• Archives
  • 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 | Comments

  • Jul29

    trip to AfricaIn no time, South Africa has climbed the ranks to become one of the premier destinations in the world. Pristine beaches, rolling hills, wine country, and golf resorts — what’s not to love? If you’re looking for a luxurious vacation the whole family will love, then look no further. While South Africa offers a wide range of accommodations, private villas are growing in popularity. Today we spotlight some of South Africa’s best villas for a luxurious family retreat.

    1933 Lodge. Similar to Tarkuni, the 1933 Lodge features cozy accommodations amidst the beauty of South Africa. Located along the Sabie River, each of the four suites offer private views of the river. Other suite amenities include large, comfortable beds that are inviting after a day sightseeing, along with luxurious baths. For children, there’s the dormitory, which can accommodate up to eight children. The lodge’s most popular perks include both a private chef and private safari guide. Guests even get their own exclusive Land Rover for game drives. Other features of the 1933 Lodge include a gym and sauna, wine cellar, and lounge with a fireplace.

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  • Jul8

    gobi desert

    Gobi Desert

    Have you thought about turning your next luxury vacation into the trip of a lifetime by visiting some of the world’s most renowned deserts? The desert may not be at the top of your bucket list, yet many of the world’s famous deserts feature expansive skies and beautiful landscapes that are second to none. You won’t want to leave your camera behind for these experiences. Today we have three deserts to add to your bucket list.

    Gobi Desert. The Gobi Desert is probably the most familiar desert on this list. Those who aren’t familiar with it are surprised to find that it’s located in China, although parts of it stretch into Southern Mongolia. Unlike many deserts, the Gobi Desert is predominantly rock rather than sand. Unlike people’s expectations of desert climate, the Gobi Desert can reach temperatures well below freezing. Snow can even be seen  on top of the dunes sometimes.

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  • Jun20

    arctic explorations

    When it comes to adventure travel, there are thrilling excursions, and then there are those adrenaline-rushing expeditions that go much further. National Geographic does just this with their 11-day Land of the Polar Bears expedition. Is the North Pole on your bucket list? Then here’s your best chance to go where few have gone before.

    The Land of the Polar Bears expedition by National Geographic takes travelers to the ends of the earth to Svalbard, a high Arctic archipelago north of Norway. The Norwegian archipelago is located north of mainland Europe, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Since it’s located inside the Arctic Circle and so close to the North Pole, you’ll have to take more than just a parka. Surprisingly, Svalbard typically has higher temperatures than other places at the same latitude.

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  • Jun15

    When it comes to the European drink of choice, most people always think of wine. However, Europe has long been one of the top regions in the world for manufacturing beer. Destinations from around the world are lined with pubs that serve the best in European beer. Today we feature the best breweries in Europe.

    1. Spaten Brewery. For beer enthusiasts, Spaten represents one of the best in European beers. The German brewery is at the forefront of Germany’s beer culture that is one of the largest in the world. Located in Munich, Germany, Spaten is one of the most extensive brewery tours in the world, as it is two hours and includes a film, introduction to the process of brewing Spaten beer, and beer and food tasting.

    Image above taken from Spatenusa.com.

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  • May30

    machu picchu

    Machu Picchu just rolls off the tongue of travelers. Common discourse among frequent travelers, Machu Picchu has a certain allure and reverence that many of the world’s landmarks lack. It’s one of a few destinations that many may even refer to as the holy grail of travel. A pre-Columbian Inca site, Machu Picchu is one of the most unique peaks in the world and the most notable in Peru, standing at nearly 8,000 feet tall. There are several different ways to experience Machu Picchu, but we’re giving you three of the best activities while visiting this famous peak.

    Hiking the Inca Trail. Put on your best hiking boots when trekking the Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu. First things first, this is not a hike for novices. This strenuous hike often takes travelers to elevations above the peak of Machu Picchu. Nonetheless, the experience and stories along the way from native guides makes this one of the best hikes in the world. The trail is actually a network of trails and provides views of ruins and overlooks that are only accessible by the trail. Depending on which trail you take it could take anywhere from one to four days to hike.

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  • May6

    monacoOften overlooked in Europe, Monaco is one of the most culture-rich destinations in the world. This city-state is located at the crossroads of the best that Europe has to offer. Monaco lies in between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, with the French Riviera just to the east and the Italian Riviera to the west. To showcase the extraordinary culture of Monaco, we feature three of the best cultural activities to experience.

    Die Marquise Von O at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. A trip to the opera is uniquely European, and this couldn’t be any more true than for Monaco. Opéra de Monte-Carlo is a world-famous opera house and one of the most photographed buildings in Monaco. Dress to impress for an evening out at this opera house. Come late April, Die Marquise Von O is the headlining show at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. Not only does a viewing of an opera at Opéra de Monte-Carlo immerse guests into the culture of Europe, but so does  Die Marquise Von O, which is set during the Napoleonic Wars at the beginning of the 19th century. Read More | Comments

  • Apr25

    culinary destinationsIs food not one of the primary reasons we travel? A certain thrill comes from experiencing food that is not only different from what we may eat at home, but often much better. Travelers even plan their trips around food, developing an itinerary around their favorite meal times. We’ve put together the top food destinations from around the world and what types of food you can expect to find there.

    Paris. Most people would probably put Paris at the top of their list, as the number one food destination in the world. This is one city where food is an attraction in and of itself. It’s probably a good thing that Paris is such a great walking city, since sweet treats are often noted as the highlight of its cuisine. A morning, or evening for that matter, is often marked by a visit to the local bakery for a chocolate croissant or to a crepe cart for a world-famous Nutella crepe. Close in popularity to Paris’ desserts and pastries are the city’s cheeses, which are coupled well with a glass of French wine. Many restaurants and cheese shops feature entrees that are merely a mix of fresh meats and cheeses, often served with freshly baked bread.

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