In 2022-23, we shifted from Africa, Asia, and Mexico. We focused on South America and spent three months in Buenos Aires, Argentina just after the World Cup win. We had the good fortune to discover MSC Cruises from that city. We boarded a multi-day cruise which allowed us a full day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Rio seemed like a place we'd just have to visit again, and now those plans are being laid out. We usually do our preparation in dribbles, figuring out single piece at a time. For next winter, we've had the good fortune to piece together an itinerary quite rapidly. This is the very first season, I'm planning with the help of my AI. By entering flight data and itineraries as soon as we make decisions, the scope of the whole winter can come together seamlessly and with greater clarity. Moreover, it is easy to print up a summary at any time to double-check for gaps or omissions.
I asked Ajith to write up what we know about next winter so far, and I'll paste it under this photo taken near the 'Christ, the Redeemer' Statue. It was shot on our all-day port excursion on
March 1, 2023.
What About Next Winter?
Jay's and my 2026-27 winter begins with a quick eastbound flight across the Atlantic for a short stay in the United Kingdom. On November 1, 2026, we depart Vancouver for London Gatwick, followed by a restful five-night stay at the ibis Southampton Centre. This planned interval serves as a chance for local sightseeing near UK's Hampshire County, as well as a special mid-week train trip to ancient Stonehenge to see the Neolithic ruins before our cruise departs.
The cruise segment of our journey involves a grand 24-night transatlantic voyage aboard the MSC Virtuosa starting on November 7. Our scenic route winds through a diverse Mediterranean and Macaronesian itinerary, featuring sun-drenched ports in Spain, France, and the Canary Islands. The trip concludes with six relaxing days at sea across the open ocean, bridging the gap between the Old World and our first Brazilian stop in Salvador on November 28.
A three-month extended stay in Rio de Janeiro forms the heart of our winter getaway from December to the final day of February. Upon disembarking on December 1, 2026, we move into an Airbnb condo apartment on Rua Riachuelo for our 90-day visit, maintaining our commitment to a continuous summer lifestyle. The stay is perfectly timed for us to enjoy the essential highlights of the Brazilian summer calendar: the massive Réveillon (New Year's Eve) fireworks on Copacabana and the unparalleled excitement of Carnaval, which dominates the city in mid-February 2027.
The final chapter of our winter trip remains flexible, allowing for further exploration before our eventual return to Metro-Vancouver. After leaving the Rio apartment on March 1, 2027, we have earmarked a few weeks for spontaneous travel to new destinations. Our exact return flights and transit points for mid-March remain unconfirmed, allowing for an open-ended adventure that prioritizes personal discovery over a rigid schedule.