• Feb3

    Some places have such breathtaking beauty that they’re perfect getaways for nature and wildlife photographers. Following are three of our favorites.

    Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

    Hwange is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe and covers over 5,000 square miles. Located near the Kalahari Desert, Hwange is home to more than 100 species of mammals, including the Big Five (cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros). In addition, Hwange is one of the few places to view African wild dogs and hyena.

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  • Jan27

    When you travel to Chile, staying at a wine estate is one of the most enchanting adventures you can have. We have three favorite wine estate hotels, each with its own personality.

    Matetic Guest House & Vineyards

    The Matetic Guest House, also known as La Casona, is a majestic colonial home with seven luxurious rooms featuring king size beds, private baths, and private terraces. This estate house is full of rich wood and sumptuous furnishings, with elegant colors and classic textures. Chef Matías Bustos of the Equilibrio Restaurant prepares delicious local cuisine from fresh ingredients.

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  • Jan20

    Stockholm, Sweden is known as the capital of Scandinavia, and visitors are constantly amazed at the variety of things to do, see, and eat. Here are some of our favorites.

    Grand Hôtel Stockholm

    A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Grand Hôtel offers over 300 luxuriously appointed and furnished rooms, 2 world-class restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a high-end health club. In the heart of Stockholm, this century-old hotel is close to boutique shopping, the archipelago, and cultural attractions.

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  • Jan13

    Image to the left taken from the Hotel Arts Barcelona website.

    Spain is a place where people are not afraid to be artsy and funky while retaining a touch of elegance. Some of its hotels celebrate this unique fusion, and we’re going to look at three of them.

    Hotel Arts Barcelona

    A feast for the eyes and the heart, Hotel Arts Barcelona must be seen to be believed. Each guest suite has a panoramic view of the city and the sea, and you’ll find unsurpassed luxury and comfort in the feather mattress pad and lush linens. Exclusive room service 24 hours a day and housekeeping service twice a day ensure you lack nothing during your stay.

    Six Senses Spa offers amazing massages and beauty treatments, such as hot stone therapy, deep cleansing facials, and deluxe eye, hand, and foot treatments. Restaurants include Arola, run by famed chef Sergi Arola; the Michelin-starred Enoteca, with delectable Mediterranean fare; Bites, an informal eatery; and Café Veranda, which serves a buffet breakfast and Sunday brunch. Read More

  • Jan6

    swiss chocolateWhen you think of chocolate and cheese, Switzerland often comes to mind. Its savory chocolates and cheeses are like no other treats in the world. One of Switzerland’s secrets is that they do not pasteurize their milk, so their cheese and chocolate begin with velvety, full-flavored (and full-fat) milk and cream.

    Over 400 varieties of cheese are produced in Switzerland, and cheese is made continuously with only fresh milk and cream. Cattle are typically grass fed, and depending on the area, they have easy access to wildflowers and herbs that give their milk distinctive flavors. In fact, Swiss law mandates that cattle be outside foraging for food most days of each month.

    Overall, Swiss cheesemakers run small, local operations and do not export much of their cheese. In any village, you can find cheesemakers who will be happy to show you their operations and allow you to sample their wares. One factory, located in the Engelberg Monastery, carries a large selection of regional cheese and is Switzerland’s only show cheese factory. Read More

  • Dec30

    cruise vacationWe have a New Year coming up shortly—are you ready to make 2012 your ultimate travel year and explore the world? Here’s how, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

    Take out your bucket list, and check it twice.

    Where would you like to go? What would you like to do?

    Do you have it on your bucket list already, or could your list stand a little revision?

    Your bucket list is your guide to the travel experiences you want, and it should reflect your dream experiences, destinations, and activities. As they say, the world is your oyster, so don’t be afraid to dream big and we’ll help you do it!

    Make plans now for trips in 2012.

    Decide where you want to go, and call us to get started creating your Custom Journey. The earlier we hear from you, the more time we have to create the journey you’ve always dreamed of. We have several small-group Distinctive Journeys we’re planning for 2012 that you’ll love, but they are first come, first serve. Book early and often! Read More

  • Dec23

    Image to the left taken from the Pottery Barn website (depicts travel-related tree ornaments)

    For a more exciting and fun Christmas, try adding some international culture to your holiday. It’s easy—all you need to do is use your imagination. Following are some ideas to add a little magic from around the world to your Christmas.

    Add some new decorations.

    Try adding some ornaments or knickknacks from around the world to your Christmas tree or to your mantel. Pottery Barn has a full selection of travel ornaments, and you can search online for goodies from specific countries. Whether you like glass ornaments, cookie jars, or advent calendars, you’ll find new decorations you’ll love. Read More

  • Dec16

    international holidaysJust as Christmas is a magical, happy holiday in the U.S., it’s also a special time in other countries. Today, we’re exploring Christmas in Germany, Australia, and England.

    Germany

    Who can resist Germany’s Christmas markets with their festive stalls that sell everything from wooden marionettes to silk clothes to fine jewelry? The markets, which open after Thanksgiving and run every day until Christmas Eve, are a surefire way to get in the Christmas spirit and find unique and beautiful gifts for everyone. Read More