GLOBETROTTER
New hotel
Vermont: Leaf-peepers may be the first guests at Field Guide, a luxury boutique hotel close to the forest trails and ski slopes of Stowe. Opening Oct. 1, the inn includes 27 rooms and suites and three cottages with decor inspired by the local woods and wildlife. From $169. www.fieldguidestowe.com
New cruise
Colombia: Haimark Line’s 12-night Undiscovered Caribbean cruise, rerouted after Venezuela’s visa policy changed, now departs Trinidad on Nov. 20 with stops in Tobago, Grenada, Bonaire and Curacao before exploring Colombia’s indigenous cultures on the Guajira Peninsula and in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The sale price of $2,399 (including select airfares and no surcharge for solo travelers) is valid through Sept. 30. www.haimarkline.com
New tour
South Africa: Canada’s elite winemaker Norman Hardie returns home to lead Quench Travel’s 12-day Epicurean South Africa tour, visiting elite wineries and restaurants in the scenic countryside and seeing the urban sights of Cape Town and nearby landmarks. The tour (from $5,279) departs March 26. www. quenchtravel.com
Music
Italy: The monthlong Verdi Festival returns Oct. 1 with three operas (two in new productions), concerts and exhibitions in Parma and across the Emilia-Romagna region. The composer’s 202nd birthday on Oct. 10 will also be marked with special events in Parma. www.teatroregioparma.it
Food festival
New Zealand: Kaikoura means “eating crayfish” in Maori, an apt description during the South Island town’s annual Kaikoura Seafest. The Oct. 3 event features many food stalls serving the regional delicacy, other fresh seafood and South Island wines, plus special coastal train rides and entertainment. www. seafest.co.nz