In a world where we’re inundated with advertisements and promotional messaging, there’s no substitute for hard-earned expertise. And in this Fall 2026 issue of our quarterly News & Views newsletter, we’re passing along expert travel wisdom on a variety of topics.

First, meet nine-time Odysseys guests David and Kathy White, whose adventures have taken them from Costa Rica to Australia to Switzerland and far beyond. Along the way, these worldly explorers have learned that travel isn’t measured in miles, but rather in local connections and stories that never get old. Their account is chock full of such tales, including the moment they learned that the next Pope would be an American – while they enjoyed dinner just a few blocks from the Vatican.

Air travel often ranks as the great mystifier of international tourism, so we called on Kiki V., one of our longtime Guest Services team members, to provide her expertise on the subject. In this comprehensive post, Kiki answers frequently asked questions on everything from airline upgrades to seating arrangements to booking with points and more.

Then it’s on to the American West for a dive into the origins of our nation’s national parks system. As part of this well-researched feature, you’ll discover the surprising role that a painter played in protecting America’s greatest natural treasures, and learn why the first reports from travelers to Yellowstone were considered too fantastical to print.

Finally, we provide a list of five “doppelgänger destinations” – places that offer all the beauty, charm, and culture of a world-famous locale, with a fraction of the crowds. Whether you’ve seen the highlights and are looking for a new adventure, or you enjoy digging deeper for your travel rewards, this thought-provoking piece will inspire your next journey.

As always, thank you for reading our News & Views, and we hope to welcome you on an Odysseys Unlimited small group tour in the near future.

Sincerely,

Bruce A. Epstein
President, Odysseys Unlimited

Calling all photographers!

Have you joined a small group tour with us in 2026? We would love to see your photos (and videos)! Send your favorite high-resolution shots to [email protected] and we might use them across our website, social media, or catalog. And remember, if we use your photo in a catalog, you’ll receive $100! Have a longer video? Send us an email and we can guide you through how to send it our way.

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Odysseys Unlimited, One Newton Place, 275 Washington Street, Suite 300, Newton, MA 02458