Your Vacation, Built Around You
No two Europe or Asia vacations should look the same. Our Travel Specialists build custom itineraries from scratch, around your interests, your pace, and your budget.
We work with trusted partners on the ground, so you get great hotels, smooth transfers, and local guides who make a place come alive and feel truly immersive.
Vacations We Love to Plan
Custom Itineraries
Your cities, your pace, your style. We map out each day so the vacation flows, with room to explore on your own.
Guided Tours + Small Groups
Prefer someone else to drive? We match you with guided tours that fit your age, energy, and interests.
Family Adventures Abroad
Whether it is your first vacation abroad with the kids, a take the grandparents vacation, or genealogy experience...Europe is easier with kids than you think.
Where We Plan Europe + Asia Vacations
Europe
Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast. Matching you with food, history, and views in every town.
France: Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera. Plus Disneyland Paris for the kids.
United Kingdom + Ireland: London, Scotland's Highlands, and Ireland's green countryside and castles.
Spain + Portugal: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Lisbon, and the Douro Valley.
Greece: Athens, Santorini, and island hopping in the Aegean.
Switzerland, Austria + Germany: the Alps, Christmas markets, and scenic train rides.
Scandinavia + Iceland: fjords, northern lights, and midnight sun.
Asia
Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Temples, bullet trains, and Tokyo Disney Resort.
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Bali + beyond: rice terraces, resorts, and slower island days.
How Do You Plan a Vacation to Europe or Asia?
A great vacation abroad starts with a few big decisions. Here's what we walk through with every client:
How long you have: so we don't cram too much in or leave you bored.
How many stops: fewer moves mean more time to enjoy each place.
How you get around: trains, private drivers, flights, or a rental car.
Where you stay: location matters more than you'd think in a new city.
Guided or on your own: a mix of both is often the sweet spot.
The season: crowds, weather, and prices change a lot by month.
What Does Your Travel Specialist Handle?
Your Second Star Wishes Travel Specialist handles the details, so you can be fully present on the vacation.
Your day-by-day plan: a custom itinerary built just for you.
Hotels in the right spots: central, safe, and walkable.
Trains, flights, and transfers: so you're never lost wondering how to get from A to B.
Guides and experiences: cooking classes, private tours, and skip-the-line entry.
Entry rules: passports, visas, and new travel authorizations, discussed with you before you depart.
Someone in your corner: if a strike or delay hits, you call us directly.
Travel insurance: we explain your options so everyone is protected.
Europe + Asia FAQs
Does it cost more to plan a custom vacation through a travel agent?
Hotels, tours, and packages usually cost the same as booking yourself. Custom vacations take a lot of research, so some of our Travel Specialists offer a Research and Design Package for building your day-by-day plan. Ask your Travel Specialist what's included.
How far ahead should I plan a vacation to Europe?
For summer and holidays, start 9 to 12 months ahead. Popular hotels and small-group tours fill up early. Spring and fall vacations often have more flexibility.
Do I need a visa for Europe or Japan?
U.S. citizens don't need a visa for short tourist vacations to most of Europe or Japan. But Europe is rolling out new entry systems, and the UK now requires an online travel authorization before you fly. Your Travel Specialist will tell you exactly what your vacation needs.
Is Europe good for kids?
Yes! Kids love castles, gelato, and trains. We plan shorter travel days, family-friendly hotels, and fun stops so everyone enjoys it.
Can you combine a cruise with a land vacation?
Absolutely. Lots of our clients add a few days in a city before or after a Mediterranean or river cruise. See our Cruising page for more.