Undiscovered Sunsets

"You did what!? Why would you hire a travel agent to plan our trip???" I was living in China at the time, and with a 15+ hour time difference, it had probably been a week since I first mentioned that we were attending a wedding in Croatia and that they should meet us in Europe. My dad: "Yeah, I Googled 'luxury travel agency Germany', told the first one who answered what we are looking for, and they did it. It's done". ... I was frustrated, to say the least. I had always planned our trips. I thoroughly enjoy researching and learning about a new destination as I map out a plan for our travels. Also, as you know by now , I was working in a 5-star hotel in Shanghai, so my expectations were insane. Honestly, I wasn't easily impressed when it came to service and attention to detail .... I was living that life everyday so it had become an expectation for me. I was no longer surprised nor delighted. ....Until I arrived in Germany, that is. This travel agency blew me away with the details, the customization of our itinerary to our interests and travel style, and the personal touches included every step of the way. It was on this trip that I was inspired to combine my professional expertise in hospitality with my personal experience traveling the world and living as an expat, to transform the two into a business where I could guide travelers to discover the authenticity of a destination that I felt was so often missing. It was on that trip that I began to write the outline of my business plan. See more

Currently, travelers can visit Antigua with proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within seven days of their arrival. Here, our picks for a safe, sun-soaked vacation. #VirtuosoTravel https://tinyurl.com/yc39m2aq/

Situated on the southern end of the island, the Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel has been a Grenada go-to for several decades. Rooms spread across the property are decorated in a quintessential Caribbean style. Whether you nosh on fresh seafood on the sand or unwind with a "Total Harmony" massage to erase any jet lag, this property is the perfect setting for some mid-winter relief.

Bosnia-Herzegovina offers a stunning mixture of Ottoman, Yugoslavian and Austro-Hungarian architecture - a combination that you won't see anywhere else in the world. Croatia is the often the sparkling gem in this region, as it grows more and more popular each year (and rightfully so, one of my favorites!!). If you're looking for a quieter experience oozing with "why have I never heard of this place before?" vibes, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro are just next door and equally worthy of a visit.

Insight from Virtuoso travel advisors and other experts on how to take a sustainable safari. #VirtuosoTravel https://tinyurl.com/y798zfk7/

Is Work from Hotel the new Work from Home? These Virtuoso properties including The Joule in Dallas are giving guests a chance to switch up their remote-work environments. #VirtuosoTravel http://tinyurl.com/y9qahd3q/

Spain's Canary Islands are among the finest places on earth to watch the night sky. Here’s how to plan a future trip. #VirtuosoTravel http://tinyurl.com/yxwxym4d/

How to prep for a road trip travel advisor insight on what to know before you go. #VirtuosoTravel http://tinyurl.com/y5524y3k/

What is the most magical hotel experience in California? I looooove when an itinerary design starts with a question like this. It immediately shifts the conversation and launches the brainstorming from a totally different perspective than the typical "when, where, how long?". Don't get me wrong, I also get excited about the when, where, how long conversation starter and can answer in mere seconds. ... Norway, June, two weeks...at least. Patagonia, October, may just stay forever... Okay, let's stay focused When this question was posed to me, I knew which option I wanted to present to this particular client because I know her style and I know what lights her up, but out of curiosity, I also took this question to our private group of travel advisors to see what they thought. Within only a few hours, we had a huge thread going of different hotels all over the state of California. Not only were hotel recommendations coming in, but they often included photos from advisors’ personal stays, specific guidance on which room category to book, and a detailed description of why they thought each option was so special. And here’s what I love so much every option presented was special. But not all options would be equally special for every client. This, my friends, is what I mean when I talk about personalized itinerary design. No less than fifteen absolutely incredible hotels were discussed in that thread. Are all fifteen of those a magical, unique experience for you? No way, probably just one or two would be for you. And that's why I'm sometimes called a matchmaker

