Curated Travel - The Blog

Reflecting on 2025 + a Big Announcement!

Heather Lindstrom — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:19:32 +0000

Portofino 2025

Reflecting on 2025

2025 turned out to be an unforgettable year of travel—three trips to Europe in just six months! That was a first for me, and what a whirlwind it was. Scott and I kicked off the year sailing through the Caribbean on Explora I, easing into January with sunshine, sea breezes, and that signature Explora luxury experience.

By May, it was time for our annual Cadence Connects at the newly reimagined Hotel del Coronado—always fabulous, and even more magical with its refreshed look. Then June swept me off to Spain for the Emotions Travel Show, where I finally had the chance to explore both Madrid and Toledo for the very first time. Two cities, two completely different energies, and both absolutely captivating.

September brought one of my favorite traditions: our Fourth Curated Travel Group Cruise. Embarking from Barcelona, we had a fantastic group—many dear friends and repeat cruisers—and the itinerary along the coasts of Spain, France, and Italy was pure Mediterranean bliss. Explora Journeys was a star once again, and sharing those experiences together made it even more special. After we disembarked, Scott and I slipped away to Hotel Belles Rives in Antibes to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, French Riviera style.

Curated Travel Group Cruise on Explora II 2025!

Three weeks later, I returned to France for a hosted week in Provence with our French partner, Andy Swann Voyage, exploring the very best of Provence and the Côte d’Azur alongside a lovely group of Cadence friends. From there, I headed to Paris for DUCO France— it was an honor to attend and a dream to spend a week immersed in the city’s finest hotels, meeting with partners, and even enjoying a couple of solo days to wander, savor, and soak it all in.

Every stamp in my passport this year brought new knowledge, deeper relationships, and richer inspiration for crafting exceptional journeys for my clients. Truly a win‑win!

And 2026 is already shaping up beautifully. Scott and I will begin the year by hosting a Virtuoso Voyage in the Caribbean with Explora Journeys, with more European adventures shimmering on the horizon.

We are already looking ahead to 2027 with a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

We will embark on the Explora II from Athens on September 20-27.

Duration: 7 Nights · 7 Ports · 3 Countries
Dates: 20–27 September 2027

Piraeus (Athens), Greece – Departure from historic Athens
Paros – Cycladic charm and breezy beaches
Rhodes – Medieval allure and legendary tales
Corfu – Venetian elegance and lush landscapes
Dubrovnik – Secrets behind ancient walls
Hvar – Radiant island vibes
Venice (Fusina), Italy – Artistic finale in canal-lined beauty

Info on the Explora Cruise and Itinerary HERE

The link on my website, Curated Travel, to register and sign up for the cruise HERE

Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!

Heather

Preparing for a Luxury Mediterranean Cruise: Your Guide to Smooth Sailing

Heather Lindstrom — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 20:20:08 +0000

Preparing for a Luxury Mediterranean Cruise:

Your Guide to Smooth Sailing

Embarking on a Mediterranean luxury cruise is like stepping into a dream—where ancient cities, sun-drenched coastlines, and indulgent amenities await. But to make the most of this opulent journey, a little preparation goes a long way.

Here’s how to get ready for your voyage in style:

Pack Smart, Dress Cool

• Smart packing begins with your selection of luggage. I love a set like this one from Delsey Paris or this one.

• Daywear Essentials: Lightweight layers, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection are key for onshore adventures.

Accessories are everything: Think Understated Luxury

• Sun-Savvy Style: A wide-brimmed straw hat, oversized sunglasses (my current favorite Longchamp), and a silk scarf double as sun protection and fashion statements. For the flight, I like this one.

• Day-to-Night Bags: A woven tote for excursions and a chic clutch for elegant dinners.

• Jewelry Edit: Choose versatile pieces—gold hoops, layered necklaces, or here, and a statement cuff. Keep it curated, not cluttered.

Daytime: Casual Elegance

During the day, comfort is key—but with a polished twist.

• Light sundresses and midi dresses or linen jumpsuits: Breezy and breathable for warm Mediterranean days.

• Flowy linen pants or tailored shorts with flowy blouses: Great for excursions or lounging on deck.

• Swim & Spa Gear: Don’t forget swimwear (with a caftan - love this one!) for the pool or spa, and workout clothes if you plan to use the fitness center.

Footwear with Flair: Leather sandals for strolling ancient streets, espadrilles for seaside lunches, and sleek kitten heels for onboard soirées.

Evening: Refined but Relaxed

Most luxury small ships (including Explora) skip the black-tie formality in favor of “casual chic.”

• Cocktail dresses or elegant maxi dresses: Think Cannes waterfront, not gala night.

• Dressy separates: Silk pants with a statement top or a tailored midi skirt.

Beauty & Wellness

• Skincare Rituals: Hydrating mist, SPF serum, and a rich night cream to combat sun and sea air.

• Signature Scent: A travel-sized perfume that evokes coastal sophistication—think neroli, fig, or sea salt. I love this one! I use an atomizer to carry my favorite fragrance with me.

• Spa-Ready Essentials: Luxe loungewear and here, a silk eye mask, and your favorite facial roller for onboard pampering.

🗺️ Plan Your Shore Excursions

• Curated Experiences: Many luxury lines offer exclusive tours—think private vineyard tastings in Provence or guided walks through ancient ruins in Athens.

• Book Early: Popular excursions fill up fast. Reserve your spots before departure to avoid disappointment.

• Go Local: Consider venturing out on your own in smaller ports to discover hidden gems and authentic cuisine. Grab a taxi and go! Be sure to check your boarding time for later that day.

🛳️ Know Your Ship

• Explore Amenities: From Michelin-starred dining to onboard art galleries and wellness retreats, familiarize yourself with what’s available.

• Dining Reservations: Specialty restaurants often require advanced booking—secure your preferred times early. Use an app if your cruise offers one to streamline the reservation process.

• Spa & Wellness: Treat yourself to massages, facials, or even yoga with an ocean view. Book spa reservations ahead. On Explora, book your spa reservations ahead and use your Onboard Credit to pay for your treatment.

📱 Tech & Travel Tips

• Connectivity: Check your cruise line’s Wi-Fi packages and roaming options for port days.

• Currency & Language: Brush up on basic phrases and know which currencies are used in each country.

• Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and check visa requirements for each destination.

• Elegant Organization: Handy travel wallet for documents, monogrammed luggage tags, and a chic passport holder.

• Power with Panache: Sleek portable charger, noise-canceling earbuds, and a compact camera for capturing golden hour.

• Adapters & Converters: Choose a minimalist design that blends seamlessly into your travel kit.

• Mini plug-in night light for hotel/cruise suites

🧳 Packing Strategy: Style Meets Function

• Packing Cubes in neutrals: Keep your suitcase as curated as your wardrobe.

• Roll & Layer: Roll delicate fabrics and layer tissue paper to preserve structure.

If you plan to check a bag for the flights, use an Apple Air Tag and create a ‘capsule collection’ of essentials in your carry-on in case of delayed luggage. I learned this lesson the hard way on my first luxury travel trip to Italy here.

Embrace the Mediterranean Lifestyle

Our Captain for our Fall 2025 Explora II Cruise

Slow down, savor every bite of fresh seafood and sip of local wine, and let the rhythm of the sea guide your days. A Mediterranean luxury cruise isn’t just a vacation—it’s a celebration of culture, comfort, and connection.

My Hot Tips for Preparing for International Travel here plus a more detailed packing list for the Mediterranean here.

If you are joining us in Barcelona for our 4th Curated Travel group cruise on the stunning Explora II we can hardly wait to welcome you for our Bon Voyage!!

Barcelona - Ibiza - Marseille - Villefranche Sur Mer - Genoa - Portofino - Porto Santo Stefano - Rome

Here are a few highlights of our itinerary from our previous travels: Portofino & the Italian Riviera, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, and Eze.

Heather & Scott

The Italian Riviera: Where Golden Sunshine, Azure Seas and Chic Sophistication Frolic

Heather Lindstrom — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 20:27:04 +0000

Portofino Fall 2024

The Italian Riviera

One of our favorite regions of Italy is the Italian Riviera, and we find ourselves returning again and again.

The dazzling Italian Riviera is situated in the region of Liguria, in northwestern Italy. It stretches along the beautiful Ligurian Sea, beginning near the French border at Ventimiglia and extending to the Tuscan border near La Spezia. Nestled between the sea and the rugged hills, this iconic coastline is famed for its Mediterranean charm, colorful villages, and idyllic landscapes.

The Italian Riviera is home to a range of captivating towns, each with unique charm.

Here are some of the highlights:

San Remo - Famous for its music festival, flower market, and elegant casino.
Santa Margherita Ligure - A lively town with a lovely marina and promenade.
Portofino - Known for its upscale vibe, luxurious harbor, and pastel-hued waterfront (not to be confused with Positano on the Amalfi Coast)
Cinque Terre - A cluster of five picturesque villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Porto Venere - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its stunning coastline and historic sites.
Ventimiglia - Located near the French border, and offers vibrant markets and stunning beaches.
Genoa is Liguria's capital and a historic port city with a rich cultural heritage.
PORTOFino

This was our second visit to picturesque, sophisticated, and chic Portofino. The town is a magnet for artists, celebrities, and travelers seeking its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Key attractions include the iconic Piazzetta, the Church of San Giorgio with breathtaking views, and Castello Brown, a historic fortress surrounded by hanging gardens. Portofino is easily accessible by boat, ferry, or smaller cruise ships.

Is it Portofino or Positano?? When I collaborate with my clients on their preferred itinerary, I find that these two coastal villages are frequently confused. Portofino lies on the Italian Riviera on the Northwestern Coast of Italy, while Positano is the postcard-perfect jewel of the Amalfi Coast in the southern part of Italy. Portofino is typically less crowded than Positano.

Santa Margherita Ligure

For visiting the Italian Riviera, I highly recommend a stay in Santa Margherita Ligure. On our fall 2024 visit, we enjoyed several nights at the Grand Hotel Miramare. Highlights were the wonderful views from the seafront suites, warm hospitality, easy walking to the historic center, and easy ferry access. The fresh, local cuisine was unforgettable!

San Remo

I’ll never forget waking up in San Remo for my first international luxury travel event, back in 2018, to brilliant blue skies, golden sunshine, and the azure seas of the Italian Riviera at the charming Grand Hotel San Remo. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven with these glorious views!

San Remo is a charming coastal town on the Italian Riviera, renowned for its mild climate, lush gardens, and vibrant cultural scene. It has a rich history dating back to Roman times and is often associated with its Belle Époque elegance, evident in its grand villas and Art Nouveau architecture. San Remo's connection to flowers is also showcased in the annual Corso Fiorito (in March), a vibrant floral parade featuring intricately decorated floats made entirely of fresh flowers. It's a delightful spectacle that draws visitors from near and far.

A Sunny Visit to San Remo - the City of Flowers - On the Italian Riviera

How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days in Italy

Porto Venere

Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its stunning beauty, historic architecture, and its location on the Gulf of Poets, also known as the Gulf of La Spezia. It's particularly famous for its picturesque seaside village with colorful buildings, ancient churches, a medieval castle, and nearby islands. The town also offers a unique dining experience with fresh seafood, pesto dishes, and local wines.

We spent an afternoon here on a cruise (that’s our ship in the harbor). Despite the fall showers we were charmed by the winding streets, cozy dining spots and lovely views.

For more info on the stunning Italian Riviera

and to book your next trip Contact us!

Ciao!

Heather & Scott

Journey to White island Bohemia & Italian Riviera Romance on Explora II - Cruise with Us!

Heather Lindstrom — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:30:21 +0000

An unforgettable voyage through the Mediterranean!

Join us as we embark on our fourth Curated Travel group cruise—an exquisite journey of breathtaking vistas, immersive cultural discoveries, and pure indulgence at sea. From September 22 to 29, 2025, prepare to sail in style, where every moment is designed for chic elegance and unforgettable experiences through Spain, France, and Italy. Just a few suites left!

Barcelona - Ibiza - Marseille - Villefranche Sur Mer - Genoa - Portofino - Porto Santo Stefano - Rome

“Free-spirited Balearic summer nights slip into French chic as we stroll the Cote d’Azur. Genoa surprises with its Renzo Piano-designed port, medieval old town, and 100 palazzi, before Portofino’s inimitable elegance, pastel-colored houses, sun-warmed waters, and superb restaurants. Lean into la dolce vita as we weave Tuscany’s islands amid pristine blues to its stylish hideaway on Monte Argentario, arriving at the Eternal City at sunrise.
”

— Explora Journeys

Here we are aboard the exquisite Explora I in February. We set sail through the Caribbean, indulging in an extraordinary voyage that offered a captivating preview of this unparalleled new cruise brand. Departing from Miami in elegant tandem with Explora II (our ship for September!), our journey was a seamless blend of sophistication and adventure—an enticing glimpse into the experience that awaits us on our September sailing.

We had the pleasure of meeting Captain Pietro Sinisi (image above), who will also be at the helm for our September group cruise on the Explora II!

As we prepare for our fourth Curated Travel Group Cruise, we’re assembling an incredible group—talk about the ultimate bon voyage! 🌟✨ A few terrace suites (and one penthouse) remain available for our September 22-29, 2025 sailing.

View the details below to secure your spot on this fabulous journey.

The details of our specialized group pricing

Learn more about Explora Journeys and the brand new Explora II

To register your interest in cruising with us, please complete this form

Bon Voyage!

Heather & Scott

One of my favorite stops - Portofino on the Italian Riviera!

Packing Guide for a Stylish European Getaway from Curated Travel

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:43:18 +0000

Europe is calling, and it’s no surprise—it’s the most popular destination for Curated Travel clients right now! With so many clients getting ready to pack, I wanted to share some stylish tips to make packing a breeze and keep it stress-free. Let’s make those suitcases as chic as the journey ahead!

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a

Stylish European Getaway

Planning a two-week adventure across Europe's cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and chic cafés is thrilling! But packing? That can be daunting—especially if you're aiming to stay stylish while traveling light. Fear not: I've got you covered. Here's a foolproof guide to packing smart yet chic for your dream European getaway.

1. Elevate Your Wardrobe Staples

Minimalism meets luxury in a chic European wardrobe. Opt for high-quality fabrics and timeless cuts.

Tops: Choose silky blouses, tailored shirts, and a sleek black turtleneck for extra flair.
Sweaters: Layer a sweater over a tank or button-up and you can remove it when the sun comes out or keep it on when the breeze picks up.
Bottoms: A pair of tailored trousers, high-waisted jeans, and a satin midi skirt will strike the perfect balance of casual and refined.
Dresses: Pack a LBD (little black dress) or one in white for evenings and a couple of breezy shirt dresses for daytime exploring.
Outerwear: A trench coat screams classic European style, but if you're visiting during cooler months, a camel wool coat will keep you warm and stylish.

Pro Tip: Stick to a neutral color palette with pops of jewel tones for a wardrobe that’s easy to mix and match.

2. Shoes That Marry Comfort and Glamour

Footwear needs to be functional without compromising on style.

Stylish Sneakers: A European must-have! Choose clean, minimalist sneakers in leather or suede for sightseeing days.
Heeled Boots: Ankle boots with a block heel or low kitten heel add height without sacrificing comfort.
Chic Flats: Pointed-toe ballet flats (or my go-to here) or loafers are perfect for museum visits or casual brunches.
Dressy Shoes: Cobblestones and high heels do not play well together. One pair of lightweight nude or sparkly kitten-heeled sandals can do the trick if chic dinners are on the itinerary.

Pro Tip: Pack in shoe bags to keep your luggage pristine!

3. Accessories with Panache

Accessories make or break an outfit, and Europeans know how to do “understated yet striking” like no other.

Crossbody Bag: A structured leather bag with gold details adds instant sophistication.
Small Clutch: A clutch with a touch of shine for evening events.
Sunglasses: Oversized frames (and here) are both chic and practical.
Scarves: Opt for a silk scarf to tie around your neck, wrist, or even your bag for a touch of Parisian flair.
Jewelry: Go bold with a statement cuff or earrings for evenings, but stick to minimalist gold or silver pieces by day.
Belt: A reversible belt (with gold hardware) is the perfect addition to complete your look.

4. Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Carefully plan your outfits around key pieces that can be layered and styled in multiple ways.

Pair your trousers with a silky blouse and trench coat for a polished daytime look.
Transition your satin midi skirt to the evening with the addition of a black turtleneck and bold jewelry.
A shirt dress can be dressed down with sneakers or elevated with heels and a scarf.

Your mantra: fewer items, better quality.

5. Beauty in the Details

European beauty is all about enhancing your natural features. Pack a streamlined collection of products:

Skincare: Hydrating serum here or here, SPF, and a night cream to combat travel fatigue.
Makeup: A sheer foundation, bold red lipstick (a Parisian favorite), and a versatile eyeshadow palette.
Haircare: Travel-sized hair products (my favorite brand, Ouai), dry shampoo, and a silk scrunchie to keep your blowout intact.

Pro Tip: Opt for refillable travel containers here and here to stay eco-chic.

6. Smart Packing Techniques

Keep everything organized and wrinkle-free with packing cubes. Roll your dresses and tops, and use a garment bag for your coat or blazer. Don’t forget a laundry bag for worn items—it keeps the rest of your clothes fresh.

7. Essentials for the Sophisticated Explorer

Documents: Passport, copies of important IDs, and any travel confirmations.
Adapters: A sleek universal adapter for all your devices.
Notebook: A stylish leather-bound journal for jotting down memories.
Reusable Water Bottle: Opt for an elegant stainless-steel bottle.
A Touch of Home: A travel candle or small fragrance spray to elevate your accommodation's ambiance.

Tops:

4 stylish tops (mix of casual and semi-formal for flexibility)
2 dressy blouses for dinners or events
2 lightweight layering pieces, like cardigans or a cropped sweater
Layering T-shirts

Bottoms:

2 pairs of well-fitted jeans (dark wash for versatility)
1 pair of tailored trousers or a midi skirt
1 -2 pairs of comfortable yet chic pants (like culottes or wide-leg trousers)

Dresses/Rompers:

2-3 casual day dresses
1 elegant evening dress (neutral or classic for easy accessorizing) or jumpsuit

Outerwear:

1 trench coat or stylish lightweight jacket or blazer (depending on the season)
1 compact rain jacket and/or travel umbrella

Activewear/PJs:

1 set of activewear for walking tours or light exercise
2 pairs of comfortable sleepwear (my pick: pajama sets)
Undergarments - keep them comfortable and multi-use
Swimsuit and caftan

Make Room for European Treasures

Leave space for boutique finds—whether it’s a vintage scarf from a Paris flea market or artisanal ceramics from Florence. A foldable tote bag will carry your discoveries with ease.

More hot tips on preparing for international travel here.

Are you traveling in 2025? What’s your first chic stop on the itinerary? Paris, the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona, or somewhere off the beaten path? I would love to hear more about your travel ideas. Let’s connect!

Ciao! Ciao!

Heather

Message us to plan your next trip!

Reflecting on 2024 at Curated Travel

Heather Lindstrom — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:54:46 +0000

View from the Gritti Palace in Venice During Travelux 2024

Reflecting on Curated Travel 2024

2024 has been nothing short of a whirlwind adventure here at Curated Travel! My passport collected stamps from old & new destinations that have left indelible marks on my heart and memories that will last a lifetime. Isn’t that what we love most about travel?

From savoring the historic charms of Florence and the verdant views of Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast’s gems like Sorrento, Positano, and Ravello. The romantic canals of Venice and Trieste’s historic elegance added unique touches to my European escapades before/after Travelux 2024. The brilliant waters of Turks & Caicos, following LE Miami, and the golden beaches of Los Cabos added much-appreciated tropical vibes to the year.

Fall on the French and Italian Rivieras with my husband, relishing the picturesque charms of Portofino, Santa Margherita, and Sardinia’s rugged coastline. Pure magic, with the glamorous beaches and charming coastal towns as well as sailing on our ‘boutique hotel on the water’ with Seabourn Cruises. A trip to Newport Beach for our spectacular annual Cadence Connects event with esteemed travel friends and colleagues rounded out the travel year to perfection. Meeting with destination partners and hoteliers along the way tremendously enriches the travel experiences I can provide to our fabulous clients. I call it a win-win!

What’s ahead for 2025? We are thrilled that our clients are traveling to the UK, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, Costa Rica, Mexico, Turks & Caicos, and Africa and we are only at the start of the brand new year.

Finally, we have just a couple of suites left on our group cruise on Explora II ‘Journey to White Island Bohemia and Italian Riviera Romance’ setting sail September 22-29, 2025, from Barcelona ending in Rome. Email me for more info on this tantalizing itinerary. We would love to have you join us and this fabulous group of travelers already booked!

Looking forward to making travel dreams come true again in 2025.

Cheers from Curated Travel to our fabulous clients, partners, and you!

Heather

Castelfalfi in Tuscany October 2024

Holiday Gift Guide from a Luxury Travel Advisor for 2024

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:08:00 +0000

A holiday gift guide for the traveler in your life:

Hello, fabulous travelers!

It's been ages since I last created a holiday gift guide, but as a luxury travel advisor always on the go, I've discovered some truly chic essentials. I've curated a selection of my tried-and-true favorites, straight from my personal travel collection and recent shopping sprees.

This holiday gift guide is designed for the stylish explorers in your life (including you!). It features a carefully curated mix of thoughtful and practical items to elevate any travel experience. These gifts aren't just useful for the journey—they also help cherish those travel memories once you're back home.

Finding the perfect travel gifts is a delightful journey in itself. Here are some chic and functional options that blend style and practicality, perfect for any travel enthusiast.

Happy gifting!

Packing/Luggage:

Delsey Paris with matching tote and here are my favorites.

A Weekender Bag (with shoe compartment) - Pictured is my Beis version or similar.

Totes - The Sak Los Feliz and Madewell and Scout Daytripper- A must for travel (plus they make the perfect gift!).

Hanging Toiletries Bag - Perfect size for packing light.

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes - I’ve tried several and these have the best compression.

Pill Organizer - To keep your wellness items organized.

11 Pack Travel Bottles for Toiletries - A must for taking my favorite products along.

During Travel:

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones in White Smoke

Electronics Organizer To keep the cords organized.

Airplane Travel Phone Holder - Comes in handy for flights with no screens.

Matisse Silk Eye Sleeping Mask or here - For on the plane and every night.

Weatherman Compact Umbrella - A small umbrella is a must-have for any season.

Travel Style:

Coach Cross Body Bag - A must for hands-free travel.

Women’s Sweater Set - I have this one in ivory - perfect for travel.

Transitional Travel Jacket - I bought this jacket in both black and white this season.

Ecco Soft Sneakers - Who doesn’t need a little shine in their life?

Magnetic Hat Clip - A must for us hat-wearers!

Gold Bangle Kate Spade - I keep my jewelry simple while traveling and a single gold bangle is timeless.

Dalle Piane 100% Cashmere Wrap Made in Italy - Cozy for the plane and during travel.

Fitbit Luxe Special Edition - I can’t live without my steps and sleep tracker. I love this collaboration with Gorjana!

RFID Slim Passport Holder - Comes in an array of delicious colors.

Skincare & Makeup:

French Skincare: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre for extra skin hydration during flights.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray - Hydrates, rejuvenates & clarifies skin.

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Riche Nourishing Oil - Intense Hydration & Luxurious Radiant Glow for Face, Body & Hair,

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Rose Gold - Highly pigmented, just a swipe on the eyelid lasts all day with a perfect pop of color.

Julep Eyeshadow Sticks - Easy, breezy for a little shine in a stick.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics - A lovely palette for travel.

Long-Lasting Nail Lacquer - Londontown Bubble - Long-lasting is essential for travel. Another favorite shade here.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask - Super luxurious lip care.

Charlotte Tilbury - The Super Nudes Lipstick - Supermodel or the Pillow Talk Set is a favorite!

Nécessaire - The Deodorant Gel Eucalyptus - Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Women & Men (it works!)

Fragrance

Italian Fragrance - Acqua Di Parma Colonia Eau De Cologne Spray - I was gifted this sunny fragrance at the Gritti Palace in Venice.

I discovered the Soleil Eau de Parfum - A signature summertime fragrance I discovered in Eze on the French Riviera.

Acqua Dell Elba Blu Eau de Parfum Woman - Another favorite from travels I discovered on the Island of Elba, Italy.

Perfume Travel Refillable Bottle Leather - Turns my favorite scents into a travel-sized version.

I love a coffee table book to remind me of my favorite travels:

Assouline: Lake Como Idyll and Amalfi Coast

Pamela Fiori - In the Spirit of St. Barths and In the Spirit of Capri

Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita and Poolside

Gray Malin: Italy and Beaches

Candles create an evocative memory of a time and place:

Diptyque Tubereuse Candle- Trip to Paris 2012.

Acqua Di Parma LA CASA LAGO Candle - Trip to the Italian Lake District 2022.

Acqua Dell'Elba Mare Scented Candle - Trip to Portoferraio, Elba in 2023.

To Bring the Memories Home:

Frameo Digital Photo Frame - To enjoy your travel images at home or to share.

