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Rooftop Breezes, Mossy Forests & Barefoot Escapes — Let the Summer Drift Begin 🌞🌿

TravelReport Weekly Issue 034

Author

Rabia Karimi
June 13, 2025

In partnership with

Hi besties!

You know that early-summer feeling? When the air is warm but not pushy, the sunlight feels like a compliment, and all you want is to press pause — or maybe just float? That’s the mood we’re chasing this week. 🫶

Whether you’re itching to unplug from your inbox, craving some barefoot elegance, or yearning to sip something cold with a view, I’ve pulled together three dreamy escapes for your June wanderlist. Plus: safety tips, points tricks, and a delicious travel trend that feels like spilling a secret over cocktails. 🍸

Let’s get into it…

Travel Trivia 🧐
Question: 🌴 Travel Trivia Time!
Which tiny island in Japan is home to a UNESCO-listed ancient cedar tree believed to be over 7,000 years old? 🌲🇯🇵

A) Okinawa
B) Hokkaido
C) Yakushima
D) Kyushu

🪵 Hint: It’s the inspiration behind Princess Mononoke and gets rain nearly 300 days a year…

👉 Hit reply with your guess—no Googling! 😉
Find the answer below 🤭

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Our reports are packed with incredibly useful and relevant information, including:

  • In-depth destination insights

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  • Essential health and safety guidelines

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🛡️ Travel Safety Highlights 🔐

Wherever you go, adventure’s better when you feel prepared. Here's your safety scoop for each destination:

Luang Prabang, Laos

  • 🌇 Low crime overall, but keep an eye on your belongings in markets and riverside cafés.

  • 🚖 Use official tuk-tuks and avoid motorbike rentals unless you're experienced — road rules are loose.

  • 💊 Carry some basic meds and electrolytes — the heat + spice combo is real.

Comporta, Portugal

  • 👣 Very safe and laid-back; solo travel-friendly.

  • ☀️ Sun protection is key — the breeze hides how strong the rays really are.

  • 🚗 Rent a car if possible — local transport is limited and taxis can be hard to find.

Yakushima, Japan

  • 🌧️ Weather changes fast — bring proper waterproof hiking gear and check trail conditions before setting off.

  • 🌋 Watch for volcanic activity updates — the island sits near an active zone.

  • 🏥 Medical facilities are small — bring prescriptions and any essentials with you.

  • Travel Insurance: Unexpected events can occur. Secure comprehensive travel insurance through providers like Insure My Trip to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and more.✅ Understand the true benefits of travel insurance here…

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🔥 Travel Trend Watch: Microseason Magic ✨

Okay bestie, this is the kind of travel tip that makes you feel like you’ve hacked time. Let’s talk Microseasonal Travel — aka, chasing quick, fleeting moments that feel like emotional candy.

Here’s the vibe:

  • 🌸 1-week flower seasons (hello, wisteria tunnels in Ashikaga, Japan — usually just late April)

  • 🐝 Firefly festivals in Malaysia — like bioluminescent stardust in June

  • 🌊 Sea lavender in the French Camargue — marshy magic that only shows in July

  • ❄️ Frozen waterfalls in Iceland — blink and they’re gone by mid-March

It’s all about being in the right place at the perfect moment — not just for the ‘gram, but for the goosebumps. So set some alerts, read those regional bloom calendars, and start planning like a local meteorologist-slash-romantic.

🌟Spotlight Destinations:🌍

  1. 🌅 Luang Prabang, Laos 🇱🇦

    Vibe: Ancient, meditative, golden-hour serenity

    Luang Prabang is one of those places where the clocks seem to tick slower — and you’ll thank them for it. Wake up with the monks at sunrise and join the quiet almsgiving procession — not for photos, but for the feeling. Mornings are best spent with a thick iced Lao coffee in hand, wandering between gilded temples and colonial shophouses dusted in bougainvillea.

    By afternoon, rent a bicycle and cruise alongside the Mekong, stopping for spicy papaya salad and river views. Then, cool off under the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si Falls. Evenings are candlelit and quiet — rooftop cocktails at sunset, soft laughter echoing from the night market, and foot massages for $5 that feel like therapy.

