Discoveries, stories, and the pleasure of travel
Issue 01 | November 2026
A Different Side of Provence
Welcome to the first edition of O Mundo Lá Fora (The World Outside), a monthly publication by Zest Estúdio de Viagens.
We created this space to share some of the things we discover around the world: destinations worth exploring, remarkable places, travel trends, interesting stories, and practical insights that can make a difference when planning a journey.
Our idea is simple: once a month, bring you an enjoyable read that sparks curiosity and perhaps inspires your next adventure.
Shall we begin?
DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT
Provence Beyond the Lavender Fields
When we think of Provence, it is almost impossible not to picture endless fields of lavender. But there is a region that deserves just as much attention: the Luberon.
Located in southeastern France, east of Avignon and north of Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon is known for its preserved landscapes, historic hilltop villages, and a way of life that seems to follow a different rhythm.
Picture winding country roads surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, stone villages, open-air markets, and leisurely lunches that stretch well into the afternoon.
In Gordes, the stone buildings seem to rise naturally from the hillside. In Roussillon, former ochre quarries have painted the landscape in extraordinary shades of red and orange. Lourmarin, meanwhile, offers charming cafés, art galleries, a Renaissance château, and a lively traditional market every Friday.
When should you visit? Spring and autumn are particularly lovely, with pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors than during the height of summer. If seeing the lavender fields in bloom is on your wish list, flowering typically occurs between June and July, depending on weather conditions. During winter, especially January and February, many hotels and restaurants close for the season.
How should you explore? Renting a car and choosing a beautiful hotel as your base is often the best approach. Rather than rushing from one village to the next, allow yourself time to wander, meet local producers, taste regional wines, and simply enjoy the Provençal atmosphere.
Our suggestion: The Luberon is one of those places that rewards travelers who stay for a few days instead of trying to see everything in a single excursion.
A NOTE FROM ZEST
Seeing More Places Doesn’t Always Mean Enjoying Your Trip More
One of the most important decisions when designing a journey is knowing where to spend more time.
Changing hotels every night may seem like an efficient way to cover more ground, but it also means packing and unpacking, managing transfers, and missing opportunities to experience a destination at a more relaxed pace.
Sometimes, an extra night in the right place makes all the difference.
At Zest Estúdio de Viagens, we believe thoughtful travel planning is not simply about fitting more activities into an itinerary. It is about finding the right balance between discovering a destination and actually enjoying it.
NEWS FROM ZEST
I’m Now Writing for REEL BIZ Lifestyle!
I have another piece of news to share: I’ve started writing as a columnist for REEL BIZ Lifestyle, an American digital lifestyle publication that is part of The Scene Projects media network.
I plan to contribute approximately twice a month, exploring different aspects of travel: traveler behavior, industry trends, destinations, experiences, and what makes a journey truly meaningful.
My first article, Travel Planning & Understanding People, explores something I strongly believe in: planning a great trip starts with understanding people, not just destinations.
I’m delighted to have this new opportunity to share ideas and experiences with readers from different parts of the world.
Read my first article on The Scene Projects
ON OUR RADAR
November: Which Trips Should You Start Planning Now?
We are still in 2026, but some of the most exciting travel experiences for 2027 already deserve a place on your calendar, especially those tied to a particular season or involving highly sought-after hotels.
Japan During Cherry Blossom Season | March and April 2027
Cherry blossom season is one of the most popular times to visit Japan. In Tokyo and Kyoto, the flowers typically bloom between late March and early April.
Nature, however, doesn’t follow an exact calendar. The best approach is to design a journey that will be memorable even if the blossoms arrive a little earlier or later than expected.
Summer in Europe | June to September 2027
Dreaming of the Greek islands, the Amalfi Coast, or Puglia?
November is an excellent time to start planning next summer’s European adventures, especially for families who need to travel in July, when Brazilian schools are on holiday.
Small boutique hotels, private villas, and accommodations in particularly desirable locations are worth booking well in advance.
Safaris in Botswana | June to September 2027
The dry season offers outstanding wildlife-viewing opportunities, particularly in the Okavango Delta and Chobe region.
With many safari lodges offering only a small number of accommodations, and transportation between remote properties requiring careful coordination, this is one destination where planning ahead can make a substantial difference.
Carnival 2027 | February
In Brazil, Carnival Tuesday falls on February 9, 2027.
For those hoping to spend the holiday at a special resort, on a beautiful Brazilian beach, or traveling internationally, now is the time to explore the possibilities.
In this case, November isn’t particularly early. It’s already time to make some decisions!
One final tip from Zest: Planning ahead isn’t only about finding better rates. More importantly, it gives you greater freedom to choose where to stay, what to experience, and how to make the most of every day.
Where Will Your Next Journey Take You?
Have you started thinking about your travels for 2027?
Perhaps there is a destination you’ve dreamed about for years, or maybe a new idea has recently caught your attention.
I’d love to hear about the places that spark your curiosity.
Schedule a conversation with Lu Janson
Until next time!
Lu Janson
The pure pleasure of travel.
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