‘Smells Like She’s Planning Another Trip’ Candle - Just for fun - for the travel planner in your life!

Memories of Venice 2024!

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: A French Riviera Paradise on the Côte d'Azur

Heather Lindstrom — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:04:38 +0000

VILLA AND GARDENS EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD

SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: A Riviera Paradise

This sparkling beauty was the first stop on our European holiday and has long been on my travel bucket list. Nestled on the glamorous French Riviera Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a haven of exquisite beauty and timeless elegance. This exclusive peninsula boasts a perfect blend of natural landscapes, opulent villas, and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere that has captured the hearts of discerning travelers for decades.

Following 2 days of airline travel, plus a few extra twists and turns to navigate the rental car, Scott and I were thrilled to arrive at the glamorous
Hotel Royal Riviera. A warm welcome, sun-splashed riviera views, and a chilled bottle of prosecco awaited us.

Steeped in history, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat exudes an aura of sophistication and refined luxury. Along its winding streets, majestic Belle Epoque villas stand as a testament to the area's prestigious past. These magnificent estates, surrounded by manicured gardens and framed by striking architecture, captivate visitors with their timeless charm.

Renowned for its stunning coastline, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers visitors a postcard-perfect setting with crystal-clear azure waters, secluded sandy coves, and luscious greenery. Breathtaking cliffside paths wind their way between fragrant pine groves and colorful gardens, rewarding visitors with breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the shimmering sea.

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat has been renowned for attracting numerous notable residents over the years. Some of the famous individuals who have called this exclusive French Riviera peninsula home include King Leopold II of Belgium, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor, renowned fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, and current Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. These well-known figures have added to the allure and prestige of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat as a coveted destination for the elite.

Hot Tip: Walk the seaside path from the Hotel Royal Riviera (turn right as you exit the hotel) to experience the true beauty of Saint-Jean-Cap- Ferrat. Have lunch and people watch above the marina or bask in the sunshine of the beach club at Hotel Royal Riviera or the Paloma Beach Club.

The allure of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat extends beyond art and nature. The town's vibrant dining scene delights discerning palates with a tantalizing array of culinary experiences. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming local bistros, visitors can indulge in the freshest seafood and Mediterranean flavors paired with world-class wines.

The iconic Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, perched atop a hill overlooking the bay, houses an impressive collection of fine art and splendid gardens inspired by different civilizations. The villa's breathtaking gardens, featuring colorful rose bushes, fountains, and statues, beckon visitors to immerse themselves in enchanting beauty. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a stunning French Riviera villa with Mediterranean views and well-maintained gardens. Once home to Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, it is now a museum showcasing her art collection and luxurious furniture. The gardens, inspired by French, Spanish, and Japanese styles, are famous and offer a peaceful experience. Visitors can explore and enjoy classical concerts, stepping into a different era of elegance and relaxation. Stop by the Beatrice Tea Room on property for a proper tea, a meal, or a glass of rose’.

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat - Heather Lindstrom Curated Travel - Luxury Travel Advisor

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With its unparalleled beauty, historical richness, and refined lifestyle, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a sanctuary where one can bask in the glory of the French Riviera. Whether you seek a haven of tranquility, a playground for the senses, or a place to unwind in sheer luxury, this idyllic peninsula promises an unforgettable experience for discerning travelers in pursuit of perfection.

Our HOT TAKES:

To Stay: Hotel Royal Riviera or Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat (A Four Seasons Hotel)

To Dine: La Table du Royal, Mademoiselle St Jean Cap Ferrat (the pastries!), Le Saint Jean, Jasmin Grill & Lounge, Le Cap

To Tea: Beatrice Tea-Room (and dining) at Villa et Jardins Ephrussi De Rothschild

To Sip: Bar Jasmin

To Beach: Paloma Beach Club or Private Beach Club at Royal Riviera

To Visit: Villa and Gardens Ephrussi de Rothschild

To visit this jewel on the French Riviera contact us!

Merci!

Heather

A Winter Warm Up in Los Cabos: Where the Desert Meets the Sea

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:24:52 +0000

Zoetry Casa Del Mar on Curated Travel

Hola, friends! Nothing warms us up quite like a sunny beach destination in the cold depths of January. As I’ve written in previous posts, Los Cabos is such an easy flight from California and I’ve been a regular visitor since the late 1980s. Despite tremendous development, plus a huge luxury boom in recent years, the turquoise seas, golden sands, and brilliant sunshine remain unchanged. For this trip, we stayed at Zoetry Casa del Mar for a touch of all-inclusive laid back luxury. We were thrilled to have Dorie, my sister, and Michael join us for some well-deserved R and R Los Cabos style.

Things we love about Los Cabos

Where Desert Meets the Sea
Nestled at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, luxury, and enticing cultural experiences. Boasting a striking contrast between the rugged desert landscape and the expansive ocean vistas, this enchanting region invites visitors to indulge in a diverse array of activities and unforgettable moments.

Luxurious Retreats
Home to a myriad of world-class resorts, Los Cabos offers an indulgent escape for travelers seeking refinement and relaxation. Many of the resorts also feature exquisite spa facilities, championship golf courses, and gourmet dining options, ensuring a truly opulent experience for guests.

A few of our favorites: Montage, One and Only Palmilla, Esperanza, Le Blanc, Grand Velas, Viceroy, Chileno Bay, and Las Ventanas al Paraiso.

Culinary Delights
As a culinary hotspot, Los Cabos tantalizes the taste buds with a delectable fusion of flavors. The region's cuisine showcases a blend of traditional Mexican fare and international influences, resulting in a diverse dining scene that caters to all palates. Visitors can savor freshly caught seafood, savor authentic street tacos, or indulge in gourmet dining experiences orchestrated by renowned chefs.

A few of our favorites: Acre, Flora Farms, Sea Grill (Las Ventanas), Saltwater (Zoetry), Mezcal (Montage), Nido (Viceroy), 7 Seas Seafood Grill, Los Tres Gallos The Rooftop at the Cape and Sur Beach Club

Cultural Riches
Beyond the opulence and natural splendor, Los Cabos presents a rich tapestry of Mexican heritage and traditions. In the charming town of San Jose del Cabo, visitors can stroll through cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, explore art galleries showcasing local talent, and savor authentic Mexican cuisine at traditional eateries. The vibrant energy of Cabo San Lucas, with its bustling marina and lively nightlife, provides a refreshing contrast, adding a vibrant pulse to the region's cultural scene. Ask about the weekly art walk in San Jose del Cabo. Currently, it’s every Thursday evening and not to be missed!

Beach Vibes

A Milestone Birthday Dinner for Dorie!

Los Cabos captivates travelers with its spellbinding landscapes, luxurious comforts, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures. Not to mention the delights of whale-watching in winter from our patio.

Sunsets Los Cabos style!

Thanks for traveling with us!

If you are considering a sunny getaway to Los Cabos we have lots of ideas for you.

Setting Sail On the French Riviera!

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:11:37 +0000

Just a quick check-in during a flurry of packing and prepping to catch a flight to the French Riviera tomorrow bright and early. Scott and I will land in Nice, and spend a few days enjoying the Riviera while based in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Later we will board the Seabourn Sojourn in Monte Carlo for the 10-Day Tyrrhenian Treasures & Malta with a sparkling itinerary. Stops include Italy, France, Malta (a first for us!), and end in Spain where we will finish up with a few relaxing days in Barcelona before heading home. We are honored to be invited to host this cruise for the Virtuoso Voyages group onboard. When I tell you this cruise sold out fast - it was sold out one day after I posted our announcement!

If you have travel on your horizon and need tips here is an article that may be helpful in preparing for international travel. DM me with questions about our specific itinerary or the regions we will be experiencing along the way.

Thanks for following and

Bon Voyage!!

Heather

Celebrate! Announcing our Forbes Travel Guide Endorsement!

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 17:27:21 +0000

We are thrilled to announce that Curated Travel, as an affiliate of Cadence, has been named a Forbes Travel Guide-endorsed agency. FTG is the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises. The coveted Five-Star, Four-Star, and Recommended awards are earned through incognito inspections on FTG’s hundreds of exacting quality and service standards. We are honored to be recognized by the global authority on luxury hospitality for our commitment to providing our clients with exceptional experiences.

Learn more about the esteemed Forbes Travel Guide:

Forbes Travel Guide Star Award Winners for 2023

As the founder of Curated Travel, I cannot emphasize enough how grateful we are for our clients. Our clients are the lifeblood of our company and inspire us to continue providing exceptional services. From our first interaction to the moment you return home from your travels, we strive to create unforgettable experiences that exceed your expectations. Our business thrives on word of mouth and referrals, and we know that satisfied clients are the foundation of our success. So to all of our clients, past and present, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude.

Thank you for choosing us as your dedicated travel partner. We look forward to continuing to serve you for all of your future travel needs.

Heather Lindstrom, Curated Travel

Exciting News! We Will be Hosting A Virtuoso Voyage with Seabourn Ultra Luxury Cruises - Monte Carlo to Barcelona - October 2023 - Join Us!

Heather Lindstrom — Mon, 22 May 2023 18:44:17 +0000

“Picture calm cerulean waters, stunning beaches, traditional fishing villages, and family-run wineries — not to mention megalithic temples, ancient Pompeii’s ruins, and the world’s oldest underground necropolis.”

— Seabourn

How does frolicking on the French Riviera sound about now?

In October, Scott and I will set sail on the luxurious Seabourn Sojourn from Monte Carlo (Monaco) to Barcelona on a 10-day cruise with stops in Elba, Amalfi, and Taormina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), St. Tropez and La Ciotat (France), as well as Palamos (Spain) before disembarking in Barcelona on this spectacular itinerary. We have been invited to host the Virtuoso Voyages clients aboard who will receive specialized VIP amenities.

View destinations in the gallery below:

What we love: Seabourn provides all-inclusive, luxury cruising, refined to its purest form. Hand-selected itineraries transport you to unique ports beyond the reach of larger ships.

• Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere

• One of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry

• The youngest and most modern fleet in the industry

A culinary partnership with famed chef Thomas Keller.

Virtuoso Hosted Voyages Perks:

As Curated Travel clients, you will receive these added benefits of the Virtuoso Voyages program when you book with us:

Dedicated onboard hosts (That’s US! - Heather & Scott Lindstrom from Curated Travel)
Private welcome cocktail party/reception
Exclusive shore excursions, from VIP tours to outings with a private car and driver (see below for a special experience on October 13)
Shipboard credits and specialty dining options

On this cruise, you also receive an Enhanced cruise experience for Virtuoso Voyages clients - October 13, 2023 - in Palomos, Spain:

“VIP Virtuoso Voyages Discover Palamos, one of Spain's most prominent ports. The day begins with a drive from Palamos to beautiful and ancient Gerona, a city in the northeast of Spain on the Costa Brava that boasts Roman-era walls and contains the most valuable heritage sites in the Catalonian region. The tour takes guests into the medieval city located on the banks of the river Onyar, where guests will see the famed “Tapestry of Creation” in Gerona’s 12th-13th century Cathedral and visit the nearby Bonastruc Jewish Center which chronicles the history of the Jews that lived in this city during the Middle Ages. Guests will also learn how the “Aljama”, or self-governing communities of Moors and Jews living under Spanish Christian rule functioned, and their traditions. After the visit, it will be time for a wonderful luncheon of delicious Catalonian specialties complimented by local wines at Restaurant Cal Ros. Guests will have some time at leisure to stroll the narrow, picturesque streets of the medieval village of Palsand and browse its many colorful shops.”

Learn more about the 10-Day Tyrrhenian Treasures & Malta Cruise

and contact us to book.

Current Promotion: Receive up to $ 2,000 USD Air Credit per Person, a Two-Category Suite Upgrade with a Reduced 10% Deposit.

OR-

Is Alaska more your style??

In addition to the October cruise, we will also be hosting a Virtuoso Voyage for Seabourn to Alaska in July 2023! 7-Day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage July 7-14. 2023. Departs Juneau, Alaska, and arrives in Vancouver, BC. Contact us to learn more and to book.

We would love to have you join us on either or both cruises!

Bon Voyage!

Heather & Scott

All images are shared with direct permission from Seabourn.

Envision: The Anticipation of Travel

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:13:21 +0000

“When you plan your next vacation, it can create positive emotions and expectations. If you have a vacation next week, this week you’ll probably be feeling better.” —Chun-Chu Chen, PhD

I’ve read that half the pleasure of travel is the anticipation. I’m in that phase now with my upcoming solo trip to Italy. I find myself envisioning the sights, sounds, tastes, and even the rose gold hues of sunset over the Arno River bathing Florence. I can almost taste the cacio e pepe (we made it in a cooking class in Tuscany) and the gelato di caffe’. I’m checking the weather report daily (mostly highs in the upper 60s) to envision my daily clothing needs and am fully packed early for this trip. Early packing definitely eases the pre-travel stress. Of course, it’s a challenge to pack for business casual/dressy events in a fashionable city like Florence, as well as explorations and adventures on the Italian Riviera. Once that suitcase is finally closed, it is what it is and I let it go.

This will be a business + pleasure trip for my Curated Travel. I’ve been invited to attend a luxury travel event in Florence, DUCO, followed by a 6-day small group trip exploring Lake Maggiore, Lucca, and Forte dei Marmi on the Italian Riviera. The itinerary looks dazzling.

““Everything about Florence seems to be colored with a mild violet, like diluted wine.”

”

— Henry James, writer (1869)

With so many of my clients traveling to Italy, I always appreciate the opportunity to explore and experience the best that Italy has to offer. It is also a perk to connect in real-time with my partners from Italy and around the world. These relationships are what enable us to make our client travel seamless and memorable. The truth is, this type of business travel is also a pleasure. And yes, sometimes I even wonder, “Pinch me, am I dreaming” (how do you say that in Italian)? The travel business is my second career and I couldn’t possibly be enjoying it more.

What are you envisioning for your next travels?

You can follow along with my Italian adventures below and on Instagram here.

Grazie Mille for being here!

Heather

Hot Tips for Preparing for International Travel (Revisited for 2025)

Heather Lindstrom — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 21:27:38 +0000

The travel industry is booming, and many travelers, tired of local haunts, are heading to far-flung destinations. At Curated Travel, our clients are headed to the Lake District of Italy, Bora Bora, European River Cruises, the British Isles, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, France, and the ever-popular Italy in the next several months. With 3 trips to Europe last year and Italy on my horizon later this month, I will attest that travel is back and more exciting than ever!

Hot Tips for International Travel

Pack your passport first (be sure it’s valid for 6 months or more post-return). Your passport is your most essential item for international travel. Take a picture of the info page and upload it to your phone in case your passport is lost during travel.
Check the website of your airline for luggage sizes and weight limits. If you can manage to pack your essentials in a carry-on only (and congrats!!) do it! If not, I strongly recommend packing a ‘capsule collection’ of basics and necessities in your carry-on in case of delayed luggage.
While you are checking the airline website be sure you have created your account and have the latest apps (including airline entertainment apps) downloaded before travel. Check-in 24 hours before travel and turn on notifications for any changes.
Contact your bank and credit card companies to alert them of your upcoming international travel and charges.
Call your cell phone company for the best international phone plan options during travel. Travel Hack: If you keep your phone in airplane mode for your entire trip, you can use your phone functions on free wifi at hotels, cafes, and airports with ease.
Purchase a universal adapter or two to use in the hotels for plugging in phone chargers and computers, or request one at your hotel. Check the voltage ratings in the small print on your electrical items. Most are rated for 100-240V; however, some are rated only for 125V (my blow dryer), which requires a converter from 220V to 110V US to European Converter.
Download WhatsApp on your phone for free international texting and video calling with family and friends (be sure they have the app too!). For our travel clients, WhatsApp is frequently used by our international travel partners to keep in close contact with tours/guides/transfers while you travel.
Bring your state driver’s license if you plan to rent a scooter during an excursion. If you plan to rent a car, an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended. It’s easy to obtain ahead of your travels from the American Automobile Association here.
For dining abroad, apps like TheFork are available internationally for easy booking. Use the Michelin Guide (one of our preferred partners) for more dining and travel inspiration.
Download a language translation app like TripLingo, or, better yet, learn the language before you travel.

UPDATE: Here I am, packing for my spring trip to Italy for 2 weeks at a luxury travel event. I couldn’t quite believe I was able to manage it all (fancy events included) in carry-on luggage only. Trust me, it was so freeing not to worry about my luggage arriving with me. It was also freeing not to be schlepping extra baggage around for 2 weeks.

Notes on Packing: After too many experiences with delayed luggage, I’m a recent convert to carry-on-only luggage (I use a small roller bag plus a Beis Mini Weekender and a small crossbody bag). If you do check bags I highly recommend creating a ‘curated capsule’ in your carryon of at least 2 multi-use outfits, 2 pairs of shoes, makeup/haircare basics, deodorant, toothbrush/paste, medications, and scarves/jewelry to change up your look. If you do check a bag toss in an Apple Air Tag to track your luggage. I’ve written several articles about the fine art of packing for longer trips. Read more about my travel advisor packing strategies, including the essential Carryon Capsule Collection here. If you are curious about how I survived for 6 days at my first luxury travel event in Italy with NO Luggage read here.

Spending power: Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere these days- including from your phone with digital wallets. That said, it’s always good to have some cash on hand, especially for tipping or smaller purchases. Also, you will want to tip tour guides and drivers along the way in cash.

You can exchange for cash at the airport OR you can request your transfer/taxi driver make a quick stop at a local ATM on the way to your hotel for lower exchange rates.

Please note, Apple and other payment apps are widely used in Europe these days so going as wallet-free as possible is a good security tip. My husband learned this the hard way when pickpocketed on his first day in Lisbon. For your cash, use a money belt or clip and never put your wallet in your back pocket. For women, I’m all about the cross-body bag.

HOT Tip: My husband has started bringing home some leftover currency like euros or pesos to ease our arrival on our next trip to the destination.

Notes on tipping: Tips are usually included in the meal price (check the receipt) so it is not necessary to tip at a restaurant unless service is above and beyond. In Europe, your server typically won’t bring your bill until you request it. Essentially, the table is yours for the evening if you like. That said, tours/transfers/guides do not include tips in the pricing. In Italy/France the common practice for transfers with a short drive is €10-20, for a long drive is €40-50, and for private guides, a full day is €50 and a half day is €30.

HOT TIP - When you leave your hotel, grab a business card with the hotel address and phone number included or snap a photo of it. If you get lost (and don’t happen to meet an English speaker), showing a taxi driver or a passerby the card with the address is extremely helpful, even with a language barrier. If you have an itinerary app (such as UMAPPED which I create for my clients) show them the hotel address on the app to keep it simple.

My Must-Haves 2025 -

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds (Noise-canceling)

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Tote Bag

Makeup Case (and I love this hanging bag too - Toiletry Bag)

Compression Packing Cubes

Wide Brim Hat

I hope this list of tips for international travel is helpful as you prepare for your upcoming travels.

Ciao! Ciao!

Heather

Lake Garda: Mercurial, Magical and Idyllic

Heather Lindstrom — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 19:23:20 +0000

Villa Cortine Palace Hotel Lake Garda

Here I am! Popping back in with a blog post on my trip to Italy back in April. It’s hard to believe I’ve already returned to Europe for two weeks since I last posted. Needless to say, I’m catching up and am excited to have some new favorite destinations to share!

Here’s the scoop: Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, was one of my absolute favorite stays of this trip. I was invited to visit by the wonderful team at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel as a pre-stay before the Travelux luxury travel event in Venice. Trust me, it was an unforgettable experience.

Arriving at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel is an event in and of itself. Our driver whisked us through ornate gates, past antique statuary and formal gardens to this stately, luxurious and historic property. It sits on 12 acres on the peninsula just north of charming Sirmione and is bordered on both sides by Lake Garda rimmed with majestic mountains.

As you can imagine, this location yields the most amazing lake views from all angles.

As we pulled up to the hotel, I was greeted by the staff and our host, General Manager Giacomo Grossi, with a welcome drink and escorted to my spacious, luxurious suite where gifts and goodies awaited.

This is a tour of my lake view suite. The view is stunning as is the Murano glass chandelier!

The next day, graced with sunshine, a scenic boat ride on Lake Garda and a festive wine tasting at Contithun were on the itinerary.

Our select group of international travel advisors was invited to experience the charms of Villa Cortine Palace. We enjoyed luxury accommodations, private tours of the historic hotel, grounds and gardens, gourmet dining with impeccable service at Il Molo, cocktails at Maria Callas bar & bistro, and enjoyed a wonderful time together thanks to our gracious host, Giacomo Grossi.

As you can imagine, we were all thrilled to be traveling in Europe again, and to be here was magical.

A tour of the historic Villa Cortine Palace Hotel

This video is a peek of the historical section of the hotel by our host, Giacomo Grossi.

Not only is the rich history of the property celebrated, but there are also modern touches like the luxurious linens, designer bath products, and the oh-so-chic beach club and dock.

My thanks to Giacomo Grossi for the fabulous stay and the introduction to magical Lake Garda.

I can hardly wait to introduce this property to my Italy-loving clients.

Villa Cortine Palace Hotel

To learn more about travel to Italy contact us.

Up next: Venice

Grazie Mille!

Heather

Milan: Modern, Vibrant and Stylish (with Classic Soul)

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 19 May 2022 00:00:21 +0000

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Milan

The first stop on my long-awaited return trip to Italy, for a luxury travel event, was Milan. Though I have traveled through Milan, with stops at Malpensa airport and the train station, I have never ventured out to explore the heart of the city. On this trip, I blocked out time to recover from jet lag and acquaint myself with this vibrant city for a couple of days. And yes, on this trip, my luggage arrived with me!

My Fitbit celebrated the 16,000+ steps in one day (not my norm!) which is proof there is much to see in this historical city.

Milan is a delicious and fashionable mix of modern design and classic charm.

My Stay: The iconic Grand Hotel et de Milan. They had me at prosecco and potato chips (a delicious pairing!) in my suite upon arrival. What could be wrong?

Located in the historic city center, between the Duomo and the shopping district, it couldn’t be more convenient for exploring. This luxurious property Is steeped in history and has been owned by the same family since 1863.

Visit: Piazza del Duomo, The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Teatro Alla Scala (theater), Brera District, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II for high end shopping.

A number of movie stars, legendary opera singers and lauded authors have lived at the Grand Hotel et de Milan with suites named in their honor. The most famous of these is opera legend Verdi who was in residence for years and passed away in his suite at the hotel.

My thanks to Andrea, Laura and the staff at Grand Hotel et de Milan for a lovely stay, tour and treats. I’m looking forward to my clients enjoying this fabulous property in the heart of Milan. Contact me to learn more.

Up next: Lake Garda, Venice, Naples, the island of Ischia!

Thanks for following along!

Ciao!

Heather

Bravo! Italy is finally back on my horizon!

Heather Lindstrom — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 22:46:59 +0000

After numerous canceled trips over the last 2 1/2 years, Italy is finally back on my horizon! I’m beyond excited to be invited to attend Travelux, a fully hosted luxury travel event in Venice, by Nebe Club. If you’ve followed this blog for several years you may remember that I attended this same event at Lake Como in 2018. Yes, that’s the one where I had all the fancy events and my luggage didn’t arrive for 6 full days! Travelux is an exceptional experience and I found it to be a life-changer for my travel business.

ON THE ITINERARY:

2 nights in Milan at the Grand Hotel et Milan.

Next, I’m off to catch a private transfer to Lake Garda for a few days of luxury, charm, and exploration at the Villa Cortine Palace Hotel in Sirmione.

Another private transfer and I’m off to Venice and a stay at the Venetian classic beauty of Baglioni Hotel Luna for the three full days of Travelux events.

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is the location for the official Travelux event. I will meet with international luxury travel partners and brands, a few of whom I already partner with for Curated Travel clients. As opposed to my first Travelux event at Lake Como, I now have friends and colleagues who will also be attending and that makes it infinitely more fun. On the menu are one-to-one meetings, gourmet meals, cocktail parties, a villa garden tour, boat rides around the islands and so much more.

Following Travelux I’ll train to Naples for a post-Travelux event starting with a stay at The Britannique Naples, a walking street food tour, a tour of the ruins of Pompei, seaside dining (to include the famous pizza Napoletana to be sure).

The final stop on my trip to Italy is the island of Ischia. Ischia has long been near the top of my wander list for Italy so I’m excited to visit for a few days and explore. Following a short ferry ride from Naples, my stay at Hotel Regina Isabella will include alfresco sea-side dinners, cocktails on the terrace, spa treatments, visits to the beach club, and even a vintage tour of Ischia in a Piaggio Ape car (Mr. C.T. will be jealous of this one!;).

This and that:

My Trip to Travelux at Lake Como 2018 (Start Here)

For this trip, I’ll be packing much smarter with a ‘capsule collection’ of necessities and multi-use items in my carry-on bag. To learn more about having no luggage for six days: How I Survived Without My Luggage for Six Days on a Luxury Trip to Italy

A few notes on Prepping for an International Getaway

FOLLOW ALONG on INSTAGRAM:

Curated Travel

At Curated Travel we have so many clients headed to Europe in 2022! I’m excited to be the first to lead the way for my clients traveling to the British Isles (for an epic 79-day trip!), to Italy, France, Scandinavia, Portugal, and Greece this season.