    ✨ Don’t miss: The bamboo bridge that disappears with the rains, and a sunset boat ride with a mango smoothie in hand.

  2. 🐚 Comporta, Portugal 🇵🇹

    Vibe: Rustic chic meets boho beach hideaway

    If you love the idea of Ibiza but hate the scene, Comporta is your girl. Tucked just 90 minutes south of Lisbon, this coastal dream is where artists, winemakers, and barefoot billionaires go to hide (and tan). You won’t find big resorts or loud clubs — just wild dunes, salt-soaked breezes, and beach cafés with sardines that’ll make you cry.

    Days unfold slowly here. Morning surf, lazy brunches under pine trees, late-afternoon wine tastings at Herdade da Comporta. Style is effortless: linen, straw, and sand between your toes. The Atlantic is cool, the vibes are warm, and you’ll wonder why no one told you about this sooner.

    ✨ Don’t miss: A horseback ride through the rice paddies at golden hour. Yes, it’s as cinematic as it sounds.

  3. 🌧️ Yakushima, Japan 🇯🇵

    Vibe: Misty, mossy, mystical paradise

    Ever wanted to walk through a living fairytale? Enter Yakushima — a tiny island off southern Japan where ancient cedar forests meet ocean air. It's where Princess Mononoke got her soul, and it will probably steal yours.

    You’ll hike through trails draped in green velvet moss, past trees over 1,000 years old. The forest whispers here — seriously. Pause and you’ll hear more than just silence. After your trek? Slide into an outdoor onsen facing the sea. Pair your evening with freshly caught flying fish and some yuzu sake, and you’ve officially entered bliss mode.

    ✨ Don’t miss: Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine — the mist, the moss, the magic. Bring waterproof everything. The rain is constant, and it’s part of the charm.

✈️ Points & Miles Tip of the Week 💳

Book Business Class to Japan for Less (And Look Fancy Doing It):

Want to live your onsen-and-sake dream without draining your savings? Try this Virgin Atlantic + ANA business class hack:

  • 🎯 Route: U.S. (like JFK or LAX) to Tokyo (NRT or HND)

  • 💰 Cost: Just 90,000 Virgin Atlantic points roundtrip in business class (!!)

  • ✈️ Airline: ANA (one of the best biz cabins in the world — think champagne, kaiseki, slippers)

  • 🔍 How to find availability: Use United’s search engine to look for saver-level ANA awards, then call Virgin to book

  • 🔄 Transfer partners: Transfer from Amex, Chase, Citi, or Bilt to Virgin

  • 📝 Tip: Book 6+ months out for better shot at biz class — it’s high demand and low availability but so worth it

💡Points Tip of the Week: Try stacking your booking: book a flight with miles, pay taxes with your travel card, and book a boutique stay with points + perks. Win-win-win. Amex Platinum: Incredible perks, like lounge access and travel insurance.🚀 

🌞Best Summer Travel Destinations for 2025✈️

Looking to plan your perfect summer getaway? LVK Travel's latest blog post highlights the top destinations that are capturing travelers' hearts in 2025. From the timeless allure of Paris and London to the historic charm of Rome, Athens, and Florence, these cities offer a rich tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine. The blog also provides insider tips on boutique accommodations and unique experiences to make your trip unforgettable.

That’s all for this week, besties! 💌
May your maps be dreamy, your inbox be quiet, and your iced latte extra cold. Send this to your travel buddy who needs a little summer magic, and let me know if you’re plotting an escape — I’m always down to help.

Stay safe, travel smart, and enjoy every moment of your journey. Until next week, happy travels! 🌍✨
Rabia ✨
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Travel Trivia 🤩
Answer: 😮
C) Yakushima
The ancient cedar tree is called Jōmon Sugi, and some estimates say it could be over 7,000 years old — making it one of the oldest living trees on Earth. 🌧️🌲 It’s a pilgrimage-worthy hike on an island that feels straight out of a fantasy film.

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