure! Two weeks in Italy? Simply magical!

• The Alcohol-Free option means *no* alcohol on any group activities, even meals. Why? Because not everyone wants to drink or to even be around alcohol. 
• Interested in exploring Italian wines? The Wine-Forward option will offer winery tours and tasting options, right in the heart of Italian wine country. 

More details coming soon, but I know this already: The Italy trips will be back-to-back in the fall of 2027, with the Alcohol-Free week first, followed by the Wine-Forward week.

((Prefer to spend even longer in Italy? Staycation Extensions are available!))

** NORTH AMERICA: These Curated Staycations are in the very (very!) early planning stages, but my Magic 8 Ball says the Atlantic Corridor is a good bet. From a long weekend to a full week, these closer-to-home vacations are perfect on their own or as an add-on to the rest of your travels.

(2) EVEN SMALLER GROUPS: In 2027, I'm limiting registrations to seven guests per Curated Staycation. In the past, I've limited registration to 10 guests. But sometimes the best day trips max out at eight guests, and with larger groups, hard decisions might have to be made: choose a different experience or leave some guests behind. And I only want the best experiences! So the magic number for 2027 is seven! 

((Interested in a private travel experience for your group? Let's chat!))

(3) MULTIPLE LOCATIONS ON EACH TRIP: In 2027, all week-long Curated Staycations will base in two separate locations, connected by train, while the long weekends will focus on one location only.

A Curated Staycation can be the small step you need
to adventure on your own!

WHAT'S THE BENEFIT OF JOINING A CURATED STAYCATION RATHER THAN HIRING KARLA TO PLAN YOUR TRIP?

* Karla Will Be Vacationing with You! Imagine traveling with a professional planner without the extra expense of travel companion services. Curated by Karla LLC offers companion services for travelers who are a little nervous about traveling on their own or who prefer a personal concierge on their trips. Companion services fees start at $500 per day, plus all expenses. With a Curated Staycation, you enjoy the best of both worlds: traveling with Karla without the extra fees!

* The Ease of a Group Trip -- Fewer Decisions: One of the best parts of a group trip is that everything is planned for you. On a Curated Staycation, the dates and destinations are set, and you choose from a carefully curated selection of lodging and activity options. Then Karla secures all reservations on your behalf so you can enjoy the trip you've dreamed of!

* The Joy of Independent Travel -- Customize Your Trip to Your Preferences. From lodging to meals to excursions, you know what you like and what you don't, how you prefer to spend your time and money ... and your preferences are important. With a Curated Staycation, your trip is customized to YOU!

* BONUS: Gain Confidence to Travel on Your Own: For people who would like to experience the joy of independent travel but are a little nervous about taking that big first step, a Curated Staycation is a great way to gain experience with independent travel while under the guidance of a highly experienced traveler.

Curated Staycation 2027: Details Coming Soon

Ready to start planning your 2027 vacation? Contact Curated by Karla LLC for bespoke travel planning services or to join the wait list for information on the 2027 Curated Staycations!

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* The non-refundable planning fee of $299 per traveler is for concierge planning services only and excludes all trip-related expenses, which include but are not limited to airfare, lodging, transportation, activities and excursions, insurance, meals, souvenirs, and other personal expenses.