By the way, we still have space available for you to join us on the Greek Islands Cruise in October. Learn more here.

Until next time. Ciao!

Heather

Reflecting on Travel 2021 plus a hopeful horizon for 2022!

Heather Lindstrom — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 22:28:20 +0000

I realize it’s already mid-January but it’s never too late to wish you a happy new year - in fact - how about a happier new year for 2022? Whether you experienced some sort of travel in 2021, or are waiting for calmer seas in the new year, I can report that travel is on the horizon for 2022 in a big way. Our clients are booking and keeping us very busy here at Curated Travel. Europe is a smoking hot destination for 2022 with much pent-up demand after the last two years of more local travel. In 2021 our clients safely traveled to Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, Maui, Florida, and all around California.

Looking back on 2021, fully vaccinated, following all safety protocols and watching the numbers, Scott and I stayed healthy and traveled to a number of destinations including French Polynesia, Los Cabos and Riviera Maya. A few of our favorite local travels in California included Healdsburg & Sonoma Valley, Palm Springs & La Quinta, Santa Barbara & Ojai, Carmel, San Francisco, and classic Lake Tahoe. Travel 2021 was all about savoring the long-anticipated experiences and I expect more of the same for 2022.

What’s next on your wander list?

Reflecting on Travel 2021

For the latest from Curated Travel follow on Instagram

By the way, if you have a craving for the Greek Isles we still have a few staterooms available in our small group block for the October 15th sailing and we would love to have you join us! See details Azamara Greece Group Cruise and contact us to book.

Be Well! Ciao!

Heather

Announcing: Our Third Curated Travel Group Cruise Setting sail in Oct 2022 (Greece is the Word!)

Heather Lindstrom — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 20:18:41 +0000

In 2019 we set sail on our second Curated Travel group cruise on the Mediterranean/Adriatic on Azamara. We enjoyed ourselves, our fellow cruisers, and the fabulous destinations more than we ever imagined. Though we had to postpone for 2021, we are happy to announce that we are doing it again in 2022. This time, Greece is the word, and we would love for you to join us!

Itinerary: Greece Intensive Oct. 15-22, 2022

(8 Days/7 nights)

Sailing on the Azamara Quest (small-mid size 686 passengers)

Athens to Athens

Athens - Tinos - Mykonos - Ephesus - Rhodes - Crete - Santorini - Athens

Club Ocean View Stateroom - *$2,599 per person - double occupancy (excludes port taxes & fees).

Club Veranda Stateroom - *$3,439 per person- double occupancy (excludes port taxes & fees).

This is also a Virtuoso Voyage available through Curated Travel: Virtuoso Guests booked in a Club Ocean View or higher category will enjoy an additional $100 USD shipboard credit per person.

View Cruise Details

We would love to have you join us (the second one was EPIC!).

Excited? Invite a friend to join our group! (Only fun travelers allowed.)

Bon Voyage!

Καλό ταξίδι

Heather & Scott Lindstrom,

Curated Travel

FAQ:

What are the all-inclusive amenities included for all guests?

Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages)
Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines
Gratuities
Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas
Self-service laundry
Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations

Does Azamara require vaccinations?

Currently, Azamara requires travelers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Revisiting Los Cabos for 2021 (plus a chic stay at Viceroy Los Cabos)

Heather Lindstrom — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 18:59:40 +0000

Hola Los Cabos, we missed you!! As I shared in a previous postcard here on the blog we flew to the desert meets the sea mecca of Los Cabos last May. The first several days we stayed at the chic, design crush Viceroy Los Cabos where we enjoyed stunning views, stellar service, sunsets from the rooftop deck, and PURE relaxation. As one of our Curated Travel preferred partners, it was exciting to experience this fabulous resort, on the beach in San Jose del Cabo, firsthand.

The view from our balcony at Viceroy Los Cabos

A tour of our suite at Viceroy Los Cabos

(…and what’s not love about a bed and a bath on the balcony?)

Another of our preferred partners is the Auberge group and we thoroughly enjoyed our hosted visit to the iconic, sun-drenched Esperanza perched on the corridor near Cabo San Lucas.

On our itinerary was also a visit to the stylish and family friendly Chileno Bay, also an Auberge Resort.

Las Ventanas

Our beachside dinner at Sea Grill at Las Ventanas al Paraiso was a delicious treat.

A quick stop to check out the bougainvillea decked Mar del Cabo by Grand Velas Resorts.

A stop in San Jose del Cabo is a must when visiting the area of Los Cabos! Known as the slower-paced, artsier sister of the fishing village turned party scene turned luxury vibes of Cabo San Lucas. We love exploring the area around historic Plaza Mijares, the colorful streets, unique galleries, chic boutiques, and fabulous dining options in San Jose del Cabo.

Los Cabos at a Glance:

To Stay: Viceroy Los Cabos, Esperanza, Chileano Bay Resort & Residences, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Le Blanc, Montage Los Cabos and the chic boutique hotel Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts.

*Contact us to book with VIP perks and upgrades through Virtuoso

To Dine: Acre, Flora Farms, Cielo Rooftop at the Viceroy, Cocina del Mar (at Esperanza), 7 Seas Seafood Grill, El Farallon (at Waldorf Astoria Pedregal), French Riveria Restaurant, the Sea Grill at Las Ventanas and Choriarte in San Jose del Cabo.

To Do: Visit the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk (Thursday evenings November-June), hit up the taco stands in town, order ceviche, chips, and guacamole at the pool at noon, swim/water sports at Santa Maria Beach (in front of Montage), rent a car for a day for a spin along the coast to Todo Santos.

Our thanks to the Viceroy Los Cabos and the Auberge Hotels group for the lovely stays and visits.

French Polynesia and the Breathtaking islands of Moorea & Bora Bora: A Visual Journal

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 23:08:12 +0000

The Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa

French Polynesia: shimmering turquoise waters, fragrant tropical breezes, the shade of magnificent palms, glowing sherbet sunrises over the lagoon, all sprinkled with sugar-sand beaches.

When you dream of visiting a destination for your entire adult life you suspect it has the ability to take your breath away. In July, following a nearly year-long postponement, we were finally living this exact moment in French Polynesia, and we realized the beauty is absolutely as breathtaking as we had dreamed. I hope these images will speak for themselves of the tropical beauty we experienced on the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora.

First stop: Moorea

(Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort)

Next Stop: Bora Bora

(Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Spa)

Arriving by plane and private boat to the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

A peek at our luxurious Diamond Villa Otemanu (with sweeping views of Mount Otemanu) and a video tour.

We couldn’t resist a spa day, with a couple’s massage, at Deep Ocean Thalasso Spa.

I celebrated a ‘BIG’ milestone birthday in Bora Bora. Turns out it was completely painless in an overwater bungalow, with room service, views of Mount Otemanu, sunrise swims, and my sweet husband.

Thank you to the Hilton Moorea Lagoon & Spa Resort and the Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso Spa Resort for making our celebratory stays so memorable.

To learn more about travel to French Polynesia and/or to book your getaway to a true tropical paradise Contact Us at Curated Travel.

Curated Travel Bio is Featured on CADENCE Travel

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 15:35:32 +0000

In Ravello, on the Amalfi Coast, 2016

" >

Heather Lindstrom, Founder/Luxury Travel Advisor at Curated Travel

“ Sharing the gift of travel with my clients brings me true joy”

It was an unexpected surprise to pop open Instagram and see my Curated Travel bio featured on the CADENCE Travel Blog earlier this week. Since I joined the luxury travel agency team, as an independent travel advisor back in 2018, I’ve received the warmest welcome, made invaluable international connections, and gained a wealth of resources to enhance the art of travel for my clients. Not to mention the amazing travel opportunities that have come my way in the last three years. Thank you to CADENCE for the lovely shoutout for my travel business and the entrepreneurial life.

Read the Article on CADENCE Travel Bios

And yes, as the post mentions, we are headed to a bucket-list tropical destination in the very near future. Follow along with us on this ‘pandemic postponed’ milestone adventure on our Curated Travel Instagram.

Thanks for being here today,

Cheers! Heather

Postcard from a Southern California Road Trip

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 00:00:06 +0000

A postcard from the road typically means I'm typing out a quick post on my phone as I'm doing just now with a glorious sunrise view from our balcony at the Ojai Valley Inn. Though California is having an early season heatwave we’ve been staying cool poolside.

Our first stop on this SoCal road trip was the Belmond El Encanto where we enjoyed a stay a number of years ago. It was a lovely walk down memory lane and then it was off to Ojai and the fabulous Ojai Valley Inn to explore a new area for us. As you can see by the gallery below—we loved it!

Beautiful views at Ojai Valley Inn

I’ll look forward to sharing more about our recent travels in upcoming posts. By the way, a hot tip for your travel is to consider making a few dining reservations ahead. Vacation destinations are getting busy and many establishments are short-staffed creating long wait times without a reservation.

Both hotels we visited have space available for fall and holiday bookings so contact us to learn more and to make your bookings!

Happy Summer!

Ciao! Heather

Postcard from Los Cabos (plus: what it's like to travel internationally again)

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 22:56:34 +0000

The pool at the Viceroy Los Cabos

I doubt words can adequately describe the feeling of immersing ourselves in an international destination after one and a half years spent mostly at home. The colors are more vibrant, flavors more exotic, waves more sparkling, sunsets more brilliant, and connecting with locals and fellow travelers from around the world is extra special. At dinner one evening at our resort, we ran into a darling friend/colleague of Scott’s, also a follower of this blog (such a nice surprise!). That’s the ‘small world’ of travel and seeing someone you already know along the way is always fun.

Los Cabos is especially lovely in May. The days are not too hot and the evenings slightly cool with a sea breeze. We stayed at the Viceroy Los Cabos, Secrets Puerto Los Cabos, and visited several other hotels. I’ll look forward to sharing more about our travels in subsequent posts.

A few of our favorite moments:

Notes on International Travel June 2021

PS- We’ve now arrived safely back home so I’ll comment on the experience of international travel in this nearly post-pandemic era. We planned our first fight for after we were fully vaccinated and that made traveling much more secure. The airport was, thankfully, not crowded but just as we were ready to depart there was a mechanical issue and we were disembarked for two hours in Sacramento while we waited for a new plane. Better safe than sorry I always think in those situations. Customs in Los Cabos, Mexico, was very slow, with long lines and no social distancing. That was the only time on our nearly 2-week trip that I felt uncomfortable about the proximity to others. It was easy to stay socially distanced at the pools, beaches, restaurants, and even when touring in town. At the hotels, the staff was fully masked. At the end of our trip, our resort offered complimentary covid tests, a welcome service, and we passed with flying colors. Can you tell? It feels amazing to be traveling again. #vaccinatedvacation.

Things are getting busy again here at Curated Travel and many of my clients are requesting trips for this season and for others, we are booking out to 2022. We’ve heard it’s called ‘revenge travel’ for all the time at home in 2020 and we are here for it.

Are you ready to travel again? Contact us to get started on your next dream getaway.

Remember to check your passport expiration dates, pack your patience and enjoy every moment of traveling again!

Until Further Notice, Celebrate Everything!

Heather Lindstrom — Fri, 14 May 2021 19:16:21 +0000

My Mother ‘s Floral Arrangement

“Until further notice, celebrate everything!”

— Unknown

I don’t know where I first heard this quote but it definitely resonates with me, perhaps now more than ever. After spending over a year mostly at home, socially distanced, and missing family and friends, every step back towards normalcy feels like a celebration. Now that Scott and I are fully vaccinated our world is opening up again and it is exciting!

A few of my favorite recent celebrations:

Hugging my mom, who turned 90 during the pandemic, for the first time in over a year.

Hugging, kissing, and cuddling Charlie and Lily, our grandchildren.

Sitting on the couch and ‘chilling’ at Briana and Shawn’s home, my bonus daughter and family, for the first time since they moved in a year ago.

Lunch with dear friends, a milestone birthday dinner, a baby shower, alfresco dinner date with my hubby.

A spontaneous visit from cousins and a ‘sleep over’.

Mother’s Day lunch “inside” gathered with my family around our table decorated by my mother’s beautiful floral arrangement (all from her garden)

Hugging my bestie since 4th grade at lunch this week.

Even the ‘normal’ things like getting a haircut, pedicure, in-person shopping, and medical appointments feel much more comfortable. Yes, I definitely celebrated that long-awaited pedicure! Feeling truly grateful for this new chapter.

Up next on our itinerary? Our first flights in over a year take off next week! Yes, travel is back and we are slightly anxious yet VERY excited for a beach vacation. I’m so out of practice with packing that it will be an adventure in and of itself. Hope you will follow along on Instagram.

How about you? Are you feeling the celebration vibes too this season?

So I’m sticking with it, “Until further notice, celebrate everything” - large and small- that you have on your horizon.

By the way, our Virtual Luxury + Adventure Travel Show 2021 is Saturday, May 22. Find out more details and register for this fabulous travel event here. I promise it will fuel your wanderlust!

A Springtime Getaway to Sonoma Valley Wine Country and the Idyllic Montage Healdsburg

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 01 May 2021 19:34:09 +0000

Earlier this spring Scott and I had the pleasure of returning to Healdsburg, in Sonoma County, the site of our first romantic getaway 22 years ago. We always enjoy a walk down ‘memory lane’ in this classic wine country town and this trip we stayed at a sparkling new destination, the idyllic Montage Healdsburg. The spacious resort, with 130 bungalow-style suites sprinkled throughout, is eco-friendly with a contemporary design style enhanced by native oak trees and vineyards. We thoroughly enjoyed the fire table on our balcony during chilly evenings, golf cart rides around the grounds, tasty cuisine at some old and new Healdsburg favorites, sampled delicious wines and enjoyed springtime drives through the vineyards. Just a friendly reminder that springtime in wine country is not to be missed!

“With its captivating blend of wine country charm, rustic natural beauty and impeccable flavors, Healdsburg consistently ranks as one of America’s favorite small towns. Whether sipping your way through world-class tasting rooms or unwinding amid understated luxury, this historic enclave is certain to suit your palate.”

— Montage Healdsburg

Twilight views of Mount St. Helena

From our Curated Travel Instagram post:

“Let’s face it, one of our favorite things about travel is the food 🍽 (and it’s something we’ve been missing with our year spent mostly at home). In Healdsburg, a well-known foodie haven, we enjoyed old favorites (Bravas de Tapas!🥂) and discovered new delights (Barndiva, Hazel Hill at Montage, Guiso, and Campo Fina). Simply said...travel is delicious!”

Join us over on Instagram!

P.S. - Isn’t it surprising and fun when your order matches your outfit? ;) Thank you, Barndiva!

A quintessential drive through wine country embellished with vibrant yellow mustard, blue skies, green grasses, and white puffy clouds of spring.

We stopped in at Ferrari Carano, a walk down memory lane from our first visit, for a private wine tasting on their Mediterranean-style terrace overlooking the pool. The gardens, landscape, and rose’ here are extraordinary. We even stopped by the first b & b where we stayed 22 years ago and discovered the old Adirondack chairs still in place on the lawn.

Thank you to Montage Healdsburg for the warm welcome and exceptional experience in wine country.

Montage Healdsburg is a preferred partner and a member of the Virtuoso Luxury Network.

For more information and to book online here or contact us to book for you.

Virtuoso travelers receive:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Breakfast Credit for two guests per bedroom ($30 per person, daily)
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

With Love from Italia!

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 21:06:38 +0000

I wish I could say I’m writing to you from Italy today but, no, not just yet. Last week I spent three glorious days connecting with brand partners in Italy through Duco Virtuale, an invitational luxury travel network in Italy. It was wonderful to connect on one-to-one zooms with old and new Italian friends in the industry. With all the downtime this last year, hotels and resorts have refurbished, refreshed, created new protocols, and reimagined unique ways to experience la dolce vita. They are counting the days until they can welcome Americans again and we have much to look forward to.

Take a peek at some of the tantalizing views I experienced on zoom with Duco Virtuale.

After 3 days of catching up with travel industry friends in Italy, I’m now catching up with my clients who are booking now for travel later. It’s exciting to have travel on the horizon again, isn’t it?

I will let some of the stunning images I enjoyed with brand partners satisfy your senses for Italy today.

Images: credit Duco Virtuale and brand partners

A Handy New Tool to Fuel Your Wanderlust: Meet The Wanderlist (It’s Complimentary!)

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 18:44:10 +0000

Wanderlust is having a moment with all the time we spent at home last year. Are you are drooling over exotic destinations or a travel adventure closer to home? Do you ever wonder if there is a way to save and organize the destinations that capture your fancy? What about sharing travel dreams and ideas with family and friends and/or your trusted travel advisor?

As a travel advisor with the global luxury network Virtuoso, I’m excited to share an innovative tool to help capture your wanderlust travel dreams (plus it’s currently complimentary!) with my travel clients and readers of the blog.

Introducing the Wanderlist:

WANDERLIST FEATURES

Users can create a secure account
Browse destinations of interest and begin dreaming
Create personalized wish-lists
Experiences- Collect unique travel ideas
Hotels- Select from 1400 properties internationally to add to wish-lists
Cruise Lines- Discover cruise opportunities in destinations of interest to add to wish-lists
Share and compare ideas with friends, family, and your travel advisor
Add any wish-list ideas from the web to your list
Users are notified by email when friends, family, and clients create new lists, heart an idea and invite others to share in the fun.
Wanderlist is fun, easy, and FREE!

Consider the latest research on travel planning:

“It’s even possible to double-dip on the experience advantage. A study published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life showed a major spike in happiness — lasting about eight weeks — during the planning stage of a vacation, as people enjoy the sense of anticipation.

Another study shows a boost in happiness after a vacation, as people remember the experiences they had.
And the people they enjoyed those experiences with. ”

— Inc.

On a personal note: The gallery above is from our very own Wanderlist with a trip to French Polynesia on our summer horizon. #wanderlist

How About You-

Are you ready?

I'm Ready to Create My Wanderlist

A Game-Changing Solo Trip to Italy (plus essential packing tips)

Heather Lindstrom — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 19:06:40 +0000

villa balbiano on Lake Como

I'm reminiscing on a game-changing solo trip I took to Italy three years ago this week. Though I’ve enjoyed several Italian adventures in the years following this entire travel experience opened new doors for my Curated Travel business and reaffirmed my staunch adoration for the magic, beauty, and deliciousness of Italy and the charm and verve of the Italians. Plus, I learned some essential packing strategies I will never forget!

I remember how anxious I was about flying to Europe solo for the first time, without my husband, and how daunting it was to be without my carefully packed luggage (a panic!) until the final leg of the trip. I learned how to put my best foot forward despite wearing sneakers to a fancy dinner party at Villa d’Este at Lake Como, how to lead with a smile to distract from my thrice-worn outfit, and that I was bold enough to seek out this adventure and make the most of every moment. I also learned to alter my packing strategies so I’m that never caught without the necessities again.

Below is a collection of blog posts from this transformative journey and if you are missing Italy like I am, I hope you enjoy the views. These photos feel like old friends and I am reminded how I, like so many of my clients, can barely wait to get back to dreamy Italia.

Ciao!! I have just arrived home from my 10-day luxury travel event in Northern Italy. My jet-lagged brain is a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors, scintillating views, the sparkle of chandeliers, prosecco toasts, and the delectable flavors of Northern Italian cuisine. - Curated Travel Blog

Posts are in chronological order starting on the lower right. Ciao!

Lake Como

Our Stay at Classic Timber Cove Resort on the Northern California Coast + Notes on Travel During Covid-19

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:38:20 +0000

There was a birthday on the horizon and I wanted to surprise my husband with a destination that would suit our quarantine-induced cravings for sea air, ocean views, beach walks, foodie cuisine, along with, most importantly, Covid hygiene protocols. On this trip, no fancy clothes or heels were required but hiking boots, a picnic basket, and his guitar were on the packing list. You get the ultra-relaxed vibe I was looking for with this getaway for my premiere travel client.

Just as I hoped, Timber Cove Resort, a classic California Coast seafront lodge was just the place. Not only was Scott surprised by the laidback charm and beach feel, he appreciated the gourmet dining, firepits, wine tasting, and retro record players in each rustic room. Also noteworthy were the private entrances and windswept balconies with cove views equally stunning at sunrise and sunset. And who can resist those outdoor firepits??

“Timber Cove is proud of its rich lineage. Built in 1963 as a place of meditation and tranquility, Timber Cove was designed by famed architect and original owner Richard Clements Jr., who was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architectural style. Envisioned as a dramatic A-Frame structure, the original Timber Cove generously incorporated redwood and stone materials to create a timeless space that complements the local surroundings. ”

— Timber Cove

Outdoor dining was allowed during our visit to Timber Cove Resort so we made the most of our cool fall evenings with lap blankets we brought from home. The Coast Kitchen restaurant was a welcome relief from months of home-cooking and we enjoyed the fresh fare with indulgent notes. Cheers to the birthday boy!

For our second day, we ordered a picnic from the kitchen and took it to the beach on the bluff. Despite a chilly day, it was warm in the sun and the perfect perch to enjoy tapas and a chilled sauvignon blanc above the sea.

notes on traveling during the Covid-19 chapter:

Scott tells me I am by far the “most cautious person” he knows regarding Covid-19. We have taken 2 short road trip overnighters since the pandemic and only traveled and dined outdoors in our ‘safety bubble’ of two a handful of times. Here are the guidelines I use to prepare to travel safely.

Check case numbers and recommendations in your destination before booking a hotel and check cancellation/postponement policies.
Check hotel/lodging for outdoor living spaces rather than enclosed lounges & lobbies.
Read reviews and ratings on how well the resort implements the hygiene plans and protocols.
Pack all the gear: an assortment of masks, hand-sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes (for wiping down touchpoints in your room), disinfecting air spray, and blankets/picnic ware for outdoor dining.
Most restaurants use a QR code rather than a paper menu for touchless ordering, but if they don’t you can ask for a new single-use paper menu.
Before you travel plan out comfortable rest stops where you can use the facilities. While I’ve NEVER been a fan of gas station restrooms now is not the time to start. We plan our travel time frame around a stop for lunch at a trusted restaurant or coffee shop.
Take a moment to appreciate your staff and servers who are working harder than ever to make your experience safe and enjoyable. In our experience, they are doing an amazing job!

My favorite image of our trip. This captures perfectly the vibe I imagined for my ‘favorite travel client’.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Timber Cove Resort who went above and beyond to make sure the birthday boy was celebrated and that we felt comfortable the entire stay. Truly, a road trip in your local region can be the safest way to travel when the time is right for you.

All photos were taken on my iPhone.

Inspiration for Celebrating Date Night at Home for Valentine's Day

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 19:36:53 +0000

Happy Valentine’s weekend, friends! With days passing slowly, it’s hard to believe it’s already mid-February, isn’t it?

This time last year my husband booked a romantic getaway to the Kenwood Inn & Spa in the Sonoma Valley. We had been keeping an eye on the news and understood it might be our last getaway for awhile with the pandemic on the horizon. In some ways that made the trip all the more special and we savored the little details even more than usual. Little did we know how much ‘home time’ we would all have in the coming year. Read about one of our favorite stays in wine country: A Mediterranean Style Getaway to Kenwood Inn & Spa in the Sonoma Valley.

This year, we will be staying home and celebrating with our tradition of ordering a catered dinner from our local favorite in Chico, Bacio Catering. If the weather cooperates we will dine alfresco as we have on previous Valentine’s Days where we lucked out on the weather. A brilliant sunset would be an extra special bonus, especially this year.

A few ideas for Valentine’s Day inspiration:

10 Ideas to Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Home This Year from Town & Country Magazine.

20 of the Best Valentine’s Day Movies Ever Made

Tour Some of the World’s Greatest Landmarks Without Leaving Home

We are looking forward to Stanley Tucci Searching for Italy on CNN (debuting Valentine’s Evening)

Follow Stanley Tucci for mixology inspiration

In whatever way you plan to celebrate this weekend wishing you love, joy, and fun!

Ciao!

Heather

Previous posts on romance travel and date night:

Hello to 2021 With Travel on the Horizon (Plus a Special Invitation)!

Heather Lindstrom — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 20:35:09 +0000

Hello friends,

Welcome to 2021 and oh, how we have been looking forward to this fresh new year. The good news, with the flattening of the surge and the rollout of the vaccines, is that there is an uptick in travel planning and it’s exciting. Airlines and hotels have extended flexible booking policies which make it much less risky to adjust travel dates as needed. As a travel advisor, I’m keeping up with the latest requirements and recommendations through my travel agency and travel networks. New updates are happening daily so feel free to connect with us for the latest information.

I’m sharing a couple of helpful links for when the time is right and you consider traveling again:

Check out this handy Traveler’s Toolkit from our partner network Virtuoso. You will find it here.

Updates on travel to Hawaii and the latest requirements (and the App you must download) here.