So we're officially half way through September. As excited as I am for Fall weather and our new patio set up (thank you Article and TIKI Brand Products ), it's feeling more and more like it's time to look to 2021 for our international adventures. You feelin' that too? I've got a lot of questions landing in my inbox lately, which I love and am always happy to assist, so here's a few insights on how I'm approaching new itinerary designs as of late... ... We're working with trusted suppliers and advocating for clients to put down the smallest deposit possible. Our goal: 20% or less to secure your hotels, preferred guides, tours, and experiences. We're going even one step further to request final payments be paid only 30 - 45 days prior to your trip as opposed to an industry standard of 90 - 120 days. (We want your to stay in your hands as long as possible!) Better yet! If possible, let's begin an itinerary design for 2021 that doesn't require deposits at all. This usually looks like securing hotels with no deposits due and waiting a bit longer on flights, tours, experiences, etc. On the calendar while also mitigating risk? Bravo We know many of you like to plan ahead and book those international flights as early as possible, but, for now, we’re recommending a window of 4-6 months in advance as opposed to 10 - 11 months. Itineraries are changing constantly and airline refunds are often the most difficult to secure...it's more likely you'll receive a voucher which may not be favorable to your travel plans. I have so many thoughts on strategically planning for 2021, too many thoughts for a Facebook post! ha! If you're ready to begin planning your next adventure, send me a message and we'll take it from there. I'm already excited to get started! See more

Three travel-industry insiders share their expert takes on overtourism, including great ways to help, amazing unsung spots for future trips, and how to skirt the crowds (when that’s a thing again). #VirtuosoTravel http://tinyurl.com/y45uktm2/

From Arizona’s Highway 163 to the picturesque U.S. 1 up the coast of New England, these are five of the best road trips in North America. #VirtuosoTravel http://tinyurl.com/yy79x3k8/

Miss Aurora Maeve is two months old ...a few days ago She’s found her hands, gives us the biggest, full body smiles, and is talking up a storm all day long.

At the recent Virtuoso Travel Week, Virtuoso advisors met virtually to shop for new vacation ideas for their clients. Here a few of our favorite trends and ideas from the week. (Because there’s always room for a little travel dreaming.) #VirtuosoTravel http://tinyurl.com/yxnxcanc/

"Martin and I have decided we love our trips best when you plan them!! ... On every trip you have planned for us, you suggest something that we hadn't considered or that we wouldn't have done if there was a lot of effort to figure out how to do it. We continue to talk about our Germany trip and how fabulous it was." - M & D This!! Since researching for the very first trip I ever designed, I've always had one big objective in mind...to find out what is possible i...n that destination. What things is everyone going to do and what are the experiences that are super special, but that no one knows about? I'm constantly searching and asking the big questions -- tell me all about the WOW experiences in your destination. Where are the places you love in your country but that most travelers don't ever see? For some of my favorite clients to recognize and appreciate the unique and authentic ideas that I propose for their travels is truly the greatest compliment and makes my heart sing See more

During Virtuoso Travel Week last week, I met with our partners at Chablé. We were discussing the magical opportunity to combine a stay at Chable Yucatán in the jungle for some rest and relaxation and then continue on to Chablé Maroma for some time on the beach. And en route, a stop at Ek Balam is a must, he insisted! Yes, yes it is - I've been there and I agree, it's even more impressive than Chichen Itza ... This hotel combination is officially on my list of "must do's as soon as possible". When we confirm a stay on your behalf, you'll enjoy two of the most beautiful experiences in the Yucatan Peninsula with the full VIP treatment from start to finish. See more

There must be something in the air this week.... although we are all still a bit hesitant to make travel plans, I've enjoyed the day dreaming emails and phone calls I've received in the last few days...even A & I started talking about "where to next?" even if we don't yet know when that will be. While putting together some ideas for epic hotels to explore this Fall, Mexico still remains one of the only options in which we can hop on a plane and arrive sans quarantine or a negative Covid test requirement. If you need a quick getaway, you know where to find me

Then: Jet-setting Now: Road-tripping A lot has changed since January here’s an updated look at 2020’s biggest travel trends. #VirtuosoTravel ... http://tinyurl.com/y5s9jw8b/