On stage, at the beach and in the mountains: New, enriching and sometimes life-changing experiences wait for you in the new year. Here are three play-cations, each a unique and original journey that promises not only an adventure but a way to reconnect with yourself and the world through art, camaraderie and peaceful solitude.

‘Come From Away’ comes to Cunard

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Tony Award- and Oliver Award-winning Broadway musical "Come From Away," Cunard brings the heart of Newfoundlander kindness to the high seas. Staged in the Royal Court Theatre aboard the luxury cruise ship Queen Elizabeth, it is the first time the production has been performed at sea — and the first time Cunard has sailed the Caribbean.

Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, "Come From Away" tells the story of the 6,579 air passengers grounded in the tiny town of Gander, Canada, in the wake of 9/11. One of those real-life “plane people,” Kevin Tuerff, was returning home to Austin, Texas, from Paris when his plane took a sharp right to the north.

“I looked out and all I could see were trees and rocks,” said Tuerff, portrayed on stage by the character known as Kevin T. “I didn’t know where we were or what country we were in.”

Gander met the challenge of an international crisis that nearly doubled its population in a single day with open arms, hearts and homes.

“The people stepped up with compassion—not just on that day but when I returned years later. This is how they roll every day,” said Tuerff, who authored his own account of September 11, a book titled "Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11." Tuerff also co-founded “Pay It Forward 9/11,” a charitable foundation that honors through random acts of kindness the victims of 9/11 and the spirit of Gander’s hospitality.

"Come From Away" is part of Cunard’s comprehensive lineup of entertainment that also includes a traditional afternoon tea service presented on fine bone China, yoga classes and dance lessons, swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool and whirlpool, shopping, live music, a chance to work on your golf swing, film screenings, stage shows and pub entertainment in the Golden Lion, among the offerings.

Known for its stellar theatrical productions, the recently refurbished 2,000-passenger Queen Elizabeth is an icon of style and gracious hospitality, with Art Deco interiors, accommodations that are pampering havens and restaurants plating a gourmet experience—an idyllic backdrop for island-hopping in the sunny Caribbean. Information: www.cunard.com, 800-728-6273

Shhh – quietcation underway

Call it unplugged, a digital detox or “hush-pitality,” the quietcation is here to make a statement (with its inside voice) about the joys of slowing down and living in the moment.

Look no further than North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, a serene stretch of southern coastline with barrier islands and coastal towns, soft, sandy beaches and temperate climes for sun, sand and silence—and a chance to hit the reset button.

Base yourself at the Ocean Isle Inn with its panoramic and island views or the Sunset Inn, a charming bed and breakfast overlooking a saltwater marsh and a five-minute stroll to the ocean. Each is a quiet refuge with a full menu of amenities, including unspoiled and uncrowded beach areas, swimming pools, a variety of nearby dining and shopping options, and much more.

Quieter, slower-paced activities are the order of the day, whether seeking a putter’s peace with a round of golf at one of the six championship courses located in Sunset Beach, reconnecting with nature with a gentle paddle excursion through the marsh or guided swamp boat tour or strolling the 968-foot wooden landmark Ocean Isle Beach Pier, where the rhythm of the waves below provides the ultimate soundtrack for clearing your mind.

No quietcation to this pristine corner of the world is complete without a pilgrimage to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island. Join the thousands of visitors who’ve come to this isolated swath of sandy beach for more than four decades to pen their hopes and dreams in a shared journal—an experience that was the inspiration for author Nicholas Sparks’ 2018 novel, "Every Breath." Nor is any trip complete without witnessing the double miracle of catching sunrise and sunset right over the water from south-facing Sunset Beach.

Dining in the Brunswick Islands is delightfully low-key. Savor local flavors and peaceful atmospheres at spots like Silver Coast Winery with its woodland setting and author and live music events; local favorite Sharky’s for classic seafood; Drift, a laidback gathering space for a quiet brunch or coffee; and the cozy pub atmosphere of Fibber McGee’s. Information: www.ncbrunswick.com, 910-755-5517

Extraordinary adventures, for women only

Some of the most profound travel experiences come not only from the destination, but through the shared experience of that destination. For more than four decades, the experiential-based women-owned organization, AdventureWomen, has offered women the chance to challenge themselves, step out of their comfort zone, get fully immersed in different cultures, create memories and connect with other women through extraordinary travels.

“Traveling with all women just feels different—in the best way,” said Ali Riley, who has been on Adventure Women trips to the Canadian Rockies, Peru, Nepal and guest favorite, Baja: Whale Watching and the Sea of Cortez.

“There’s this unspoken understanding from the start, like we’re all on the same page without even trying. There’s no weird energy to manage, no one trying to outdo anyone, just a kind of mutual respect that shows up without needing to be announced. And before you know it, the group is bonding, and that camaraderie becomes one of the best elements of the trip, regardless of the destination.”

Solo travelers and first-time adventurers, friend groups, mothers, daughters and sisters—with all interest and activity levels—have experienced a wide range of adventures all over the world with AdventureWomen’s unique brand of community building, women empowerment and diligence to detail.

“It’s a fully inclusive itinerary from start to finish, with a full support team and a trip manager,” said Emily Vaden, director of sales. “

“On the Baja trip, the connections started forming right away,” noted Riley. “Whether we were wiping out during surf lessons, floating next to each other while snorkeling or swapping stories over dinner on the beach, the group really clicked.”

On this eight-day Mexican adventure, highlights include whale watching in Magdalena Bay, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling in Baja, learning to cook Mexican cuisine using fresh local produce and seafood, and swimming and snorkeling with sea lions.

“Snorkeling with sea lions seriously felt like swimming with a bunch of playful golden retrievers,” said Riley. “And experiencing that kind of joy together made it even more memorable.

“In the quieter moments, the conversations got real in the best way,” she added. “I came home not only with amazing memories but also feeling more connected to the place, to myself and to a new group of friends.”

And Riley has maintained these friendships, traveling with some of the women on other AdventureWomen trips. In fact, she has planned the Italy: Trails, Bikes and Piedmont’s Culinary Delights trip for 2026.

“I’m a huge fan of the incredible wine and cheese that come from this region, and getting to explore it alongside a group of like-minded female foodies will be a blast,” said Riley. “I’ve traveled all over Italy, but I haven’t had the chance to visit this part yet—and I can’t wait to dive into its flavors, trails and culture.” Information: www.adventurewomen.com, 800-804-8686

Whether traveling aboard a luxury cruise ship, snorkeling with sea lions or kicking back in the hushed tranquility of a coastal sanctuary, these play-cations will change the way you see yourself and the world.

The luggage to see you through

One piece of luggage that will get you through each adventure with style and confidence is Briggs & Riley’s new Essential 22-Inch Front Pocket Carry-On Expandable Spinner ($799) in navy and black. It has the elevated look for sophisticated journeys, the sturdy functionality for managing the demands of outdoor gear and adventures, and the breezy good looks at home with beach trips.

Conde Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Award winner for Best Luggage, this case is super sturdy in recycled polycarbonate and has a nimble one-touch expansion/compression feature, built-in TSA lock, exterior-mounted Outsider handle (read: more packing space) and an exterior Power Pocket on the back of the bag that allows for a pass-through USB cord for on-the-go charging.

An outstanding feature for anyone who works while they travel or packs electronics with them (and who doesn’t these days?) is the bag’s zippered Tech Compartment. It coddles a 15-inch laptop, plus holds a tablet in a slip pocket and still has room for essentials like passports within the compartment. Information: www.briggs-riley.com