On a fun note:

Join us for a virtual Travel + Cocktails - A Special Mixology Event on February 4th!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, join us in the Cadence Classroom for an exclusive virtual cocktail class! Hosted by expert mixologists and sponsored by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, you will learn how to create 3 love-inspired cocktails. Keep an eye out for your confirmation email - there will be a link to a PDF with the ingredients you will need for the cocktails! You will also receive a special travel offer following the event.

Spotted: It was fun to catch our Instagram photo (below) shared by the rooftop hot spot Sky and Vine at the Archer Hotel in Napa. This photo was taken in 2019 but it was fun to relive the sublime moment.

Here’s to brighter days on the horizon!

Stay well,

Heather

Follow Curated Travel on Instagram and let’s be social!

Checking In...

Heather Lindstrom — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 21:32:33 +0000

Hello friends,

It’s been a bit of a roller coaster lately, are you feeling it, too? I wanted to take a moment to check-in and let you know I am thinking of you. I hope you and your loved ones have been able to find a new level of health, balance, and gratitude during these complicated times. It was encouraging to hear they are making progress on a possible vaccine this morning and our travel dreams grew a bit brighter.

With that in mind, what are you dreaming of? They say that "To travel is to dream," but the dreaming is what comes first. It’s been wonderful to hear from so many of you, friends and clients, who are ready to place some travel on your horizon. Please think of me - and forward this message to your friends - whenever you are ready to travel or simply ready to dream. And with the holidays around the corner, there are so many wonderful promotions and gifting options for future use! I am at your service and would be delighted to bring your travel dreams to life.

Stay well and please keep in touch!

Heather

Invitation: Exploring the Romantic Rhine, Cape Cod the Islands and Newport, and Yellowstone & Grand Tetons National Park

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 21:09:58 +0000

I’m excited to announce a virtual event for our Curated Travel clients hosted by Cadence and Tauck. See below for details and join me along with our CADENCE team on October 21st at 4 PM (PT). Click the link below to register for this wanderlust inspired zoom event. Grab a cup of tea or a glass of vino and let’s explore these fantastic destinations with Tauck on the 21st.

A ‘Suite’ Stay at Auberge du Soleil In Napa Valley for our 20th Anniversary

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 21:22:00 +0000

Though our trip to Bora Bora was postponed due to COVID, Scott and I were excited about our reimagined plans to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in the Napa Valley. This was our first trip in seven months, and from the moment we arrived at Auberge du Soleil we knew we had found the perfect place to celebrate. We were treated to exceptional service, a tour of the beautiful property, a review of the included amenities, an update on rigorous hygiene protocols, and a glass of sparkling wine. We were graciously upgraded to the Saint Remy deluxe suite (1254 sq. ft.) with a private terrace, living space with a fireplace, soaking tub, and a separate powder room which made our stay even more luxurious and comfortable.

“
Inspired by the south of France. Infused with California soul.”

— Auberge du Soleil

We enjoyed the beautiful french style grounds at Auberge including the classic swimming pool with yellow striped loungers. It felt like a getaway to Provence with only a three hour drive.

Our suite included a fresh made to order breakfast each day. The menu contained a QR code which, when photographed, displayed a menu on our phones to keep our ordering experience hands-free.

My tour of the Saint Remy suite with a toast by Scott

The first night we enjoyed a delicious fireside dinner on the patio at one of our favorites, Solbar, at Solage Resort (also an Auberge Resort).

On September 10th, our 20th anniversary, the concierge at Auberge set us up with a private tasting at Crocker & Starr Winery in St. Helena. Lauren, our knowledgable wine guide, hosted a fantastic tasting of bold reds, views of the vines, and stories of the history of the winery.

Dressing for dinner, exchanging gifts, a little bubbly by the fire, and dinner on the balcony at Auberge du Soleil.

It turned out to be très romantique, just as we had hoped.

I created a hardcover book of our 20 years together for my husband’s gift. In the second photo below we were goofing around trying to recreate the image from our 5th anniversary on the cover. It was harder than we thought but this one turned out fairly close. US….15 years later.

I use BLURB for my personalized books and I love to use Greeting Card Universe for my personalized greeting cards (owned by my cousins!) like the one I made for Scott above.

Thank you to the team at Auberge du Soleil, especially Carol, Sharon, and Keith, for making our stay so memorable. As it turns out, Auberge du Soleil was the perfect place to celebrate our 20th anniversary in comfort and style. We were reminded how romantic a few days away from all this ‘home time’ can be and can hardly wait to return!

Cheers to my love, Scott, and another 20 years! x

Auberge du Soleil at night

To view and/or book other preferred resorts in Napa Valley with Virtuoso amenities.

Coming Soon on the Blog: Our visit to RH in Yountville

Throwback Travel: Our Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo

Previous Posts on the Wine Country:

Creating a Milestone Anniversary Celebration When Bora Bora is Postponed to 2021

Heather Lindstrom — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 19:58:00 +0000

Early in the pandemic, when I missed out on a trip to Italy, I called it ‘delayed grativacation’. At that point, I could not have imagined we would be at home every day and every night for seven long months and it’s still mind-blowing when I think about it. I took 5 international trips in 2019 so all this home time would not have seemed possible. Are you feeling it too? Like so many of you-clients, friends, and blog readers- who have had to postpone your travel plans, we feel for you and have recently done the same.

As I shared on Instagram, my husband and I made the difficult decision to postpone our long-awaited ‘wanderlist’ trip to French Polynesia for our 20th wedding anniversary. We had plans to arrive today to enjoy the beauty of Moorea and Bora Bora, experience those aqua waters in overwater bungalows for the first time as we toasted our anniversary. As you can probably relate, the delayed gratification is not easy, especially when you are looking forward to the change of pace, ease of stress, a new adventure, and reconnecting with nature, yourself, or someone you love.

But for now, it feels safer to postpone, so we pivot. We feel the disappointment and move those plans further back on our ‘wanderlist’ calendar. Bora Bora will have to wait until July 2021. And then we make some new plans. For us, it needed to be something meaningful, something worthy of our 20th celebration and it needed to feel safe in these COVID times. By sheer coincidence, and a webinar I joined with preferred travel partners, the perfect destination fell right into place. The answer, it seems, was hanging on the wall in my husband’s home office all along.

My dress for our anniversary dinner is more coral than red, but Scott and I will lounging on this very balcony, and enjoying a stay at this residential-style boutique hotel in the Napa Valley later this week. Auberge Du Soleil, “Inspired by the south of France. Infused with California soul'“ will be perfect for our celebration. With a bit of planning and creativity, we have another ‘wanderlist’ stay on the horizon for this milestone and I hope you do for yours.

Stay safe and cheers! Heather

Follow along with us on Instagram Curated Travel + StyleMindChic (behind the scenes)

View Auberge Du Soleil and contact us at Curated Travel for more information and to book this or any of the Auberge Collection Resorts.

Painting by California Artist: Michael Flohr

Join Us for a Virtual Tour of Fine Wine & Cuisine in Lyon & Provence

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 15:00:28 +0000

Are you ready for a change of scenery?

I was talking to a friend/client the other day and reminiscing about our beautiful travels on our Curated Travel group cruise on the Mediterranean last year. In an effort to enjoy a change of perspective for this ’staycation summer’ we decided to sign-up for a virtual tour of food and wine in Provence this Friday, August 21st at 9am Pacific, hosted by Viking River Cruises. You will find the link below to join us for this complimentary change of scene.

Views of Arles and Pont du Gard from our visit last year.

“Tap into your inner van Gogh at an Arles painting class. Discover Roman Provence at Les Arènes amphitheater and the Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon’s Palace of the Popes. Excite your palate in Lyon, capital of French gastronomy. Savor Beaujolais wines. Hunt for truffles and see how chèvre cheese is made. Come witness the beauty that inspired artists like Cézanne and Chagall on this 8-day Rhône cruise.”

— Viking Cruises

Summer Garden Tour: Beautiful Gardens Around the World

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 19:29:53 +0000

I recently saw an article from Virtuoso on beautiful gardens around the world. Did you catch it on our Curated Travel Facebook page? It reminded me of one of my personal favorite gardens that I visited at Lake Como in 2018. Villa Balbiano is a magnificent palazzo built in the 16th century, now part of the Heritage Collection, and is described as “The Italian Opulence on Lake Como”.

I wrote a blog post about my memorable visit to Villa Balbiano on Lake Como. It was early April and the gardens were just starting to wake up. Check out the video for an aerial perspective. The views of the gardens and palazzo are stunning!

My Pinterest board, Gardens Around the World, houses ethereal images of English, Italian, French and wine country gardens for inspiration. There is something calming and restorative about gazing at the beauty of nature in these spectacular gardens, especially in times like these. I hope you enjoy this mini virtual garden tour today.

All images from Pinterest with credit at link above.

As a travel advisor who has been homebound for the last 5 months, it’s more challenging to come up with travel inspiration for the blog. I hope this glimpse of beauty around the world brings you a bit of sunshine today.

Thank you for reading and be well. Heather

In case you missed this post from Virtuoso:

The World's Most Beautiful Gardens

Real Time Travel: Croatia is Re-Opening for Tourists!

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 22:36:57 +0000

Last fall, during our Azamara Mediterranean Cruise of the Dalmatian and Amalfi Coasts, we visited Croatia for the first time. Scott and I spent a day wandering the charming alleys of old town Sibenik, increasingly popular as home to two UNESCO heritage sights as well as a filming location for Game of Thrones. With a rich cultural history, golden sand beaches flanking the cerulean blue Adriatic, a visit to Sibenik entices you to explore even more of Croatia.

It’s exciting to note that Croatia is one of the first European countries to open up to tourists.

Here’s a glimpse of an afternoon in Sibenik.

The Sibenik Waterfront

The Cathedral of St. James, in the heart of old town, is a must see for history and architecture buffs. Learn more about immersive experiences around Sibenik. Contact us to learn more about travel to Croatia.

PS - Our group cruise on the Azamara Pursuit was a blast!

A Boulder Adventure: The Baths on the Island of Virgin Gorda

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 22:54:45 +0000

If you find yourself on the island of Virgin Gorda a trip to the Baths in Devil’s Bay is a must! During our Azamara Caribbean Cruise last November we booked an afternoon to explore these gigantic boulders, created by volcanic activity, and the tranquil aqua blue grottos they created.

From the parking lot at the top of the mountain, we chose the route on the left to hike the meandering path, filled with scenic views, down to the beach. After we refreshed ourselves with swimming in the aqua blue seas, Mr. CT and I followed the clearly marked trail through the boulders and peaceful grottos. Wooden stairs and rope handrails are used here and there and, in some spots, we stretched ourselves up and over boulders. Though physically demanding over the boulders, splashing through pools was pure refreshment. This natural marvel is exhilarating adventure travel at its finest and highly recommended.

Pro Tips for the Baths:

Bring/wear water shoes or sandals for the hike and bath path.

Pack light since you will be carrying your things with you through the bath path.

When you arrive at the parking lot at the top of the hill, take the path to the left which will lead you down the gentler, meandering path to the beach. After a dip, gather your belongings and watch the arrows to follow the bath path to the other side. It’s a one way path and you will end at another beach with snorkeling, beverages and food available for purchase. The hike back to the top from this beach to the parking lot is more intense but much shorter.
Bookmark this info for your next trip to the Caribbean and contact us to help make your travel dreams a reality.

For More on Travel to the Caribbean

How to Create Your Favorite Destination Scent at Home

Heather Lindstrom — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:49:56 +0000

One of my favorite activities while traveling is to pop into a fragrance shop or stand. It’s intriguing to savor the scents of a local region and I often learn more about the history and culture of the place from the vendors than from a museum next door. Over and over I am attracted to scents of the Mediterranean with splashes of citrus, lavender, neroli, bergamot, rosemary, eucalyptus, peony, and more. Since travel remains on the horizon for most of us this summer, I think it’s lovely to bring the fragrances of our favorite destinations home.

Benefits of using essential oils in a diffuser:

Create a relaxing environment
Anxiety reduction
Improved sleep
Improved well-being
Signature fragrance can be transportive to a favorite destination
No fire hazard (as in candles)

To create your signature fragrance for the home:

*Fractionalized coconut oil (liquid) here

*Organic Essential Oils here (My favorite - neroli here)

*Small Funnel

*Glass jars for diffusing and diffuser sticks (I’ve collected diffusers over the years to reuse)

I create my signature fragrance by adding a 1/2 cup of liquid coconut oil to a lidded glass jar. I add 15 drops of my preferred essential oil base to start building the fragrance. I then add additional fragrance oils, drop by drop, to create the signature blend. Along the way, sniff and sniff, adding drops until you have your perfected your signature scent. When your desired result is achieved, use the funnel to slowly pour small amounts of your blend into the diffuser jars. Add diffuser sticks if you like. Save any unused blend in the lidded jar to refresh diffusers on a weekly basis.

My current favorite scents are neroli, lemon, sweet orange, bergamot, lavender, and vetiver.

If you want to perfect your fragrance building process learn more The Art of Pairing.

On a side note, it’s not easy to feel inspired as a travel advisor/ blogger during a pandemic and I’m sorry for my lack of regular posting on the blog. I started several posts this month but I must confess to some writer’s ‘roadblock’. How apropos! Despite that, I hope you are staying healthy and faring well during these challenging times. Message me on Instagram or drop me a comment below and let’s keep in touch. Travel will begin again and it is sure to be more celebratory and meaningful than ever.

Ciao!!

Heather

The Curated Travel Collection: California

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 28 May 2020 18:31:18 +0000

Solage in Calistoga, California

Author’s note: Here we are at the tail end of May, following 2 1/2 months of quarantine, and life is starting to feel a bit more normal this week. We are not ready to travel just yet but we are beginning to think of summer road trips to safe destinations and the exciting possibility of fall travel. In that light, here is a collection of blog posts on destinations in California.

Enjoy this glimpse of the Golden State-inspired by travels in my home state over the years.

Waters Edge in Tiburon, California

“I suddenly realized I was in California. Warm, palmy air – air you can kiss – and palms.

”

— –Jack Kerouac

Blog Posts on Life in California

Contact us to make your travel dreams to California come true. We create seamless travel itineraries for the modern traveler at Curated Travel.

A Mediterranean Style Getaway: the Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley Wine Country

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 20 May 2020 22:37:26 +0000

The Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma valley, California

If you zip around the corner too fast on the Sonoma Highway you may miss it, but if you slow down you will see a charming glimpse of the Mediterranean in Kenwood that may make you blink twice. I typically travel to Italy a couple of times a year and this place has a similar feel without risking those uncertain international flights just now. Vine-covered Mediterranean style architecture, wrought iron embellishments, gurgling fountains, pergolas wrapped with fragrant blossoms, and terracotta pots filled with citrus have that quintessential Med feel. On Valentine’s Day weekend, not long before the two months quarantine began, my husband gifted me with a 3-day stay at the old-world style Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley, California.

A video tour of our spacious suite at the Kenwood Inn

On Valentine’s Day we indulged in 80-minute massages at the newly reimagined Kenwood Spa located just off the pool lined with luxurious private cabanas. We also enjoyed the largest spa (complete with waterfall) we’ve ever seen located just off our suite. Sunbathing on a cool day in February felt truly luxurious.

That evening Chef Sam Badolato was the featured chef for the private Pop-up Valentine’s Day Dinner. He and his staff served up a delectable five-course prix-fixe menu and wine pairing, locally sourced with an Italian twist and we enjoyed every foodie bite.

The Kenwood Inn is located near wineries, cafes and some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. We enjoyed an extensive tasting at Kunde, just a hop, skip and a jump from the Inn, as well as a delightful alfresco lunch at Salt and Stone. Other favorite wineries include Deerfield Ranch Winery, Wellington Cellars, St. Anne’s Crossing, Ledson and the Mayo Reserve Room.

If you live in Northern California as we do, the wine country is an easy road trip from just about everywhere. A short trip to this ‘Mediterranean’ escape may be the perfect getaway for you. To learn more about wine country and The Kenwood Inn and Spa please contact us to book your next wine country getaway. Thanks to my sweet husband for the perfect gift for this travel advisor who loves the Mediterranean and wine country. x

Ciao!

Heather

Our Delectable Cooking Class with Chef Salvatore Quarto at Fonteverde in Tuscany

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 13 May 2020 18:44:31 +0000

Cacio e pepe

Virtual travel is more popular than ever with all the time most of us are spending at home. There is nothing more delectable than pasta in Italy and I’ve been looking forward to sharing a cooking class we experienced at Casina delle Rose at Fonteverde in Tuscany. Famed Chef Salvatore Quarto was our master teacher and the classic dish pici cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper) was on the menu. This delicious dish is simple yet decadent. We hand-rolled each strand of pasta for class but with some pecorino cheese, fresh pepper, and a lovely premade or even dried pasta, it’s easy to recreate from the pantry.

Today I’m sharing a few images plus a video I put together of this foodie experience with Chef Salvatore in Tuscany (scroll down).

During our ‘slow life’ at home I’m working on my video skills! ;)

Pin It!

To make homemade fresh pici pasta from Eattiamo.

To make the Cacio Pepe with pre-made pasta use this recipe from Epicurious.

More of the Virtual Cooking Class from Travel & Leisure

I’m always happy to book unique experiences like this cooking class for my clients. Contact me to put an Italian cooking class experience, like this one, on your horizon! Stay healthy and safe! Ciao, Heather

Read more on our visit to Fonteverde Spa and Bagni di Pisa with our beautiful host, Cristina Morellini.

Self-Care Tips for Stressful Times

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 20:28:09 +0000

It’s day 53 of our sheltering in place chapter and I finally polished my toenails. Is this a positive sign? I hope so! At least my toes are looking more vibrant. Overall, a bit of the mental fog is lifting and we are feeling more optimistic with May on the horizon. For now, we will continue to stay home and stay safe.

How are you doing during this stressful time? Now that you have likely had much more time at home are you changing up your self-care routines? As we already know, deep-breathing, exercise, healthy eating and proper rest are essential for self-care and stress reduction. I've also found that spa time at home is important for wellbeing.

Though there is less need to dress up on days like these, it doesn’t mean self-care should take a back seat. I’ll admit, I have had a few days where a shower felt like too much trouble, but I find I definitely feel better (physically and emotionally) when I take the time to care for my skin, hair, and nails.

I’m digging in my drawers for facial scrubs, masks, and serums that are half-used or forgotten. By the way, doesn’t it feel good to go through the items that have not been frontline and either use or dump them? It’s cost-effective, green and, honestly, my drawers have never looked better. Now that we have the luxury of time, I want to share a few of my must-haves for a spa day at home.

My necessities for a self-care home spa experience:

*Plush bamboo towels (2 matching sets in white for easy care laundering)

*A comfy, absorbent spa robe

*A fragrant candle like Jo Malone’s Basil and Neroli

*Facial Masque-Caudalie is a favorite that I picked up in Paris

*Body wash - Le Labo - Bergamote 22

*Skin serums and moisturizers from Peter Thomas Roth

*My Clarisonic Mia (a lifechanger for my skin)

*Living Proof Haircare

*Body Buffer by Kai

*My DIY beauty elixir (see below)

*Cucumber and lemon water in a carafe

*Soothing, calming music (Spa channel on Satellite or anything 'Chill or downtemp' on spotify)

I’m planning to purchase this BeautyFIX box on sale that does not require a subscription right now. $24.99 for products worth over $100.00 and should come in handy since I’m no longer shopping in stores.

It’s nice to let our skin breathe (sans makeup except for business zooms) but moisture is key. I’ve recently renewed my appreciation for a household product that is a miracle in a jar. Read this post on My DIY Beauty Elixir for Thirsty Skin that I wrote a couple of years back.

I found these great tips for Self-Care from Virtuoso:

How to have the ultimate Self-Care Day

In need of some wanderlust?

Favorite Travel Spa Experiences from the Curated Travel Blog

Practicing Delayed 'Grativacation' for My Postponed Trip to Italy

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 00:04:21 +0000

I had planned to arrive in Italy today for a luxury travel event in Venice. My itinerary included a brief stay in Milan, a hosted tour of Turin, followed by a full weekend of luxury events in Venice. I have been looking forward to Travelux 2020 since I attended for the first time in March of 2018. That event, hosted at Lake Como, was filled with luxury travel experiences in and around Lake Como, San Remo, and Abano Terme. The trip caused me to fall even more in love with Italy, Italians and living la dolce vita. The event was also a life-changer for my new travel business.

I’ve been looking forward to reconnecting with my Italian travel partners and friends, so I’m disappointed about the necessary change of plans. Like so many of us, I’m practicing delayed ‘grativacation’ while looking forward to getting back to Italy when the event is rescheduled.

In the meantime, I’ve been looking back over blog posts from that trip in 2018 and will never forget, despite the most meticulous packing of my life, how I arrived in Italy for my first luxury travel event and my luggage didn’t arrive for another 6 days! I learned a lot about packing strategies but, more importantly, how to ‘make it work’ when your resources are low. I also wrote about my best tip for when you are forced to wear sneakers at a fancy event at Villa d’Este and dealing with other uncomfortable moments. ;)

Are you practicing delayed ‘grativacation’ too? What trip did you have to cancel? What travels are next are your wanderlist? Since you may have time on your hands, like most of us do these days, you can read more about my solo adventures in Italy in 2018 in the collection below (see first post at lower right of collection).

Check out: Keeping Your Wanderlust Spirit Alive

“Delayed Grativacation - The fine art of looking forward to a postponed trip and keeping the wanderlust alive. ”

— Heather Lindstrom

Hello From Our Home to Yours in the Age of 'Physical Distancing'

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 17:25:56 +0000

Hello Friends,

Who could’ve known, just a few short months ago, what our current ‘normal’ would look like? Though our world feels like it’s turned upside right now I do hope you are finding moments of comfort, connection and even humor as our lives have slowed down.

I’m on day 19 of my ‘physical distancing’ and am hunkered down with my husband here in Chico in Northern California. We are healthy, comfortable and yet concerned about the state of our world right now. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, truth be told. How are you coping? How has this new chapter impacted your life?

I shared a few thoughts on Instagram earlier this week:

I'm on day 16 of my personal decision to officially start 'physical distancing'. Social isolation sounds lonely and depressing but physical distance is essential right now to stop the spread of this pandemic. Though we are trying to make the most of it, like our 'dinner out' (balcony style) on Saturday night, this new normal is not always easy. My theme for the year is to 'savor' so I'm trying my best to savor the little things: a golden sunset, fresh bloom in the garden, newly organized pantry, yummy new recipe, belly laugh with my husband and facetime with our grandbabies. 🔸As a travel advisor it's devastating to have our wings clipped but I've been hearing from friends in Italy and Spain about the seriousness of this situation. As a career psychologist, the anxiety and depression this isolation can bring, especially for those alone, is concerning. I want to echo the advice out there to go easy on yourself, highs and lows are normal. Call a friend, communicate how you are feeling and connect. Make time for self-care, exercise, prayer/meditation and preparing healthy food. We find music to be a good antidote - either calming or mood-elevating so it's good to experiment. Puzzle therapy has been surprisingly fun and zen. Finally, my heart goes out to a lifelong friend of mine who's 34 year old nephew passed away in Pasadena from Covid-19 following a trip to Disneyworld. 🔸This is the most serious time in our lifetime. Be smart, kind and stay well.💛 #chicoca #viewfromhere #self-care #traveladvisor #covidcope #physicaldistancing #chicocalifornia #cadencememories #cadencetravel #winetime #over50style #day16

56 Likes, 11 Comments - Luxury Travel Advisor/Owner (@curatedtravel) on Instagram: "I'm on day 16 of my personal decision to officially start 'physical distancing'. Social isolation..."

A glimpse of our world in the ‘slow life’ era.

We’ve been busy in the kitchen. Destination themed dinners have been a hit (think paella, sangria and fried plantains from Spain with the Gipsy Kings playing in the background). We’ve been trying to keep our meals fresh with lots of veggies and salads but I also broke down and baked chocolate chip cookies for the first time in years.

WOW! Hello cookies, we’ve missed you!

With all the home cooking we are now doing I must confess to missing some of the dishes at our local restaurants. We’ve ordered take out once or twice and plan to do it again soon to support the local businesses.

You will find the recipe to these soft and yummy chocolate chip cookies on my Pinterest board here. By the way, I used a light whole wheat flour and they turned out perfectly.

This made us laugh today. Does your home cooking weeks on end leave you feeling like this?

Humor from my wise mom.:)

This video popped up in the images on my phone today. We were in Provence this week last year and it is a good reminder of the beauty of that trip and to have hope that we will be traveling again someday soon.

I’ve had a number of friends and clients reach out to see how my world in the travel business is faring during Covid-19. Though I’ve had a number of changes, including my two biggest groups (one to Paris and a Med cruise) cancel within two hours of each other, many of the other trips I’ve worked on for clients are being postponed rather than cancelled. This is hugely helpful for the travel industry as well as our own peace of mind. Those of us who are energized and motivated by travel are feeling like our wings have been clipped about now. Don’t dispair! Look towards the future, plot your travels for next fall, 2021 and beyond. I share more tips in this post on How to Keep Your Wanderlust Spirit Alive.

Thank you for reading today. Stay healthy and please reach out if you are so inclined. Let me know if there is specific content I can share - Travel inspiration? Travel tips? Travel Updates? Health and Wellness? - that would be helpful. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below or by email. We will get through this chapter by supporting each other.

Be well,

Heather

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The Curated Travel Collection: France

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 18:00:00 +0000

Heather LIndstrom, Curated Travel in Paris

The Edith Piaf playlist is lilting on Pandora, we are dining on Salade Chevre Chaud and sipping on Château Minuty Rosé Et Or for lunch. We are feeling in the mood for some French inspiration today.

In the Curated Travel Collection below you will find a number of blog posts on our recent travels to France.

prendre plaisir!

“France has the only two things toward which we drift as we grow older- intelligence and good manners.”

— F. Scott Fitzgerald

“How can anyone govern a nation that has 240 different kinds of cheese? ”

— Charles de Gaulle

Chateau Eze above the french riviera

“The easy glamour of the French Riviera in the late 1960s - inspired by Romy Schneider’s character in La Piscine - mixed with garden elements. Blueprint, botanical, lattice, Queen Anne’s lace and folly prints are paired with cleaner silhouettes and proportions in a fresh palette of green, white and coral.”

— Tory Burch

How to Preserve Your Wanderlust Spirit In Uncertain Times

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 20:07:38 +0000

High above the French Riviera

It’s been a challenging couple of weeks for travelers as well as the travel industry. With news of the expanding outbreaks of Coronavirus making an impact abroad, and now in the USA, it’s definitely a concerning time.

How are you dealing with it? Is it impacting your life and travels at this point? Are you stocking up, scrubbing down and washing your hands constantly? Personally, I had a much-anticipated trip to Northern Italy in late March postponed by the host. It is disappointing and yet understandable.

As I connect with so many of my wonderful travel clients about this turn of events, I’m relieved that most all of them are staying the course for upcoming travels. They are choosing to travel smart, have the necessary insurances in place and stick with their plans.

How do you preserve your wanderlust spirit in challenging times?

One of my favorite things about travel is the anticipation. It's natural for us to want to look forward to something to keep us engaged, energized and (on occasion) daydreaming about the future. In my mind, there is almost nothing better than to have a travel adventure on the horizon.

This current epidemic will calm down and then the opportunities for travel will be huge. What to do for now? Take a breath and be ready to jump on the next wave of opportunity. During this uncertain time, we don’t have to stop dreaming of and planning for future travel adventures.

Here are a few tips to keep your wanderlust spirit alive:

1- Look further ahead on your travel calendar. Rather than focus on a postponed spring break trip turn your focus to summer travel dreams.

2- Rather than a rapid-fire booking, take the time to thoroughly research a destination: scroll through Instagram and bookmark favorite views, points of interest, hotels, restaurants, and excursions. Use Pinterest boards to collect your favorite tips on a destination and refine your travel and packing style in anticipation of upcoming travels. Savor your travel planning experience.

2- Read books set in specific destinations to fuel your wanderlust. Imagining the sensory experience, sights, sounds, tastes, and scents, of a destination, only serves to enhance the anticipation. Best Travel Books from Town and Country Magazine

3 - Refine your long-term travel calendar. Where do you want to travel in 2021? Where does that bucket list trip fit in? Consult your travel advisor (us!) to help create your long-range travel plan.

In the meantime, if you are like us, you are stocking up, ordering groceries online, door dashing dinners on occasion, and eliminating unnecessary running around. It’s a good time to tackle those projects around the house, spring cleaning, and experiment with some new recipes. We find ourselves spending more time reading and watching films about travel and gearing up for our upcoming travel adventures on the horizon for a bit later in 2020. Stay healthy!

Fresh songs to sing while washing your hands for 20 seconds

What Your Travel Advisor Wants You to Know

The Latest on the Coronavirus

A Handy Shopping Guide for Stocking Up During the Coronavirus

If you are refocusing your travel horizon contact us to start planning your next dream getaway.

French Riviera from Chateau Eza in Eze

More Travel Inspiration from Curated Travel:

A Feature on the Ageless Style Series!

Heather Lindstrom — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 19:17:57 +0000

From the Ageless style Series

It is a true pleasure to be featured on the monthly Ageless Style Series hosted by the popular (and very stylish) bloggers Cindy Hattersley and Elizabeth (aka La Contessa). I’m spilling some fashion/beauty/travel inspiration, and thoughts on staying ageless, over on Cindy’s beautiful blog at Rough Luxe Lifestyle here.

A Solo Roadtrip to Charming Tiburon & Sausalito

Heather Lindstrom — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 19:09:44 +0000

The skyline view of San Francisco from Waters Edge in Tiburon

On a picture-perfect day earlier this month, I hit the road for a solo trip to the San Francisco Bay area, a short three-hour drive from my home in Chico. While I thoroughly enjoy traveling with Mr. CT, my husband, there is something slightly decadent about a solo trip every now and then. I was headed to the Preferred Hotels event at Cavallo Point Lodge for the evening but my first stop was the charming Waters Edge Hotel, my hotel for the night, with an expansive view of the San Francisco skyline.

“This may be San Francisco Bay — Tiburon is located on the north side of the Golden Gate, just around Richardson Bay from Sausalito — but there’s something decidedly New England about Waters Edge. The view takes in what is quite unmistakably San Francisco’s skyline, as well as the nature preserve of Angel Island, but the hotel itself is a departure, an urbane retreat in muted creams and unfinished woods, with a deck overlooking the moored sailboats of the neighboring yacht clubs — not an everyday sight in today’s Northern California.”

— Tablet Hotels

A tour of my sunny room at Waters Edge Hotel

The Preferred Hotels event at Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito

Made to order breakfast in bed delivered with a newspaper and freshly brewed coffee.

Dine: Luna Blu for Italian, Sam’s Anchor Cafe (next door to Waters Edge) for overwater deck dining or an easy night-cap, Caffe Acri for a latte. Keep an eye out for the new Michael Mina restaurant under construction.

Stroll: Galleries, wine shops, cafes, boutiques and yoga studios are sprinkled along the meandering walkways of Tiburon. It feels like a nod to history but with a fresh view.

Stay: Waters Edge Hotel for the stunning views of the city, breakfast delivered to your room, wood-burning fireplaces, 5 pm wine & cheese and friendly service or book through us or online at the Cavallo Point Lodge for a luxuriuous stay near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Virtuoso Amenities for your stay at Cavallo Point Lodge (Sausalito)

For 2020:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom
$100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Curated Travel Collection: Italy

Heather Lindstrom — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 19:40:46 +0000

A collection of blog posts written and photographed by Heather Lindstrom, owner/travel advisor at Curated Travel, on nearly twenty years of travels to Italy.

Enjoy a glimpse of ‘la dolce vita’!

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy

”

— Giuseppe Verdi, composer

Contact us to make your travel dreams to Italy come true. Seamless travel itineraries for the modern traveler at Curated Travel.

Valentine's Day Eye-Candy Plus Our Favorite Kind of Surprise

Heather Lindstrom — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 01:22:09 +0000

With the cold, damp, often drab days of February upon us, I thought it would be fun to share a little Valentine’s Day themed eye-candy to warm us up.

Anything strike your fancy?

Ready for Valentine’s Day? Hearts, roses, chocolates, bling, a spa day (this has my vote), a movie night, a walk in the park, homemade chocolate chip cookies or a takeout dinner for two at home?

Romantic, kitchy, chill, skip it…..whatever strikes your fancy is what Valentine’s Day should be about.

Valentine’s Day View From Home

For the last several years Mr. C.T. and I have skipped the crowds and celebrated at home with a gourmet take-out dinner from our favorite Bacio Catering here in Chico. Dinner is always delicious and the weather sometimes cooperates for an usually warm al fresco dinner on the terrace.

A fabulous sunset was an extra bonus! More at Valentine’s Evening at Home.

As it turns out we will be changing it up this year. My husband thoughtfully tucked a Valentine’s Day weekend getaway to wine country under the Christmas tree for me. It must be challenging to surprise a travel advisor with a trip, but Mr. C.T. nailed it!

The Kenwood Inn is a charming old-world style spa hotel in the Sonoma Valley wine country and it’s been on my list to experience for many years. We are looking forward to spa treatments, wine tasting, world-class dining plus an ‘aphrodite dinner’ event during our 2-night-stay.

Follow along with us in wine country on Curated Travel Instagram.

By the way, if you are considering a romantic movie or two here are some ideas. Roman Holiday is one of my favorites for obvious Italy based reasons. :)

Do you have any fun plans for Valentine’s Day?

If you are considering giving the gift of travel (or a gift certificate!) contact us at Curated Travel to help make your travel dreams come true.

Our Second Curated Travel Group Cruise Sets Sail on the Mediterranean

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 20:36:46 +0000

Our second group cruise hosted by our very own Curated Travel embarked from Venice on September 28th, 2019. Following a couple of days exploring the iconic charms of Venice our group of friends/clients (who’ve become friends) was ready to set sail on the Azamara Pursuit on a boutique-style smaller ship cruise cruising the Dalmatian and Amalfi Coasts.

Life onboard the Azamara Pursuit includes all-inclusive luxury and just about every amenity you can imagine: fresh flowers, luxury linens, robes & slippers, unlimited beverages, free bottled water, gratuities, 24 hour room service and much more.

Our first stop on this Dalmatian and Amalfi Coast cruise was Koper in Slovenia where we enjoyed exploring the colorful village plus a complimentary ‘Azamara AzAmazing’ concert onshore for our evening entertainment.

In Sibenik, Croatia, we toured the historic city center, were awed by the ornate cathedral and enjoyed local seafood and wines.

Our complimentary Virtuoso day trip to charming Kotor included a private walking tour, a visit to the museum, a wine tasting on the private terrace, a boat ride out to Our Lady of the Rock plus a foodie style seafood lunch at the chic Regent Porto Montenegro one of our preferred brand partners.

Corfu, Greece!

Cerulean waters, golden beaches and panoramic views for days.

The next day ushered in a charming stroll on the Corso Umberto high on the mountain in Taoramina, Sicily.

Scott and I discovered a gem for lunch serving mouthwatering pizza, cannoli and local wine with views of the sea.

For obvious charm and this pizza, Taoramina was one of our favorite stops.

Our final full day included a boatride along the stunning Amalfi Coast and an aperitif (with a side of shopping!) in Positano.

Our only rule? Celebrate Everything!

The White Night Party, a ‘BIG’ birthday plus a heartwarming engagement!!

Our Mediterranean cruise was even more fun than we could’ve imagined. Just reviewing these photos to create the post makes me smile. A big thank you to our friends for joining us on the Amalfi & Damaltian Coasts cruise and to Azamara for the fabulous service and amenities.

For more on our trip visit our pre-cruise stop in Venice plus Scott and I explore Puglia at Canne Bianche Lifestyle post-cruise.

For More on Curated Travel in Italy:

GIVE: The gift of Travel and Memories to Last a Lifetime

Heather Lindstrom — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 22:58:24 +0000

Happy Holidays to you! We hope you are enjoying simple pleasures, festive moments and special times with family and friends so far this season.

With all the festivities and merrymaking this time of year it’s also easy to get caught up in the frenzy of listmaking, shopping, wrapping and more. Just keeping track of all the holiday events can be stressful at times. Are you feeling it too?

When it comes to gift-giving this year we’re focusing more on experiential gifts than more ‘things’ that take up space. How about a cooking class, massage, concert series tickets or a weekend away?

At Curated Travel we are currently creating several trips that are gifts for the holidays: a multi-gen family cruise to the Caribbean for summertime, a holiday mother-daughter trip to New York City, and a romantic getaway for two to wine country. Swoon! One of our favorite ‘gift’ trips we put together this last year was a surprise Mediterranean Cruise from one sister to another. We can assure you these dear friends of ours had a fabulous time. What a fantastic gift trip and a way to make memories for a lifetime together.

Merry! Merry!

For some travel inspiration I wanted to share a few images from our travels this last year that I ran through the ‘Waterlogue’ app.

Aren’t they pretty?

A Sunkissed Postcard from the Caribbean

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 22:09:21 +0000

St. Jean Beach on St. Barths

Baby, it’s cold outside but we found some Caribbean sunshine for you on our recent boutique-style cruise on Azamara. This trip we explored St. Martin, St. Barths, Haiti, Virgin Gorda, and Puerto Rico.

Enjoy this sun-drenched peek at some of our favorite Caribbean moments.

For more info on these island destinations and resorts contact us at Curated Travel to create your sunny getaway.

Park Hyatt St. kitts

A Colorful Return Visit to Venice in Autumn

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 19:45:26 +0000

Sixteen years ago my husband and I landed in Venice for the first time. It was our much-anticipated first trip to Europe together as relative newlyweds. The year was 2003 and I’ll never forget flying over the intricately woven islands, mercurial hues of water, while squeezing our hands together in breathless anticipation. It was our first travel dream together come true!

Our stay in Venice was pure magic. I remember the carefree feeling of getting lost wandering along the canals, a leisurely candlelit dinner in a piazza we could never find again, a romantic sunset gondola ride and a moonlight dance in St. Marks’ Square.

The Colorful Island of Burano

Scott and I returned to Venice last September for a few days before our Azamara Mediterranean cruise. This trip we had dear friends who joined us, gathering pre-cruise for a short stay, and we made the most of our time in Venezia. Mr. C.T. and I replicated our sunset dance at St. Mark’s Square listening to the small orchestra while watching the sunset and enjoying an aperitif. This trip we added a boat trip to the colorful islands of Burano, home of the rainbow-colored buildings, and Murano known for the famed glass-blowing and lace factories.

We dined alongside the canal and discovered another authentic piazza for an alfresco lunch. This time we marked it our new discoveries on a map on our iPhone so that we could find them again.

A glimpse of Venice in Autumn:

Venice has a unique rhythm all its own and it’s unlike any place we’ve ever visited. Picture the ornate Venetian architecture, art, history, foodie delicacies, masterful blown-glass with the backdrop of the iconic gondolas on the water. There are no cars allowed in Venice so you travel everywhere by boat or on foot. This adds a unique and romantic twist. Yes, Venice can be overcrowded and very touristy but seek out the less traveled canals, passageways, and piazzas, and magic abounds in and around Venice.

The islands of Murano and Burano were a colorful sidetrip one afternoon. The first stop was the glass blowing demonstration on Murano. Next up was lunch, lace and the colorful shades of Burano. Definitely not to be missed for the photographer.

“Underneath day’s azure eyes, Ocean’s nursling, Venice, lies,— A peopled labyrinth of walls, Amphitrite’s destined halls, Which her hoary sire now paves With his blue and beaming waves. Lo! the sun upsprings behind, Broad, red, radiant, half reclined On the level quivering line Of the waters crystalline; And before that chasm of light, As within a furnace bright, Column, tower, and dome, and spire Shine like obelisks of fire, Pointing with inconstant motion From the altar of dark ocean To the sapphire-tinted skies; As the flames of sacrifice From the marble shrines did rise, As to pierce the dome of gold Where Apollo spoke of old. Sun-girt city! thou hast been Ocean’s child, and then his queen. ”

— Percy Bysshe Shelley

Water Taxi in Venice

Venice is pure magic on the water at night!

We discovered this sweet piazza off the beaten path. It was perfect for perusing the market and enjoy a bistro lunch, with a fresh Caprese salad and a colorful Aperol spritz.

I dug out these images from our first visit to Venice in 2003.

Where has the time gone?

One of the headlines in the news today is the catastrophic flooding in Venice. It’s the second-worst flooding event in the last 50 years. I saw a video of a man swimming in St. Mark’s Square! It’s heartbreaking to see this iconic treasure of a city underwater. If you have not had a chance to visit Venice I would advise putting it as high as possible on your wander list. There is a fragile beauty to this city and it won’t be here forever.

Articles on Italy from the Curated Travel Blog

A Sunny Visit to the Coast of Puglia + Beachfront Chic at Canne Bianche Lifestyle

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 20:41:35 +0000

Well hello there! It’s been a while since I’ve had the time to post on the blog. Our Curated Travel group cruise on the Med was a smashing success and we are already planning our next one (yes, it was that much fun!). Let me know if you want information. Today, I’m excited to share our latest discovery and thank you for being here.

Puglia, on the eastern coast of Italy, has recently risen to the top of my destinations to explore in Italy. When I learned that our Mediterranean cruise would be ending in Rome, I jumped at the chance to finish our trip in this beachy, sunswept region.

Yes, there is a lounge chair with your name on it!

We arrived at Canne Bianche Lifestyle following a leisurely drive through the Italian countryside from Rome. The seaside location is windswept and fresh with beautiful sea views. It’s the perfect place to relax. We found the resort to be charming. It’s beach chic style with a remarkably friendly staff.

Our spacious suite was appointed with a canopy bed, two full bathrooms, a separate living area and an extra large balcony. After being on a cruise ship for a week the two bathrooms and closets were a true luxury, believe me. The views from our roomy balcony were simply lovely with morning coffee fresh from the Nespresso machine ensuite.

One goal of our trip was to explore and the other was to relax. We made good use of the hydro spa and a delightful couple’s massage one day at Canne Bianche. We enjoyed several foodie meals at T_IMO the onsite restaurant.

Ever since I first saw images of the coneshaped ‘trulli’ architectural style of Puglia I was intrigued. Our day dawned sunny with brilliant blue skies and puffy clouds. A beautiful background for our visit.

“A trullo (plural, trulli) is a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof. Their style of construction is specific to the Itria Valley, in the Murge area of the Italian region of Apulia. Trulli generally were constructed as temporary field shelters and storehouses or, as permanent dwellings by small proprietors or agricultural labourers. In the town of Alberobello, in the province of Bari, whole districts contain dense concentrations of trulli. The golden age of trulli was the nineteenth century, especially its final decades, which were marked by the development of wine growing.”

— Wikipedia

Lunch at Pavi in Locorotondo

Our 3 day stay allowed for visits to Alberobello, Martina Franca, Locorotondo (stunning views at lunch), Ostuni and Fasano. There is a wealth of beauty in this region to explore.

Thank you to my travel brand partner, Nicola, for arranging this lovely stay and the upgraded suite at Canne Bianche Lifestyle in Torre Canne.

Contact me to book your stay and to learn more about travels in Italy here.

Off to the Mediterranean with Our Second Annual Group Cruise for Curated Travel!

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 20:01:58 +0000

Our upcoming Mediterranean cruise has been in the works for nearly a year. Several of our group are already enjoying pre-cruise travels in Europe. We have a mix of longtime friends and clients (who have become friends:) joining us this trip. More details of this boutique-style smaller ship cruise on Azamara Pursuit here.

Follow along with us on Instagram (below) as we explore Venice, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Sicily, Amalfi Coast and Rome on this boutique-style cruise.

Bon Voyage!!

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Sign up for the newsletter and blog posts to stay up to date on upcoming group travels and travel opportunities. See links below.

A Quick Weekend Getaway to Wine Country

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 17:30:51 +0000

Wine Country Getaway

We were initially on the fence as to whether we should book a weekend getaway to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. With our Mediterranean Cruise on the horizon we thought it might be a bit decadent, or at the very least, travel overkill. The stresses of life be what they may, we decided a break from the routine would be the perfect antidote.

Once we decided to make the short trip to Sonoma Valley, we booked a hotel (more on that later), and made the difficult decision of where to dine for lunch. Pro Tip: Wine country is very busy on the weekends and restaurants book up so plan ahead. I booked on Open Table and we scored a lovely patio seat at one of our favorites, El Dorado Kitchen, on Sonoma Square. It was a picture perfect wine country day. Wasn’t it nice that they even personalized our menus? The food at El Dorado Kitchen is super fresh and the service was friendly and impeccable.

Though it’s difficult to find an available reservation in wine country for a late summer weekend we discovered a new boutique hotel, Hotel e, right in the heart of downtown Santa Rosa. The hotel is brand spanking new, sparkling clean and colorful with an energetic, accomodating staff. They have specialized touches like luxury linens and clothes steamers in each room. Hotel e is in the perfect location for exploring the up and coming downtown area.

For our anniversary dinner we chose Willi’s Wine Bar. We had dined at the original location previously but it burned down in the wine country fire two years ago. The new location is fresh and modern in the Town & Country Shopping Center. They had me at sparkling rosé, goat cheese balls and a decadent chocolate with candle.

This was a quick trip so we enjoyed a hearty breakfast, a leisurely walk and a stop at a beautiful winery on the way home. Matanzas Creek is a verdant spot with lavender fields, classic wine country landscaping and sweeping views. We enjoyed their prize winning sauvignon blancs and lush reds.

In the end, we were glad we made the decision to book a getaway, enjoy a change of pace, and explore some new views and flavors. Even a quick getaway can be stress relieving and restorative. Plus, a wedding anniversary is always worth celebrating!

For more on travel to wine country and travel ideas contact me at Curated Travel. I’d love to put a dream trip together for you.

High Above the French Riviera in Romantic Èze

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 00:29:44 +0000

Entering La Chèvre d’Or

The French Riviera is famous for azure seas, brilliant sunshine, gleaming yachts, star sightings, sparkling champagne, and oozing with glamour. Trust me, it’s all that and more. Have you heard of Èze? This medieval village is perched 1,401 feet above the French Mediterranean sea. Èze is forged of winding stone staircases and perches, twisted wrought iron embellishments, colorful urns of flowers, and stunning views of the Cote d’Azur. It is magical, especially at sunset.

We were fortunate to enjoy our time at both 5-star hotels in the heights of Èze with these stunning views.

“Château de la Chèvre d’Or, Member of Relais & Châteaux, perches on a cliff in the heart of a medieval village between Nice and Monte-Carlo. The breathtaking panorama includes the sparkling Mediterranean, extending from Monte-Carlo to Saint Tropez to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Gourmets are in luck; the hotel offers enticing dining, including the two-Michelin-star La Chèvre d’Or and Stagioni restaurant for dinner; and Les Remparts and Café du Jardin for lunch. Guestrooms are remarkable, offering classic and modern furnishings, as well as opulent marble bathrooms; there are just 43 guestrooms and suites, so privacy is virtually guaranteed.”

— Chateau de la Chevre d'Or

“Pretty as a postcard, Château Eza clings to the side of Eze’s ancient rock walls more than 1,300 feet above the Mediterranean Sea. Such a dramatic setting promises a remarkable experience, and this is one hideaway that definitely won’t disappoint. With just 14 guestrooms — most with fireplaces and private balconies, and all with modern amenities — there’s an enchanting, intimate atmosphere. The surrounding cobblestone streets don’t allow for automobile traffic, so quiet prevails. Dining is a regal experience; spend an evening in the elegant dining room.”

— Château Eza

Michelin Star Evenings in Èze

In praise of the meyer lemon desert….A true work of art in the citrus medium created by the talented chef at Chateau de la Chevre d'Or

I will always remember this exquisite afternoon by the pool at Chateau de la Chevre d'Or.

For more information on Éze here and these picturesque, luxury retreats contact me at Curated Travel.

Visit Jardin Exotique d’Eze

Our thanks to Creative Destinations for this lovely experience

on the French Riviera.

Virtuoso Amenities for your stay at Chateau de la Chevre d'Or:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Continental breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests on the terrace of our Bar
Welcome regional gift from the local Eze perfumery stores (such as scented candles, night perfumes, etc.; subject to change with season-value 85 EUR)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Virtuoso Amenities for your stay at Château Eza:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Continental Breakfast for two
Welcome regional gift from the local perfumery stores (such as scented candles, night perfumes; subject to change with season value $100)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

For more of our trip to France:

My 'WHY' of Being a Travel Advisor

Heather Lindstrom — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 20:07:29 +0000

My ‘Why’ of Being a Travel Advisor?

These happy faces……

clients, friends & family

Making travel dreams come true!

The months of consultation, research, collaboration, planning, booking and detailed itinerary preparation all lead to these moments in time and these happy faces. This is truly my ‘why’ of becoming a travel advisor.

“My husband and I truly cannot thank Heather enough for all of her amazing planning! Our honeymoon was an absolutely dream, & seamless from start to finish. When first planning she will send you an email with any and all locations she thinks would suit what you want, which helps narrow down all of your options! There was not one ounce of stress during planning or travel. I want to get married again just so we can have another amazing honeymoon!”

— Rylee Glendening

Learn more about our client experiences/Reviews and see the gallery here.

Clients, share your Curated Travel photos with us on Instagram at #curatedtravel🌎 or email us at curatedtravel1@gmail.com to share.

Contact us to learn more and book your next trip!

Wandering Charleston + Our Delicious Stay at Zero George

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 22:39:32 +0000

Charleston is just as charming as I’ve always imagined it would be. A family wedding in North Carolina created an easy excuse for a roadtrip to to South Carolina to explore this bucket list destination.

Charleston is resplendent with pastel clapboard houses, opulent mansions, vibrant multi-hued flowerboxes, cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages and endless city views with stately bridges rising above the water way.

The dining options are distinctly southern with a fresh twist. Influences of French, Gullah, Cajun flavors, among others, create a unique food scene. Charm oozes from the historic district mansions as you explore the cobblestone streets in a horse drawn carriage….Clip clop….Clip clop…Or whizing through the streets in a rickshaw. We did both!

Chic boutiques, luxurious hotels, sunny cafes and view-worthy roof top terraces round out the scene in Charleston. The gated porches make you want to settle in with a frosty mint julep on a warm afternoon and a great read.

Our carriage ride with Charleston’s favorite, Charlie.

Our stay at Zero George was everything we hoped it would be. This cluster of 5 historic homes has been transformed to a luxury boutique hotel that retains the true southern charm of the area. We were welcomed with chilled wine and a delicious charcuterie platter.

Suite Tour at Zero George

“Zero Restaurant + Bar will change the way you think about hotel restaurants. This tucked-away gem serves up some of Charleston’s biggest flavors and most dazzling dishes from undoubtedly the tiniest professional kitchen around. But don’t take our word for it: Condé Nast named Zero George one of the Top 5 Foodie Hotels in the World. Chef Vinson Petrillo is a master with seasonal local ingredients, elevating dining to a sublime art of delicious sophistication.”

— Zero George

Where to Stay: Zero George (Contact us to book)

Where to Dine: Zero Restaurant + Bar (reservations in advance required), Halls Chophouse, Swig & Swine (local, unpretentious and fun)

Rooftop Lounge + Dining: Market Pavilion Bar (fabulous views and rooftop pool!), Eleve cool decor and hip, artsy vibe, and The Watch-Rooftop Kitchen

Historic Horse-drawn Carriage Ride - Book here

Camargue: Off the Beaten Path in Provence

Heather Lindstrom — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 18:50:13 +0000

The white Horses of Camargue

There is a slice of Provence, off the beaten path, that offers a surprising twist from the classic lavender fields, towering cypress and medieval sand stone villages capping the mountaintops. Camargue is more about white horses, flamingos, marsh lands, salt beds, and relaxed resorts allowing for sunkissed lounging poolside. We met the white horses upon our arrival in the marshlands of Camargue and Mr. C.T and Sebastien made new friends immediately.

Following our friendly greeting from these stately creatures we headed to Le Mas de la Fougue for a relaxing stay. Our sunny suite had a private terrace that opened directly to the pool deck with lounge chairs perfect for a dip or sipping a citrus infused sangria. Sublime!

The pace of life in Camargue slowed us down almost instantly.

The sunsets are golden in this slice of Provence.

A tour of our ‘Patio Suite’

The fresh fare at La Table de Marius was beyond delicious. We enjoyed the local delicacies and creative infusions prepared by the inspiring chef, Denis Gamard. Service was friendly and impeccable. Each dish was a work of art!

“Head to western Europe’s largest delta, where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean Sea, and you’ll find a lesser known side of Provence. The Camargue spreads like a fan from the ancient Roman city of Arles, and in its folds lie green rice paddies, rose-colored salt flats, grass-filled marshes, and wide, windswept beaches. Nearly 400 species of birds call it home, as do prized black bulls and indigenous horses tended by gardians, the local cowboys who bolster the region’s wild-west reputation. “The Camargue is a mosaic of color, light, and mood,” says resident Frédéric Lamouroux, director of the Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau. “A tableau of land and water, wildlife and passionate people, it’s like nowhere else in France.””

— KIMBERLEY LOVATO for National Geographic

For more on the Camargue here. To book your next trip to France contact Curated Travel.

Thank you to Sebastien, Creative Destinations and Le Mas de la Fougue for the welcoming and relaxing stay.

Highlights from Les Baux, Carrieres des Lumieres and Pont du Gard

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:37:00 +0000

Les Baux-de-Provence is a medieval village high on a hilltop with stunning views of the valley below. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France the stone, sand, terracotta, flower boxes and sky blue shutters welcome. You feel transported back to a simpler time when wandering the winding, cobble stone streets.

Les Baux, France

Carrières de Lumières

Carved out of a former quarry this multimedia art show is a feast for the senses. Famous works of art come to life set to soaring musical pieces. This installation is a must-see for those who appreciate art and music come to life.

Learn more here

Ponte du Gard

Next up, the Pont du Gard is located near Nîmes, Uzés and Avignon. This Unesco world heritage site is the most visited ancient monument in France and we climbed it with a private guide. It’s not for the faint of heart but we felt accomplished and honored to view this ancient and timeless landmark from the top.

Learn more of Pont du Gard here

Our thanks to Sebastien from Creative Destinations for introducing us to these unforgettable experiences in Provence. To curate your dream trip to France contact Curated Travel here.

To book your tickets to Carrieres des Lumieres here.

To book a private tour of Arles, Saint-Rémy, Les Baux de Provence and Carrières de Lumières Day Trip from Aix en Provence here.

A Visit to Classic Provence with a Sweet Stay at La Maison D'Uzès

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 29 May 2019 21:34:54 +0000

Provence is everything you have likely pictured in your mind’s eye. Pastel houses, shimmery sunlight, colorful window boxes of blooms, with pastel café tables dotting the gardens and patios ready for a moment of reflection over a robust Café Crème or chilled rosé. The lifestyle in Provence is simply irresistible.

“The city of Uzès is a joy to discover, full of history and with a delightful atmosphere. Situated between Avignon and Nîmes, Uzès is a charming town with narrow streets lined with beautiful tall buildings made of honey-coloured stone.”

— La Maison

On our recent trip to France we spent one night at the charming Hotel La Maison d’Uzès originating in the 17th century in the heart of Uzès located northwest of Avignon. I was enamoured with our french luxe suite with lovely views of the city. The bathroom was one of the most spacious I’ve ever enjoyed, especially with that soaking tub! Though at the tip top of a steep, winding staircase (pity the kind bellman who hauled my suitcase) we enjoyed the beauty of this charming perch.

A tour of our suite at Hotel La Maison d’Uzès

Our evening, hosted by Sebastien with Creative Destinations, started with a chic little cocktail party by the fireside. We enjoyed a true foodie dining experience at Table d’Uzès later that evening. We were taken with the fresh and innovative menu in the heart of Provence.

“The chef selects the finest products, and most beautiful fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes, courgettes, beans, and aubergines ripen slowly in the warm sunshine in this part of the world. Regional cuisine combines their colours and flavours, accenting them with aromatic herbs. Pastries are made with sun-kissed fruit: peaches, apricots, and nectarines. This freshness and sweetness are in keeping with the hotel’s spirit.”

— LA TABLE D’UZÈS

To learn more about Uzès here. For more information on La Maison d’UZES and to book contact me. Our thanks to Sebastien from Creative Destinations and the staff at La Maison d’Uzes for our memorable stay.

Heather

Curated Travel: Isle of Capri Style

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 22 May 2019 22:58:53 +0000

Capri Family Style

Our love affair with Italy continues with a street style focus on the sunny Isle of Capri where the people watching is magnifico! While traveling abroad I’m often drawn to capturing the local street style. As you can see by my images, I’m not the only one that finds this fashionable parade eye catching. On Capri it’s all about summery white dresses, chic black frocks, pale straw bags or vibrant leather backpacks, brilliant headscarves, straw hats, jewel encrusted handmade sandals and, as always, the stylish sunnies.

“Italian style is a natural attitude. It is about a life of good taste. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Simple but with good taste. Luxury is possible to buy. Good taste is not. ”

— Diego Della Valle

The White Dress is EVERYTHING

Inspiration from my Pinterest Board on Italian Style

Capri Style Inspiration

PIN ME!

More of Italy from the Curated Travel Blog

Curated Hotel: 3 Days at the Chic Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 15 May 2019 16:56:31 +0000

I’ve had my eye on the chic, contemporary Le Blanc Spa Resort brand since it first opened in Cancun years ago. I’m attracted to the spa themed luxury and all-incluisive adults only property for a truly relaxing vibe. When I was offered a chance to the visit the newest Le Blanc resort in Los Cabos I jumped at the chance.

I was greeted at the airport by a private driver and enjoyed the scenic 20 minute drive along the golden corridor to Le Blanc Spa Resort. First steps, a private check-in, proffered welcome drink, a cool, scented mini towel, and a tour of my suite by my kindly personal butler, Omar. He took special care to acquaint me with the conveniences and smart technology of my spacious suite, including an app to communicate wishes and requests directly to my personal butler. Talk about feeling spoiled!

Le Blanc offers a range of amenties including your choice of aromatherapy, scented pillow, hand-crafted soaps of your choice and butler drawn baths at your selected time (complete with your favorite aromatherapy and rose petals). Definitely an after dinner treat to savour!

For dinner I met the small group of luxury travel advisors exploring Le Blanc with me. We enjoyed a refreshing drink, a sunset dinner by the sea and live music in the lounge as well as lively conversation. By the end of our 3 days together we felt like we had known each other forever. #girlstrip

The sunrise view from my suite

The next morning our small group of luxury travel advisors enjoyed a personalized tour of the resort from Le Blanc brand rep, Maria.

I’m always up for some pool time and we had two full afternoons built in for enjoying the pools and beach. The service at Le Blanc, including poolside staff offering cucumber slices for the eyes and a mini-massage, is fantastic. I also noticed there were many cabanas, lounge areas and 4 pools so it was easy to find as much quiet time or socializing time as you like.

Luckily for us, a spa day with massage was built in to our schedule. As our host, Kalan, reinforeced that we needed to experience all the amenities of Le Blanc. Honestly, my 50 minute massage was one of the best I’ve ever experienced. The water treatment program from sauna, to cold room, to therapeutic pools (hot/cold/whirlpools) makes you feel completely relaxed and yet renewed. I highly recommend the spa and wellness programs at Le Blanc.

There are a number of culinary options at Le Blanc. We enjoyed several of the food restaurants as well as ensuite dining during our stay. Learn more about dining at Le Blanc.

The view from my suite at Le Blanc

Following my visit to Le Blanc Spa Resort I was given several fantastic packages to share with my travel clients including $1500 resort credit, packages that include $500 off air, unlimited golf packages, and much more. Contact me for more info and to book your dream vacation to Le Blanc! Special offers through December 31st, 2019.

As you can see, Le Blanc is perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway, a girlfriends’ spa trip, an adults only desination wedding or a super romantic honeymoon or celebration trip.

My thanks to Kalan, Maria and Le Blanc for the invitation to experience Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos. I’m a big fan!

A Visit to Charming Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence

Heather Lindstrom — Sun, 05 May 2019 00:06:23 +0000

On a cloudless day graced with brilliant azure skies, we arrived at Baumanière in Les Baux de Provence. Trust me, for any lovers of French gardens the grounds are the stuff of dreams! Pure Provencial charm embellished with towering cypress, clipped boxwood hedges - fragrant rosemary, lavender, citrus, and roses - enhanced with vintage ironwork and the classic eggshell blue painted trims. Café sets placed under trees and trellises create alfresco living at its French best.

“Our domain is above all a place on the fringe of life where we feel at home, between poetry and reality, everything becomes possible for a moment.”

— Baumanière

The accomodations range from modern and airy with contemporary touches to classically charming suites with extraordinary views of surrounding Provence.

A tour of our suite at Baumanière

We were graciously invited to dine at the 2 Michelin starred L'Oustau de Baumanière with renown chef/owner Jean-André Charial creating one of the most exquisite foodie dining experiences of our lives.

To learn more about the dining experiences available check out Gastronomy at Baumanière.

“Baumanière : beautiful manners, the art of living and welcoming everything and everyone with an acute sense of happiness”

”Baumanière is an institution in Provence whose renown goes well beyond the national borders. For seventy years, Baumanière has represented much more than a destination for a luxury getaway. It is a philosophy, an authentic and sincere way of life, the secret and taste of which were passed down to me by my grandfather, Raymond Thuilier, the founder of the establishment. Elegance, serenity, respect for the environment and people are the values held dear by Baumanière, the work of a visionary who created a paradise in his own image.

It is not an easy thing to stay on the top for one or two decades, but to remain so for over seventy years demonstrates our capacity to innovate while never forgoing our objective of excellence. Baumanière is in no way a museum of bygone days... Today, it is different and yet similar to the Baumanière of the past. Similar because of its excellent culinary tradition and refined, discreet and friendly hospitality. Different due to its capacity to adapt to modernity and respond to the needs of a new generation of guests. Living fully in one’s times while preserving the essential values of top class hospitality is what Baumanière is all about.”

— Jean-André Charial

The view from our terrace

To learn more about this extraordinary destination Baumanière and contact Heather at Curated Travel to book.

I can offer Virtuoso Amenities for your stay

Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary buffet breakfast for two daily for the duration of the stay
A complimentary lunch at la Table d’hôtes for 2 people per room, excluding alcohol, taxes, and gratuities once during stay
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Our thanks to the team at Baumanière for making our stay so memorable. Thank you to Sebastien of Creative Destinations for the invitation to explore the best of Provence.

A Springtime Visit to Paris and the Chic Le Royal Monceau

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 00:08:53 +0000

Last month we had the pleasure of returning to one of our favorite destinations, Paris. It was a quick stop over on our way to Provence and the French Riviera but we made the most of our time. We checked into the Le Royal Monceau and were immediately taken with the touch of whimsy (note upside down flower pot arrangement) and sleek, modern vibe of this Philippe Starck designed hotel. Our suite came complete with delicious welcoming macarons, plush robes, linens and Clarins bath products and even a guitar for Mr. C.T. They thought of everything!

A video tour of our suite

Jet lag had set in but we were determined to freshen up, explore the neighborhood near the Arc de Triomphe, and enjoy a Parisian dinner. We didn’t have to walk far to find this charming spot, l'Elysée Saint Honoré, just down the block. Fresh chevre salad, the savory fish special, and a rich cannelloni paired with a lush red suited us just fine on this watercolor evening. After many hours of travel, we slept like babies in Paris that night!

With only one full day in Paris we enjoyed breakfast ensuite then set off to wander and explore, enjoy some cafe’ life and soak up the culture of Paris.

Our wanderings took us from ritzy boutiques to classical French apartment buildings with peek-a-boo gardens, to stops at the hip Hotel Costes and Budda Bar Paris. Eventually, we landed for lunch at La Coupe D’Or on Saint Honore’ for a fondly remembered chevre salad. As you can see, I found the French crowd to be very friendly.

“Paris is always a good idea.”

— Audrey Hepburn

Let’s face it, the food in Paris is always a highlight. On our final night the concierge recommended we visit Allard for a truly authentic dining experience. The simple, yet luxurious fare, is unforgettable. The roasted Bourbonnais free-range chicken with roasted potatoes was unlike any chicken we had ever tasted. It was infused with butter (french style) and dripping with flavor. This classic is now owned by famed chef Alain Ducasse who endeavors to keep the traditional menu alive.

“For over 80 years, Allard has been one of the most sought after gourmet addresses in Paris
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it remains one of the last authentic French gourmet bistros. Today still, the establishment is filled with the spirit of Marthe Allard, « mother cook » who founded the restaurant in 1932. Allard is above all the story of a peasant from the Burgundy region who traveled up to Paris carrying her sincere and generous family recipes.”

— Allard

Paris by night

Le Royal Monceau in Paris is one of the preferred partners for the CADENCE travel brand and is a member of the Virtuoso luxury network. As a travel advisor, it’s exciting to share our favorite destinations with blog readers and clients. Contact me to receive VIP upgrades and amenities at this luxurious and chic hotel.

Virtuoso Amenities:

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
Complimentary buffet breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests served in La Cuisine Restaurant
Guaranteed late check-out until 4 PM
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Next up on our trip to France: Provence

Curated Travel: Stylish & Savvy Travel Tips from a Travel Advisor

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 23:41:00 +0000

Enjoying cafe’ life last month in Paris

There’s nothing like arriving at your destination and feeling like a hot mess to lessen your enjoyment of a much anticipated trip. I know this from personal experience when my luggage was delayed for 6 LONG days on a luxury travel event in Italy last year. Just imagine wearing sneakers to a posh dinner at Villa d’Este and using the rosegold makeup bag in your purse as a clutch. Yes, it happened to me. Here are a few savvy tricks I’ve learned along the way to keep things more stylish than hot mess while traveling.

Packing Strategies

The most effective way to insure your items will arrive at your destination is to pack only a carry-on bag. If that is not an option, create a capsule carry-on bag with all the essentials to get you through several days if your checked luggage doesn’t arrive. Wear a monochromatic outfit on the plane, and include an additional blouse/top and pair of neutral (black) pants in your bag. If possible add an additional pair of walking shoes (and socks). Pack mini sizes of all necessary beauty products, makeup, hairbrush, all-in-one styling products, a hair tool, toothbrush/paste and anti-perspirant. As I learned the hard way, it’s difficult to recreate your skincare and makeup on the fly with little or no time to shop. Pack all necessary medications. Include a swimsuit if you are headed to a tropical or spa vacation. Scarves are also a way to change up your look. A couple of statement accessories can update your look even if you are wearing the same basics for a day (or 3) in a row.

My Packing List for the Plane

Crossbody bag
Capsule collection in my carry-on rollerbag
Pashmina
Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray
Sanitizing wipes (for the seating area)
Noise-cancelling headphones
Travel pillow or neck roll
Disposable toothbrush/toothpaste
Chargers for devices
Downloaded entertainment apps recommended by your airline
A new book downloaded to my devices
My Bejeweled app to keep me occupied when there is turbulence
A healthy snack like almonds, a meal bar or (let’s face it) M&Ms
Bottle of water purchased at the airport

Travel Tips for International Travel

*Passports - Extra pages required and be sure your passport is due to expire more than 6 months from your travel end date. Your passport is your most essential item while traveling internationally. Pack it first and keep it safe!

*Call your mobile carrier and check on international plans. AT&T can roll you into a $10 per day international plan while traveling. Other carriers may do the same. If you are considering a pocket wifi, sim card or data roaming this article discusses pros and cons for you.

*Credit cards are easy to use and are accepted in most places of business these days. Alert your credit card company (and bank if need be) that you will be traveling internationally or they may hold up charges.

*Put a hold on mail if you don’t have a housesitter.

*Charge all devices and carry a universal international adapter.

*Download itinerary apps as needed. I use UMAPPED for my client itineraries. Tripit is a great one for personal travel.

*Download a language translation app like TripLingo or better yet learn the language before you travel. See a breakdown of a variety of language learning programs from Consumer’s Advocate.

*An International Driver’s Permit if you plan to rent a car on your trip. Apply here.

*Bring your state driver’s license if you plan to ride a scooter or drive a car during an excursion.

*A note on tipping: Tips are usually included in the meal price (check the receipt) so it is not always necessary to tip at a restaurant unless service is above and beyond. In Europe, they typically won’t bring you the bill unless you request so as not to rush you. Essentially the table is yours for the evening if you like. That said, Tours/Transfers do not include tips in the pricing. Common practice is in the range of 5 Euros for half a day, or 10 Euros for a full day, per person for gratuity.

Clients often ask me about my favorite new must-haves for travel and I’m happy to dish. My most important tech accessory has become my external charger for my iPhone. I like the built-in cables on this one. It’s sleek, compact and will charge your iPhone and another device at the same time. It’s all in one so there are no extra cords to pack.

As for adapters, you will need a universal adapter (or two) if traveling internationally. This Universal Adapter is a great option. Most European countries have the same style so this universal adapter should work as well in Italy, France, Spain, etc.

I’m a new convert to noise cancelling headphones, and they make a huge difference in noise fatigue/exhaustion on the plane and jet-lag recovery upon arrival.

Travel packing cubes are my new obsession! If you tend to wear lots of neutrals while traveling (black), your suitcase can look like a tornado hit and it’s hard to find what you are looking for. Packing cubes will keep you organized AND keep your clean and dirty clothes separated. I’m a fan!

Strategies for Beating Jet Lag

Pack eye shades, a travel pillow (my favorite brand is Savvy Sleepers founded by my friend Dale Janee') or neck roll, and download an app for ambient music to help you sleep on the plane. I also take melatonin, but you can take whatever sleep-aid works best for you as needed. As always stay hydrated.

Upon arrival, I adjust to my new time zone immediately. I used to leave my watch set on my ‘home’ time zone but that made me even more tired. My advice is to freshen up at your hotel and head out for a little exploring and a great meal on the first day. Try to stay up for a typical bed time in your new time zone if possible. This will get you acclimated more quickly. More melatonin and doses of vitamin D sunshine are also helpful to reduce jet lag.

What to Purchase While Traveling

While traveling, I often bring home the sensory experience of my destination. Flavors, fragrances, candles and fine linens are the perfect consumables to bring to your home or as gifts.

On my recent trip to Paris and the French Riviera I purchased Caudalie serum and day creme from the fabulous French pharmacy (like a candy shop for us French skincare and makeup fans).

In the charming mountaintop city of Eze, I visited the parfum shop and purchased a locally made fragrance by Fragonard, ‘Soleil’. It’s a sunny fragrance that transports me to the French Rivieria with each delightful spritz. Tours of the Laboratory are offered at the Eze location. During our trip we also collected truffle mustard, regional flavored salts and Herbs de Provence. I’m a fan of local linens. They are essential for the home but have that local vibe to remiind you of your travels.

Purchasing items that transport you to the sensory experience of your destination is a wonderful way to relive those special moments of travel.

My best advice, since travel is always an adventure despite our best preparations, even if you end up feeling like a ‘hot mess’, is to lead with a smile. If your smile is bright enough maybe no one will notice that you are wearing sneakers at a fancy event at Villa d’Este at Lake Como.

Learn more about what I learned when my luggage was delayed for 6 days in Italy here.

Packing Tips on Curated Travel for Pinterest

Today I’m pleased to be joining this fabulous group of experienced bloggers. Stop by their links and learn about their tips for stylish travel:

"How to Pack Your Suitcase Like A Pro" by After Orange County

"How to Take the Stress Out of Packing When Every Outfit Counts" by Brenda Kinsel

"Steps To Plan An Unforgettable Large Group Vacation" by Classic Casual Home

"Stylish & Savvy Travel Tips from a Travel Advisor" by Curated Travel

"How to Pack for a Weekend Getaway" by Most Lovely Things

"How to Rock an Over 50 Travel Wardrobe" by Rough Luxe

"Footloose: Shoes For Spring and Summer Travel" by Une Femme D'un Certain Age

Feeling inspired like I am? Contact me to get started planning your dream getaway here.

Tuscany: A Walk Down Memory Lane at Villa il Poggiale

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 21:26:58 +0000

There are those places you visit that leave an indelible mark when you look back with your mind’s eye. It may be the views, the scent in the air, texture of soft grass or crunchy gravel or the way the sun hits the horizon. Somehow, you are transported back to that moment in time.

Close your eyes, can you see your place?

Mr. C.T. and I discovered just such a place on our first trip to Italy back in 2003. I’m not even sure how I discovered charming Villa il Poggiale in Tuscany, but the photos I saw online embodied Tusan beauty and I knew it was our place. We were practically newlyweds and this couldn’t help but be a romantic getaway.

Our visit was everything we dreamed it would be—graced with these views, gardens of lemons, rosemary, lavendar and roses, the gleaming sun soaked swimming pool and Tuscan charm. Our visit made an indelible imression on my mind.

Flash to 2018 and we were more than excited to retrace our steps down memory lane at Villa il Poggiale. I think you will see why we are so enamoured.

A peek at our suite.

The romantic sunset views with a capture of a wonderful honeymoon couple from UK that we enjoyed getting to know.

My happy place!

We truly can’t thank the staff at Villa il Poggiale for making our return visit incredibly memorable. Special thanks to Irene and Monica. Villa il Poggiale is a place I send a number of clients with rave reviews. If you are interested in learning more or booking contact me at Curated Travel.

For more on our trip to Tuscany:

Our Tuscan Spa Getaway to Fonteverde

A Sumptuous Stay at Bagni di Pisa

Tuscan Luxe at Castel Monastero in Chianti

Postcard from Paris, Provence and the Cote d'Azur

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 15:25:20 +0000

Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur. These destinations, though different in feel, bring to mind a kalidescope of colors, textures, flavors and views of this picturesque country. Though it is late March we’re enjoying mostly sunny days and warm breezes on the French Riviera. Rain in Paris only adds to the watercolor effect of shimmering streets. Mr. C.T. and I are loving every moment of this magnifique tour of Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur and I look forward to sharing more travel inspiration on the blog upon our return.

Bien à vous ,

Heather

On the Horizon for Curated Travel: Paris, Provence and the Cote d'Azur

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 18:13:58 +0000

Whether it’s a carefully crafted, detailed itinerary or a bold freestyle adventure there is always much to anticipate with travel. We have one of those highly anticipated trips planned for our near future. It’s partially for work/partially for play but in the world of luxury travel they meld very nicely together. I’ve been invited to explore luxury resorts on the French Riviera next week and I’m excited that Mr. C.T. will be joining me.

Our first stop will be in Paris at the fabulous Le Royal Monceau.

The invited program to Provence and the French Riviera looks sensational :

1 - Baumaniere Les Baux de Provence

2 - Maison d’Uzes

3 - Mas de la Fouque

4 - Chateau de la Chevre d’Or

5- Chateau Eza (2 nights)

As you can imagine, this feels like a bucketlist trip to France. We’ve visited Provence and spent one night in Cannes years ago, but this is our first true exploration of this iconic region. If you are interested in booking a trip to France (or anywhere else in the world) contact me for more info and to book.

I’ll be posting my discoveries for each destination on Instagram and I do hope you will follow along. I promise you some French style inspiration.

For more on savouring the anticipation of travel.

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Image Credit: Hotels

Curated Hotels: Our Stay in Tuscan Luxury at Castel Monastero in the Heart of Chianti

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 16:33:53 +0000

Castel Monastero

It may be just a quick view, or an image, that stays in your mind. I spotted vibrant images of Castel Monastero when they first opened as a boutique resort and I jumped at the chance to visit when offered.

Mr. C.T. and I spent two nights immersed in Tuscan luxury at Castel Monastero last fall. Days were spent exploring the dappled beauty of winding roads adorned with vineyards, discovering foodie gems, wine tasting at a local winery and getting acquainted with the locals. Evenings were spent enjoying Michelin star dining at Contrada and these glimmering sunsets from the terrace.

Castel Monastero is located in an ancient monastery near Siena in Tuscany. Known for it’s Michelin star dining, rustic luxe decor and stellar wellness and spa experiences, Castel Monastero is the perfect getaway, off the beaten path, in Tuscany.

HISTORY OF CASTEL MONASTERO
“The origins of Castel Monastero are lost in the history of Medieval Tuscany. The castle is mentioned for the first time, under the name of Sarna, in 1044. Afterwards, from 1050, it is cited more and more often with the name of Monastero, in connection with nearby Berardenga Abbey.
From the early years of the 12TH century to at least the beginning of the 14th, it was home to a branch of the Berardenghi family and in 1202 it belonged to the Commune of Siena administration system.
It was besieged but without success by the Florentines in 1208 and conquered in 1270 by Guido di Montfort who used it as a an outpost against the city of Siena. Bought by the noble Sienese Chigi Saracini family, it became their country house, a place designated for hunting and harvesting the fruit of the vines in the castle territories.
At the end of an accurate restoration process aiming at reinstating its ancient splendour, it is today ready to welcome our guests.
Almost ten centuries of history await you there.” - Castel Monastero

A tour of our rustic luxe suite at Castel Monastero

The inviting pool at Castel Monastero

Dinner at Contrada, a Michelin Guide restaurant and a true foodie dining experience.

“An 11th-century walled hamlet surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Castel Monastero transports guests to another place and time — that is, one with a transformative spa and much-touted restaurant. The 74 individually appointed guestrooms and suites are rustically elegant, and the spa offers personalized programs to revitalize and detox. The ancient wine cellar offers more relaxed repasts. Go bike riding, play golf or polo, join the kitchen team for an Italian cooking class or take a hot-air balloon ride over the Tuscan hills.”

— Virtuoso

Our thanks to our friend, Graziella Arba, for arranging this stay for us. Thanks for the staff for making us feel so welcomed.

To learn more about Castel Monastero, Virtuoso Amenities and upgrades, and to book online.

2019 Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

Complimentary buffet breakfast for up to two in room guests
Welcome in room amenity Castello di Monastero Wine
$100 USD equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
For stays of 4 nights or more, one complimentary 3 courses lunch in our Tuscan restaurant La Cantina for up to 2 guest

To book a stay at Castel Monastero contact me at Curated Travel.

Five ‘Life-Saving’ Items to add to Your Regular Packing List

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 16:54:52 +0000

Packing Tips!

from Curated Travel

You’re getting ready for your next trip. The suitcase is open on the bed, and you’re going down the list of everything you’ll need to take with you.

Toothbrush? Check. Walking Shoes? Check. Sunscreen? Check.

Duct tape? Wait….what?

You read that correctly. A small roll of duct tape takes up a tiny bit of space, but can save you in tons of different ways. Patch a tear in your shoes, jacket, or trusty bag. Baby proof a hotel room in ten seconds by covering outlets and taping drawers shut. Hem your pants. Use as a bandage in an emergency. The list goes on and on.

Here are four more things that should become part of your regular packing list:

External USB battery charger. Nothing is more exasperating or panic-inducing than finding yourself lost and needing to pull up that email with directions, or that map to your hotel, or make a phone call — and having your smartphone conk out on you. Save outlet space in airports, hotels, train stations, and other oft-traveled places. Always have a way to charge up your phone, tablet, or other USB powered electronic device, even if there are no outlets available. This is a gamechanger!

The humble safety pin can be an amazing asset. Aside from the usual functions — holding your pants or shirt together, for example, when you lose a button — they also can serve to bundle small items like jewelry or keys, to keep everything organized and in one place. Discretely place a pin on the inside hem of a slip or satin jacket lining to eliminate static cling. Use them to attach easily-lost things like mittens to the zipper or hood of your kids’ jackets.

A few strips of chamois (or other absorbent fabric) in different sizes. You can keep them all in a zip-lock bag (along with a couple of other bags for temporarily storing used cloths until you can wash them) — but having different sizes helps for different situations, and it’s best to choose fabrics that are also quick-drying. Small squares for cleaning glasses. A washcloth for bigger spills or for freshening up on a train, plane or automobile. A long, narrower strip can serve as an emergency belt, hair tie, ace bandage, or even a way to tie a bag closed if a zipper breaks. They even make fantastic travel towels, because they roll up into a compact size, suck up the liquid, and dry completely in no time at all.

My contact information. As your travel advisor, my job doesn’t end when your trip starts! It’s not common, but sometimes complications arise while you are traveling, and I am always available to you to assist with sticky situations you might find yourself in. (This is, of course, just one of the many perks of working with a travel advisor!) Before your trip, you can make a “favorites” list in your phone of all trip-related contact info — my number and email address, hotel, car rental, reservations, etc. — for easy access. That way, I’m always just a text or email away. If I have created a UMAPPED itinerary for your trip, you will find all contact information in the app at your fingertips.

For more Tips for preparing for international travel.

Tips for Prepping the House and Packing.

My new Must Have for Long Haul Flights.

To learn more about how I survived in Italy when my luggage was lost.

To learn 5 Easy Ways to Boost the Joy of Every Trip You Take.

To find out more about the benefits of working with me and to plan your next trip, contact me today. Click here now.

Island Style - Travel + Style from Curated Travel

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 19:17:18 +0000

Four Seasons Resort on Nevis

Travel + Style

Palm trees waving in dappled sunlight, balmy breezes, a bubbly libation, gently lapping waves and sand between your toes.

Are you in the mood for a sunny escape from winter about now?

These are a few of our favorite island destinations here at Curated Travel.

“Now more than ever do I realize that I will never be content with a sedentary life, that I will always be haunted by thoughts of a sun-drenched elsewhere.”

— Isabelle Eberhardt

Sunset at zoetry Montego bay

Get the Island Style:

For more tropical destination inspiration and VIP perks and upgrades from Virtuoso here.

Contact me at Curated Travel to book your next sunny getaway here.

A Sumptuous Stay and Spa Experience at Bagni Di Pisa & Grotta Giusti in Tuscany

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 23:39:10 +0000

Our next stop on our spa getaway to Tuscany was the classic Italian spa retreat at Bagni Di Pisa. Here we enjoyed gourmet dining, fine wines with our impressive sommelier and luxurious spa treatments. One of the most interesting elements to this retreat is the history. Our two-room suite, loaded with classic Italian charm, was a sumptuous blend of luxury and historic style. Was it the Dalai Lama or Richard Gere that stayed in our suite?

“The majestic spa residence was originally built in 1743 for Francesco Stefano of Lorena, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Over the centuries, it has hosted royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities as the destination of choice for a relaxing retreat with unrivalled wellness offerings. Today, Bagni di Pisa is world renowned for as a hotel and spa that honours the 18th century charm with frescoed ceilings, extravagant furnishings, floral gardens and captivating nature. With a collection of pools and thermal treatment rooms, ancient treasures of art and history, innovative wellness facilities and delectable culinary masterpieces, Bagni di Pisa is where one can truly disconnect from the world and immerse into to a world of beauty and healing.”

— Bagni di Pisa

Bagni di Pisa

Our suite, where celebrities and inspirational leaders alike have stayed, was luxurious and cozy at the same time. Italian Hospitality Collection was delightfully generous to welcome us with fruits, wine and sweets.

A tour of our suite featuring Mr. C.T.

The next day we took a trip to Grotta Giusti to experience the thermal spas and underground grotto. Celebratory cocktails and dinner followed our revitalizing day at the spa with our final night on the spa tour. What we had with this group of new friends exploring spas in Tuscany.

“A PLACE OF DISCOVERY AND REVELATION.
OUR REFURBISHED HOTEL WITH SPA, SET IN THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE.
A nineteenth-century villa, restored to its original splendour with meticulous care and attention to every detail. Today it welcomes guests with inlaid wood floors, refurbished rooms, parquet flooring, new lighting, new colours that enhance the rooms and the mood, and all the comforts of a beautiful hotel. It is elegantly furnished, decorated with frescoes, surrounded by an age-old park, and has a unique thermal spa.
Inside unexpected treasures await: a unique and wonderful grotto, a thermal spring, a deep, warm underground lake and spectacular chambers, where the temperature is set as if it were a living and breathing organism.
The villa above the grotto is now a place where you can experience a kind of new harmony, with the Equilibrium method. Water, stone, heat, art and history all make it a place that heals and comforts. Discover the splendid new Grotta Giusti where you can reconnect with nature, like a new discovery and a new revelation.”

— Grotta Giusti

Learn more on Bagni di Pisa and Grotta Giusti. If you are interested in booking a spa getaway I highly recommend these resorts as well as Fonteverde from my previous post. Contact me to book VIP perks and upgrades on an unforgettable spa getaway in Italy. Contact Curated Travel.

Our thanks to Cristina Morellini and the Italian Hospitality Collection for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.

Grotta Giusti

Our Spa Getaway to Fonteverde in Tuscany with Italian Hospitality Collection

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 01:28:44 +0000

FONTEVERDE in Tuscany

Last fall I received an invitation to visit a collection of spa resorts, the Italian Hospitality Collection, in Tuscany. Let’s just say our host, Cristina Morellini, had me at ‘ciao!’ with this invitation. I’m a fan of spa hotels in general and when they are based in Tuscany I’m over the moon. Our first stop on the itinerary was the classically beautiful Fonteverde Spa resort located in San Casciano Dei Bagni. A scenic train ride from Rome, a lift from our private driver, and we arrived at this blissful spot with the goal of relaxation and rejuvenation Tuscan style.

The invitation included:

Spa treatments for couples at Thalaquam & Salidarium Spa

Cooking Class with Chef Salvatore Quarto at Casina delle Rose

Private Wine tasting at La Bottiglieria

Dinners at Restaurant Ferdinando I

Upon arrival we were introduced to our small group of travel companions and lovely Cristina, our host. An al fresco lunch was served on the terrace and we felt like we had arrived in Tuscan heaven!

After lunch we settled into our spacious 2-room suite with walk-in closet accented by a wrap around terrace with sublime views of Tuscany. It’s always a nice touch to receive amenities and Cristina and Fonteverde thought of every detail to make us feel right at home.

We were scheduled to enjoy the couples spa experiences in the Thalaquam & Salidarium Spa. I can’t say enough how much we enjoyed the treatments and the healing waters of the thermal pools. Following massages, salt pool floats, warm salt bed treatments and a dip in the rain in the thermal pool, we were on cloud nine. I’ll never forget the moment of floating on the edge of that infinity-edged pool looking over Tuscany.

Pure Bliss!

That evening we enjoyed a master class wine tasting at La Bottiglieria with our handsome sommelier and were educated on some of the finer points of Tuscan reds. Our beautiful host, Cristina, demonstrated how to drink in an efficient, two-handed style (she said it’s the Italy way and I believe her ;). Let’s just say the word “luxurious” was used at one point to describe all variety of things on our trip forward after this “luxurious” wine tasting. We had such a ball with this group of travelers!

The next morning, our pasta making class with Chef Salvatore Quarto at Casina delle Rose was a first for us. We were excited as making pasta in Italy has been on our bucketlist forever. Our class handrolled each strand of pasta and there was a great sense of accomplishment when we were ready to go to ‘boil’. The pici with cheese and pepper was simple, satisying and tasty. Chef Salvatore was so kind as to share the recipe with us. DM me for details!

After breakfast we enjoyed a tour of the property including the church, Santa Maria ad Balneal, that resides on property in the park. Along with the terraces and magnificent views, this location is perfect for a wedding or special event infused with history and Tuscan charm.

“Fonteverde is truly one of the most outstanding destinations in Italy. Originally built as a renaissance palace for the Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici, the resort overlooks the majestic rolling hills of Val d’Orcia, and is set atop the natural hot springs to fully utilise the healing power of the thermal waters. With its collection of panoramic pools, hot tubs and treatment facilities, Fonteverde is destination where mind, body and soul meet in harmony, and restore the natural balance of life. Discover a resort and spa in Tuscany where Italian hospitality meets absolute wellness.”

— Fonteverde

To learn more about a spa getaway in Tuscany at Fonteverde, contact me for more information. This is the perfect location for a romantic getaway, girlfriends’ spa trip or special event such as a family reunion or a wedding filled with pure Tuscan charm.

Thank you to Cristina Morellini and the Italian Hospitality Collection for the warm welcome and generous hospitality at Fonteverde.

Up next: Bagni di Pisa

Holiday Window Displays Around the World

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 20:46:38 +0000

One of my favorite reasons to book a visit to the city is to indulge my affinity for festive holiday window displays. San Francisco is our go-to during the holiday season and the city by the bay always puts on a brilliant holiday viewing. Over the years I’ve also enjoyed the holidays in London, Paris and NYC. I don’t have the photos on my computer but someday I will share photos from the merry holiday season in Salzburg, Vienna and the Christmas markets in Germany-pure holiday magic!

Enjoy this vibrant collage of holiday window displays (and decor) from a few of my favorite holiday destinations. Scroll down for a link to the best of the best from Condé Nast Traveler.

LONDON

PARIS

SAN FRANCISCO

NEW YORK CITY

Announcing the Curated Travel Mediterranean Cruise with Azamara Club Class-Join Us!

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 16:05:24 +0000

I have an exciting announcement! Curated Travel sets sail on the azure blue Mediterranean sea with Azamara Club Cruises September 28th-October 5th, 2019. Ports of call include Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Sicily, Amalfi Coast and Rome on this 7-night cruise. Scott and I are thrilled to offer this hand-selected itinerary in a boutique sized ship of just 600+ passengers. The experience is like a boutique-style hotel on the water!

Book with us soon to receive the ‘Buy One Get One Half-Price Sale’ (includes free wifi) plus Virtuoso perks and VIP amenities. We can hardly wait to set sail and would love to have you join us on this bucket list itinerary. Contact us below for more details and to book your double upgrade today.

Booking Terms: Deposit is due within 5 days and final payment is not due until May 31, 2019.

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here.

Curated Travel Cruises the Mediterranean and

YOU are invited!

September 28th-October 5th, 2019

Escape to the azure blue Mediterranean with us on an

Azamara Club Cruise!

Venice.Slovenia.Croatia.Montenegro.Corfu.Sicily.Amalfi.Rome

7-NIGHT DALMATIAN & AMALFI COASTS VOYAGE

Ship: Azamara Pursuit

Where better to begin than in romantic and beautiful Venice? Spend a day strolling scenic cobblestone streets, overarching bridges, and world-famous canals before we cross the Adriatic to Rijeka, a fascinating city perched on Kvarner Bay in Croatia. Climb over 500 steps on the 16th century Petar Kruzic Stairway to the Church of Our Lady, or savor fresh seafood from the many shops and cafés along the harbor on Korzo Street.

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What do we love? Small boutique style cruise ship (only 694 passengers), access to smaller ports, longer/late night stays for full enjoyment of destinations and tons of all-inclusive amenities. It's like a floating boutique hotel and unpacking only once!

DEALS: Buy one fare and get one half-price from now until Feb. 28th! Includes free wifi for one passenger.

Includes Virtuoso Voyages VIP amenities and perks!

Contact Curated Travel to Book

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“Arrive early in Venice and be immersed in this scenic city of cobblestone streets, overarching bridges, and world-famous canals. After crossing the Adriatic to Koper, Slovenia for a late stay, discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Skocjan Caves, home of the largest underground canyon in the world, and visit the Old Town, with historic sites like the Praetorian Palace and the beautiful square of Titov Trg.

In Sibenik, Croatia, a major wine-producing region, enjoy a local red babić and pair it with freshly caught Adriatic seafood. One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, Kotor, Montenegro, is our next destination, then it’s on to the Greek Island of Corfu, home to turquoise blue waters and gorgeous sandy beaches. In Giardini Naxos and Taormina, Sicily, stroll the Corso Umberto for amazing shopping, and climb to the Teatro Greco, a Roman arena with breathtaking views of the sea.

The next day in Amalfi, savor some chilled limoncello, explore its popular beaches, and be amazed by this steep, picturesque town. Where better to conclude than the Eternal City? We debark in Rome, where there are enough landmarks, shopping and incredible cuisine to last a few more days—if not a lifetime!” - Azamara Cruises

Wanderlust Inspired Holiday Gifts for the Traveler in Your Life

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 20:01:29 +0000

There is nothing quite like the right travel accessory to make a difference during travel. We discovered just that during our recent trip to Tuscany. My husband and I both purchased noise-cancelling headphones in preparing for our trip and I can’t tell you what a difference it made in our comfort level during the flights. The headphones made listening to music, podcasts and relaxing much more enjoyable. We even slept better without the constant drone of the jet engine in our ears. This is my new must have for long-haul flights. There are many decent brands and varying price points. Be sure to read the reviews before purchasing.

These are just a few of the travel accessories that caught my eye for gift giving this holiday season as I explored some favorite sites on the web today.

There is nothing quite as creative as giving the gift of travel to someone you love. Contact us at Curated Travel for ideas on travel gifts here.

Noise cancelling Headphones

My must have for long haul flights

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

”

— unknown

The Day Our World in Butte County Changed. #CampFire2018

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 20:10:28 +0000

We awoke to one of those crisp, crystal clear autumn mornings where we could see all the way to the coastline from our perch. From the moment I looked out our window during breakfast and saw a menacing plume of smoke racing across the sky, gray ashes raining into the pool, our world here in Butte County has changed.

Scott and I stared in shock at that swiftly moving smoky cloud as we flipped on the news to find that the newly named Camp Fire, tearing through our neighboring Paradise, was moving at the speed of a football field every 3 seconds. With my cousins and many friends living in that area we were desperately concerned for their safety. My cousins (and pets) safely evacuated to our house leaving with the roar of fire in their ears. They brought a young friend who had escaped as her home burned, flames flanking the road as she drove down the mountain, with burning embers peppering her car.

The day was a blur as we provided blankets, water, toast & jam, soup, chocolate and a steady stream of news but there was truly nothing that could quell the anxiety and fear for the possibility of lost loved ones, pets and homes. Scott ventured out to the grocery store amidst road closures and insane traffic but made it back with pasta and pizza, comfort food, for dinner.

Though I started packing a few essentials earlier in the day, around 8:30 Thursday evening it all became real as we received our own mandatory evacation order at our home on the south edge of Canyon Oaks in Chico. We suddenly had lots helping hands but left in a flurry of packing, loading and warnings and wishes to neighbors.

This was the view out our window and up our street as we fled.

Scott, our elderly cat Jack, and I ended up at my step-daughter Briana’s home on the north end of town where she, Shawn and baby Charlie provided food, drinks and lots of TLC for the night.

We finally slept but I awoke in the darkness of early morning to check the firelines on my phone to see if our home was possibly still standing. Within an hour we felt pretty certain the fire had not progressed to our home.

We later learned just how close the Camp Fire came to our neighborhood. Our home is the black dot surrounded in blue.

It was sweet comfort to wake up to this little guy, grandson Charlie, and have the kindness of family that morning. By late morning we were incredibly relieved to get the notice that we were cleared to return home.

This was the surreal drive home across town at around 11:30am as I followed Scott in his SUV. I’ve never seen a daytime sky the color of charcoal with an orange glow. We also knew, with that dust and ash came a world of devastation, loss and heartbreak.

It’s been almost a week since our world changed:

My dear cousins lost everything except the few items they could pack into their cars. They are in shock but grateful to be safe and sound. We have numerous friends and colleagues who lost their homes in Paradise and everything but the clothes on their backs. We know some who have lost a family member in the fire.

The devastation in Paradise and surrounding areas is truly jawdropping as you have probably heard on the news. The loss of life is astounding as the stories continue to unfold of residents miraculously escaping with flames on all sides. There are still so many who are unaccounted for and tragic stories of those who were unable to escape the flames. It may be months before some of those remains are found and identified.

There are also heartwarming stories of bravery, generosity and great appreciation. The firefighters have been a godsend. Giving, sharing and volunteering helps to ease the anxiety and stress of the the moment. When an entire town is decimated, as Paradise has been, our neighboring city of Chico is welcoming the residents with shelter, food, clothing, fundraisers, work spaces, governing spaces, places to worship and eventually, places to attend school. The community support is overwhelming and a true bright spot with the grim headlines.

Unfortunately, our town of Chico, with a population of around 90,000 has a 1% vacancy rate. Nearly 7,600 homes have been destroyed in this fire. Homeless camps are growing all over town. It’s cold, rain is coming, the holidays are on the horizon. My husband is at a community meeting right now and just texted me that the Camp Fire has displaced 4 times the number of students as did the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa last year. It will be a long haul of rebuilding. Not just months but years.

I write this post today since I’ve heard from so many family and friends from around the world sending prayers and well wishes. They have watched the news coverage with horror and want to help. I know many of you reading this are wondering how you can help. Centers are overwhelmed with clothing and shoes right now but financial donations are desperately needed.

A few of my favorite local donation options:

Action News Now Camp Fire Fund 2018

North Valley Community Foundation - Butte County Schools Fire Relief Fund

If you prefer to donate directly please consider Mrs. Davis & the Fox Class on Go Fund me to support a teacher from Ponderosa Elementary who saved her students. Her classroom and home were both destroyed in the fire.

For now, life feels forever changed here in Butte County. We will support each other and we will rise again, hopefully coming out better, stronger and safer than before. We are #ButteStrong.

Thank you for your support and care for our world in Butte County. xx

Checklist for Next Steps After a Fire - FEMA

How It Feels: “When You Lose Everything in a Fire” - Kristen Moeller

A drone view of the destruction in Paradise from the Sacramento Bee.

A Postcard from Sun-Splashed Tuscany

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 10:58:26 +0000

Castel Monastero, Tuscany

It’s early morning in Tuscany and the sun is just waking up the autumn hued hills. There is faint citrus scented breeze and a lavender mist winding over the distant mountains. The birds, who believe they are the kings of the castel, are twirping. Tuscany is pretty perfect in fall. Cool mornings and sun-drenched golden days are on the calendar. The evening sunsets are spectacular!

Mr. C.T. and I are having a fantastic time exploring the best of Tuscany and revisiting some old favorite spots. For my travel clients in Tuscany now, and those arriving soon, this will be an unforgettable trip Italiano for you. If you are interested in learning more about travel to Italy contact me at Curated Travel.

Follow the latest of our travels on Curated Travel Instagram:

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Savour: The Anticipation of Travel

Heather Lindstrom — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 16:12:29 +0000

I’m in that lovely space where I’m looking forward to a much anticipated trip to Tuscany but I’m not in the final frenzy of packing just yet. I’m in the phase of researching, exploring, daydreaming about my travel plans. Let’s face it, part of the joy of travel is savouring the anticipation. With travel we look forward to changing up our day to day experience, enjoying new adventures, meeting new people and treating ourselves especially well. Combined with the sensory experience of regional flavors, a cacaphony of languages, a myriad of scents and smells blending into the vibrant color palette that is travel.

As I take a few moments to savour this upcoming trip to Tuscany, I’m enjoying this glimpse of our first destination today:

Fonteverde

Fonteverde is truly one of the most outstanding destinations in Italy. Originally built as a renaissance palace for the Grand Duke Ferdinando I de' Medici, the resort overlooks the majestic rolling hills of Val d'Orcia, and is set atop the natural hot springs to fully utilize the healing power of the thermal waters.

We’ve been invited to enjoy luxury spa hotels for the first four days and the itinerary has a “pinch me I’m dreaming” vibe.

Other destinations, on this hosted trip to Tuscany, include Bagni di Pisa, Castel Monastero, a few days in Florence at Grand Hotel Cavour and our final stop at Villa il Poggiale to retrace the footsteps of our first visit to Italy back in 2003. Mr. C.T. will be joining me on this Tuscan adventure and I couldn’t be more pleased.

Along the way I will be researching the best of the best in Tuscany for my clients. I’ve been hearing interest from a number of you for Tuscany so feel free to email me with questions.

Ciao for now!

Thoughts on Tuscany….

“We walk into the olive grove and sit in the dry grass on the bluff. The monastery and the whole world lie before us. Purples, yellows, pinks and blues but all washed, hazy, indefinite, dreamy. The world was dissolving, vanishing. And if you half-closed your eyes, you could see yourself from afar, dissolving in the haze. You could see yourself turning into light.”

— Ferenc Mate

Would love for you to follow along on Facebook and Instagram:

Curated Hotel: An Idyllic Stay at Montage Los Cabos

Heather Lindstrom — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 18:10:28 +0000

My recent trip to Los Cabos was filled to the brim with visits to luxury resorts, a gourmet dinner on the beach, foodie experiences and spa treatments thanks to Journese, Los Cabos Tourism and my travel agency, CADENCE. I was also pleased to see that the itinerary included a stay at the luxurious Montage Los Cabos, and for 24 hours or so, everything slowed down to a relaxing vibe Montage style.

From the moment we arrived at Montage Los Cabos we were treated with an elevated level of service. From scented cool towelettes to a signature cocktail, to personalized lounge style check-ins, our every need seemed to be anticipated by the welcoming staff. As you can see, there is an air of relaxed luxury to this desert oasis on Santa Maria Bay. The stunning architecture sets the backdrop for a truly memorable stay.

Within a few minutes of our arrival I was introduced to my lovely guide, Karina, and was whisked away to my suite.

Pinch me, I’m dreaming!!

My second floor suite was a brilliant combination of natural wood elements, luxurious fabrics, authentic Mexican decor with a beachy vibe and all the comforts of home. The spacious balcony with serene views of the desert and sea beyond was a true sanctuary. The oversized spa bathroom had me at ‘hello outdoor shower’. I always appreciate a luxurious bath and this one is my favorite. The outdoor shower is just plain sexy!

Enjoy this video tour of my suite!

“Perched upon the premier beachfront in all of Cabo and set within the renowned master planned community of Twin Dolphin, Montage Los Cabos features 122 expansive guestrooms, suites and casas along with 52 Montage Residences. Montage Los Cabos’ location, including 39 acres on the pristine and gentle waters of Santa Maria Bay, has spectacular views and unique in the Los Cabos region, features remarkable walk-in access to the finest swimming, snorkeling and diving in the region. ”

— Montage Los Cabos

The spa area at Montage is sublime. I enjoyed a 50 minute baja massage in one of the zen garden suites. I felt like a new woman after the treatment, I promise you. Afterwards, we were welcomed with prosecco and delicious bites at the relaxing spa pool area.

There are a variety of pool options at Montage including the cabana pool with private butler service which is exceptional. The beach is one of the few swimable beaches in Los Cabos which allows for a variety of water sports, from snorkeling, diving, fishing, paddleboarding and more for the active traveler.

Following our spa treatments and poolside cabana time we were given a private tour of the entire resort and the extraordinary private villas. Later we dined at Mezcal and enjoyed a true foodie experience.

I found these decadent little succulents - made of chocolate and creamy ganache - in my suite just before bedtime.

Talk about sweet dreams!

I highly recommend a stay at Montage Los Cabos for a romantic retreat (you may never leave that luscious spa suite with an outdoor shower!), a girlfriends’ spa getaway, a couples’ trip or a destination wedding, celebration, or family reunion in one of the spacious villas on property. This destination works equally well for a variety of travel experiences and it’s one of my favorite destinations in Los Cabos.

Contact me to book this memorable getaway and to upgrade you VIP style here.

Learn more about farm-to-table dining in Los Cabos.

Many thanks to my team at CADENCE Travel, Montage Los Cabos, and Los Cabo On-Time Transfers for the luxury stay in Los Cabos.

A Postcard from Sunny Los Cabos!

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 19:10:38 +0000

Grand Velas Los Cabos

Hola! It's been a whirlwind week in Los Cabos. Four days of exploring luxury resorts with my travel agency team from CADENCE and 4 more celebrating my 18th wedding anniversary with Mr. C.T. who joined me for the last phase of my trip. As you can see, I've had made the most of my time in Los Cabos.

I'm looking forward to sharing more on the luxury resorts I visited and my experiences in sunny Los Cabos. I always love to learn about new options for my travel clients. For now it's a colorful postcard but there is more to come!

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If you are considering a beach getaway for your upcoming travels? I have some wonderful recommendations for you as well as perks and upgrades. Contact me and let's make your travel dreams come true!

Contact Curated Travel

A "Year of Yes" to Travel + My First Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas!

Heather Lindstrom — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 00:19:31 +0000

I'm not one to make new year's resolutions but this year I did come up with a theme for 2018. Welcome to my "Year of Yes" for Curated Travel.

I said yes to a Princess cruise to the Eastern Caribbean with my husband and dear friends.

Yes to a hosted luxury event with Nebe Club at Lake Como, Italy.

Yes to a family vacation in Maui. Yes to getaways to Walla Walla, Washington, Portland and Bend, Oregon.

Yes to a birthday weekend away in Napa Valley.

Yes to writing my first feature article in Upgraded Living Magazine.

Up Next:

Yes to Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas for a week.

Yes to a hosted luxury travel event in Los Cabos to check out the latest in luxury hotels with my wonderful travel agency, CADENCE.

Yes to another hosted travel event at the Phoenician in Scottsdale.

Yes to a CADENCE event at Lowe's in Hollywood. Most definitely this travel schedule ought to keep me busy for the next 7 weeks!

The only event I had to say no to, due to a prior commitment, was a hosted Ferrari/Pavoratti Gala Event in Italy. That one hurt just a bit, I must admit. Jet lag would have been tough combined with all the other travel commitments this month but I do love how the Italians celebrate.

As I pack for my first Virtuoso Travel Week at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, I'm feeling a bit nervous. These events are jam-packed with luxury travel brand meetings, events, networking, cocktail parties, dinners and galas that sometimes last into the wee hours of the morning. This is a far cry from the rare travel I did in the field of education and I want to keep up the pace. The more I learn about the latest in the travel industry the better for my clients. So wish me luck!

If my luggage shows up this time, rather than the 6 day delay when I flew to Italy, I should be in good shape to enjoy this jam packed travel week in Vegas.

On another note: I'll be meeting with travel brands from all over the world. If you have questions about certain destinations, hotel brands, cruise lines or experiences let me know. I'm here to do the research for you!

Follow along with my travels to Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas on Instagram:

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Vegas Baby!!

An Elegant Party at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como in Italy (Part Five)

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 17:28:37 +0000

It was a chilly day at Lake Como, but that didn't stop our Travelux 2018 group from feeling warm and celebratory for our final party of this memorable luxury travel event. Villa Balbiano, with roots in the mid-16th century, has recently been renovated by the famous French designer Jacques Garcia. An invitation to a party in this splendor was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy and it took my breath away.

We arrived at the famed Villa Balbiano by boat from Villa d'Este. Crossing gravel paths lined with picturesque gardens and grand statuary, there was an early spring mist, an ethereal beauty in the air, that set the stage for this elegant event. Once we entered the Villa Balbiano we were greeted with warm smiles, sparkling glasses of prosecco and opulent decor. The architectural details are embellished by the exquisite frescoed ceilings, luxurious fabrics in jewel-toned colors, handcarved furniture, extravagant floral arrangements and jaw-dropping views of Lake Como from every vantage.

“Situated between Il Dosso di Lavedo and the Comacine Island, Villa Balbiano is one of the most important historical properties on the shores of Lake Como. The history of Villa Balbiano can be traced back to mid 16th century and is strongly linked to the noble Giovio family who used it as their residence. At the end of 16th century, the Villa was sold to Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who redesigned the original palazzo after the drawings of Pellegrino Tibaldi. A century later, in 1787, Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, politician and patron of the arts, acquired the Villa. Enlarged and embellished, Villa Balbiano was used to host a gallant and frivolous society where festivals, banquets and dances followed one by another relentlessly.”

— Villa Balbiano

A number of the interior shots for the Gwen Stefani video, "Cool", were filmed at Villa Balbiano. See if you can spot them!

Villa Balbiano is available to rent and is perfect for a destination wedding, family reunion, girlfriends getaway, or incentive trip for business professionals.

Learn more about Villa Balbiano and the Heritage Collection

Contact me to book Villa Balbiano or to find the perfect villa for your next getaway.

Here is a list of additional villas (and specials!) found in the menu above at Curated Villas.

For more on my visit to Italy last spring:

A Sunny Visit to San Remo, A Luxury Travel Event at Lake Como, Villa Views, An Italian Spa Getaway

Many thanks to Nebe Club/Travelux 2018 and the Heritage Collection for the invitation to this extraordinary event in Italy.

Curated Hotel: A VIP Visit to the Luxurious Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui

Heather Lindstrom — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 00:03:25 +0000

During our recent getaway to Maui, we had the pleasure of spending the day at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. It was impressive to be greeted with, "Mrs. Lindstrom, we've been expecting you" as we drove up to the stately entrance lined with pots of fresh orchids, swaying palms, breezy island furnishings and the sound of softly falling water.

I was fortunate to be meeting with Tori Tenorio, general sales manager, who gave Scott and me an insider's tour of the expansive property and luxurious suites. The entire decor scheme has recently been refreshed with a luxurious, tropical vibe of natural woods, richly textured furnishings and art pieces. The flower arrangements, as usual for the Ritz-Carlton brand, are extraordinary.

When the hotel was in the pre-construction phase, an ancient burial ground was discovered near the beach. Rather than relocate the sacred grounds, as is often the practice, the brand chose to change the plans for the beachfront resort and left the burial grounds intact to honor those who came before. This was a highly respected choice by locals and travelers alike for this luxury brand.

"Immerse yourself in a true Hawaiian experience at The AAA Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, which boasts 54 stunning acres in the midst of the luxurious Kapalua Resort on the northwestern tip of the island of Maui. The hotel proudly maintains the Honokahua Preservation Site, a recognized “wahi pana” (sacred site) that lies adjacent to the property and serves as a destination where Native Hawaiians can gather to conduct ceremonies and protocol. This oceanfront hotel introduces visitors to the culture and natural beauty of Maui while pampering them with luxury amenities to meet every need and desire." Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Maui

Learn More

Following our tour of this luxury resort, on a most stunningly beautiful day in paradise, we dined at the poolside cafe, "Ai Ono", with Tori. The fresh bowls and specialty fries are favorites and the poolside location makes you feel as though you are on a luxury vacation.

Enjoy this glimpse of paradise as captured on my iPhone.

To book a VIP stay at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua contact me or book online here and we will upgrade you.

Thank you to the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and Tori Tenorio for the personalized behind the scenes tour, poolside lunch and time to enjoy the Ritz-Carlton in real time. We will definitely be back for a longer stay. Maholo!

“A day without Aloha is just another mainland day.”

— Anonymous

A few of my favorite glimpses from our time in Maui

Maui Style

A Feature from Curated Travel in Upgraded Living Magazine!

Heather Lindstrom — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 18:48:33 +0000

Curated Travel in Upgraded Living Magazine!

It's such a treat to be featured in Upgraded Living Magazine this month. I worked with this stylish magazine on fashion makeovers while writing my Style*Mind*Chic blog but this is the first piece that is all about travel.

Isn't this cover delicious? It's all about summer fun!

Turn to page 56 for my thoughts on savvy summer travel.

Issuu is a digital publishing platform that makes it simple to publish magazines, catalogs, newspapers, books, and more online. Easily share your publications and get them in front of Issuu's millions of monthly readers.

Until Further Notice... Celebrate Everything!

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 17:49:31 +0000

Image Credit: Deb G.

At the risk of sounding downright sappy, I must confess I have romance on my mind today. With several of my client couples traveling to Italy this summer we are feeling the love la dolce vita style around here. This image above was sent to me by a a dear client couple enjoying a fabulous three weeks in Italia.

Clearly, it's a trip of a lifetime and just what I hoped for them. Can you tell I LOVE my career in travel?

I emailed one of my travel clients today to see if they were celebrating a birthday, an anniversary or a special occasion on their upcoming trip to Italy. She responded, "Just celebrating love." She embellished her sentence with a red hot, red heart emoji. Her response made me smile. I know they have so much to look forward to on this very first trip to Italy and with that mindset, it will be celebratory indeed!

One of my favorite things about travel is the ability to leave our cares behind, have a bold adventure, shake up our reality, focus on each other more than real life often allows and let the romance flow.

Until Further Notice Celebrate Everything....

especially LOVE!

A few of my favorite travel moments with Mr. C.T.!

Are you ready? Contact me to get started on your next getaway!

Tips for Preparing for International Travel - What You Need to Know

Heather Lindstrom — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 22:16:55 +0000

Preparing for International Travel

Prepping, packing, paperwork...What you need to know

Planning for your dream vacation can be so exciting — you are already daydreaming of where you’re going to stay, what you’ll see, the shows you’ll take in, and all the amazing food you’ll eat. But what about prepping, packing and organizing all your travel documents? Are they all in order? It can be overwhelming. Here’s a list of everything you need, plus practical tips on how to keep everything organized, safe, and accessible.

What to PACK:

*Carry on bag: I always include a swimsuit, coverup (if headed to a beach vacation), thongs, beauty essentials like the Nars Mulitple Stick, toothbrush/paste, deoderant, moisturizer, a brush and at least a couple pair of undies. I hope you never understand the importance of this but just in case your luggage is delayed or lost as mine was for 6 days in Italy. Medications as needed. I pack a sleeping mask and a few melatonin tablets to help me sleep on a red-eye flight. I always take a wrap or pashmina to double as a scarf or a pillow on the plane. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! I use disinfectant wipes to wipe down the tray table, armrests, buttons, etc.

*A crossbody bag or document carrier to wear under clothing. The last thing you want to have happen is a stolen bag or wallet on vacation. Pick pockets are a real thing so never leave your wallet in your back pocket, gents!

*Technology: Phone charge booster, ear buds, phone (check with your carrier for international plans), kindle app for reading, entertainment app recommended by my flight carrier. Download music, movies, TV shows and a splitter for earbuds if you plan to watch with a fellow traveler.

FOR YOUR DESTINATION:

Download a language translation app like TripLingo for communicating with the locals on your vacation. This will make your ease of travel much improved and you will likely impress the locals, even make some new friends.

Adapters for electrical plugs as needed based on the country of your destination. Guide with details. To buy universal adapters.

DO take business cards, or, at the very least, plan to share your Facebook profile with travelers and locals you meet along the way. Our travels are often greatly enriched by the friends we make along the journey. With the dawn of Facebook, it is super easy to keep in touch upon your return home. Follow Curated Travel here.

International travel documents: what to bring and how to keep them safe

• Your passport. This is the big one. Make sure it hasn't expired and is within six months of being expired. And don’t forget passports for your kid(s)!

• Any visas that can be acquired in advance, including those for countries you’ll only be traveling through. If you can’t get a visa in advance, bring the letter from the consulate stating that your visa will be granted upon your arrival (the UAE and Oman are two countries that don’t issue visas outside their countries, for example).

• A copy of the picture page of your passport, and extra passport photos.

• Your airline miles card

• A copy of your itinerary and any e-docs or e-tickets

• Originals and paper copies of your tickets (plane, train, bus, etc.) and confirmation numbers (hotel reservations, car rental, etc.) and all contact info for these companies. • Travel insurance card and accompanying information

• Guidebook for the countries you are visiting and maps of your driving route — plus discreet city maps if you’ll be exploring a new city

• Your international driver’s license if you plan to drive. Italy requires an International Driving Permit in addition to home country license. Can be picked up at AAA for $20. Good for one year Link to the app is here. The document also lists countries that require this. Or you can order your International Driving permit online here.

• If you use traveler’s checks, bring a copy of your check register. (Tip: Ask your bank if you can use your US debit card at cash machines in the country you are visiting. In some cases, withdrawing cash may be easier and less expensive than cashing traveler’s checks.)

• Contact info for all the people you would want/need to contact in case of an emergency (including me!). Don’t forget the numbers of the consulates where you’ll be staying. All these numbers can be stored in your phone, as well — simply designate a consistent label for them (like “France 2017”) for easy access, and they can be easily deleted when your trip is done.

• Copies — front and back — of any credit cards you’ll be taking with you.

When you’ve assembled all the essential documents/copies, the first thing you should do is check to make sure your name appears the same on all documents. This may seem like a small thing, but it can be a big hassle during travel if your names don’t match. Next, scan the papers and send them in an email to yourself and to your emergency contact(s). In addition, you can carry a USB card with encrypted copies of all these images — so even if it gets stolen, no one could access the documents without the master password. You can keep this USB card in a tiny, discreet pocket, along with some extra cash — an absolute last resort in the extremely rare event that you lose everything. Choose a family member or close friend who will be your representative while you’re away and who can have access to major accounts if needed. This way, you have a trustworthy contact available any time, and there is someone who always knows where you are. Store copies of your major travel documents (passports, tickets, reservations, etc.) in a waterproof plastic zip bag and in a separate piece of luggage from the originals. It’s stressful enough to have your passport stolen — but having it stolen from the same bag where all the copies are is even worse. When you’re out sightseeing, always carry the essential documents on your person, ideally in a waterproof carrier that can be worn under your clothing. Once you get all this info in order, you can travel with confidence, knowing you’re covered in the event of the unexpected. And — bonus! — you’ll have laid the groundwork for future trips.

Trip Details - Use an app to gather all of your information in one place. I like the Tripit app for storing trip info - flights, hotels, transportation. For my travel clients I use a sophisticated, highly detailed Umapped app to organize their travel information at every step of the way.

To start planning your trip today, contact me by clicking here. I look forward to hearing from you!

Exciting Announcement for CURATED TRAVEL + CADENCE Travel in La jolla!!

Heather Lindstrom — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 20:37:35 +0000

Contact me to get started planning your next unforgettable getaway!

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Postcard from Maui

Heather Lindstrom — Tue, 29 May 2018 16:42:10 +0000

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Aloha from the beautiful island of Maui! I'm happy to report the weather is sunny and clear on this island paradise. We are mixing this trip up with a few days of family time, some site inspections with resort brands and some down time for Mr. C.T. and me in a retro style beachfront resort.

There is something about the air in Maui. Have you ever visited here? The air is soft, fragrant with sea spray and hints of flowers, and everything, including our breathing, slows down to a leisurely pace.

Now that we've spent several days on the beach front, I've decided that I want to someday live where I can swim in the sea every day. I'll definitely be putting Maui on the list of possibilities.

More to come from Maui! Aloha!

Five Easy Ways to Boost the Joy and Pleasure of Every Trip You Take

Heather Lindstrom — Fri, 18 May 2018 21:33:56 +0000

Ever feel yourself stuck in a vacationing rut?

Maybe you try out different places, but they all kind of seem the same.

Maybe you find the planning exhausting.

Maybe you stress out over small things so that your energy gets sapped.

Maybe you cram too many things into too little time, and you come back more tired than when you left.

Maybe you bring work with you, even when you say you’re not going to, so that you wind up giving away precious vacationing hours to your job.

I’m going to be bold and say: This is not what a vacation should feel like.

Here are 5 secrets to becoming a Zen master of vacationing.

Trust me — you’ll never regret taking these on.

Move a little bit every day you’re on holiday, especially if your job is the kind that has you sitting at a desk all day long like mine is. This isn’t about working out; it’s just about doing what your body and brain want you to do, which is move around a little. Lounging is great — there should definitely be time for lounging — but only lounging for days on end has an ironic de-energizing effect on the body. (It’s part of why desk work can be insanely exhausting, even though you technically didn’t do anything physical all day long.) Whatever your level of fitness, pick something to do every day that gives you a burst of activity: walking, swimming in the ocean, a bike ride, playing with your kids, morning yoga or stretching. If you have some physical limitations, plan ahead and find walker- or wheelchair-friendly spaces to explore, even if it’s just for 20 minutes each day. Your body and your brain will thank you. Activity actually helps boost your body’s ability to fully relax and soak up the restorative purpose of vacationing.
Get present to real, peaceful, natural beauty. You might not be the camping type (I'm not at this stage of life!). Or the sporty type. Or the outdoorsy type. That’s 100% okay! You don’t have to hike the Grand Canyon to sit in total awe of it. Even the biggest, loudest city has peaceful places to just be in the presence of natural beauty. If the weather’s nice and you have the option, sit outside for your meal or pack a picnic. Just soak in your surroundings and the view; pay attention to light, sounds, sensations, and smells.
Cultivate your appetite for “different.” This one can be challenging — but it pays huge dividends when it comes to creating vacations that are full, satisfying, and memorable. This is less about booking some extreme trip and more about being willing to approach every trip as a learning experience, to being open to the possibility that every vacation can actually make you a better person. Seek out conversations with interesting strangers. Learn some phrases in a new language and practice them and see what happens. Try new foods. Take in a performance that features local music or dance. Take the risk of not knowing and being willing to ask. As Fernández-Aráoz observes, “The world’s most productive people are deeply curious and collaborative and constantly seek out new acquaintances and allies — even when they’re on vacation.”
Put your money into experiences, not things. Again, this one can be challenging. We’re taught in our culture that having more stuff will make us happier, even though research has proven this over and over again to not be true. Vacations in and of themselves are experiences — so that’s one step in the best direction — and getting a few small things to remember your trip is certainly not a bad thing. But keep an eye out for ways to maximize your experience of each moment within your holiday. When the moment comes to decide if you want to blow a ton of cash at the duty free shop or a souvenir shop — ask yourself what kinds of experiences you could buy that will be with you forever and that will continue to bring you happiness long after they’re over.
Treat your vacation like a vocation. Notice there’s only one letter that separates the time you spend relaxing, re-energizing, and reconnecting and the thing you were born to do. The word “vacation” comes from the Latin vacare, which means “freedom from obligation and duty, release, to be free and at leisure.” The word “vocation” comes from the Latin vocare, which means “to call” — as in, your personal calling, your purpose, the things that bring you deep joy and bring out the best in you and everyone around you. Think of the joyful energy you would put into your calling — the intention, the planning, the attention to detail, the gratitude. Consider the other word we frequently use for vacation — “holiday” — and note that it means “holy day.” It’s okay to approach your upcoming trip as something that can hold a bit of magic, because it just might.

If you’re looking for ways to maximize your traveling experiences, but you’re not quite sure how to get there, I’d love to help! If planning stresses you out, I can be your best ally. I love this work and can help connect you with the places and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. Let’s talk today — you can reach me by clicking here.

Stay tuned for some very exciting news about Curated Travel happening behind the scenes!!

Dear Mom, A Letter to My Mother (Revisited)

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 12 May 2018 21:18:49 +0000

Dear Mom,

From you, I've learned the value of a strong work ethic, tenacity, and the importance of leading with a warm smile. From you, I've learned the value of cultivating lifelong friendships and nurturing those friendships with love and care. From you, I've learned when to let things go that aren't important in the scheme of life and that you can never please everyone.

From you, I've learned to enjoy the indulgence of a Belgian chocolate, a fine pair of Italian leather shoes, freshly cut flowers, and a strong cup of coffee, with cream, in the morning. From you, I have seen the life-altering power of faith, generosity, living with integrity, having a signature perfume and 'keeping it classy'.

From you, I learned of the mind-expanding benefits of travel, the essential nature of curiosity and that the devil is in the details. I've also learned the importance of feathering a comfortable nest and placing fresh-cut flowers bedside for family members and house guests. From you, I've learned the importance of celebrating, entertaining, and the fine art of throwing a party!!

From you, I've learned about courage. From moving to Hawaii at the young age of 19 to teach school, to taking out a rattlesnake, with a shovel, to protect us at our house in Loomis. WOW! I've learned about courage from you in that after your own losses you chose to adopt 2 baby girls, Heidi and me, and create a wonderful family life for all of us.

I learned more about grace and courage from your strength through dad's illness and passing, to embracing life and new love, years later, with Hal.

The happy couple

From you, I'm learning to ask for what I need and WAIT for the response, rather than acquiesce away from what I deserve (remember that hotel scene in Paris?).

From you, I've learned to live life to the fullest each day, be grateful for all that we have and look towards an even brighter future ahead.

I'm looking forward to celebrating YOU with Heidi and the family this weekend.

Love you dearly,

Heather

PS - I will never create a bouquet like you do, from flowers grown in your perfectly manicured garden, and I always love to see your colorful creations.

On another note, this will be the first Mother's Day with our grandson, Charlie, in the family. Happy first Mother's Day to his beautiful, fun loving and generous mom, Briana. Charlie is the best gift Gigi and Grandpa have ever received. xx

Charlie on StyleMindChic (my personal Instagram)

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To my dear birth mom, Marcia, and sister, Dorie, I'm sending hugs and special Mother's Day wishes to you both.

Not all of us who mother actually gave birth. There are many ways to be family. To ALL who mother children, step-children, grandchildren, foster children and more, wishing you a Happy Mother's Day!

(This post was originally posted on Mother's Day 2017 on Style*Mind*Chic and updated for Curated Travel blog)

How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days on a Luxury trip to Italy

Heather Lindstrom — Fri, 04 May 2018 19:51:58 +0000

After carefully curating my packing list, constructing outfits, and meticulously organizing my accessories for the most important trip of my travel advisor career, my first luxury travel event in Italy, the unthinkable happened. My luggage filled with 9 days of outfits, shoes, accessories, makeup, and hair tools, did not arrive with me in Nice, France for my first few days in San Remo. It didn't arrive while I was traveling on the Italian Riviera, and it didn't arrive until my last few moments at Lake Como!

Here I am, at the airport in Sacramento, with my roller bag that, in the end, would make additional flights to Munich and Milan without me. I had no idea I would have to manage six days of professional and semi-formal luxury events by living out of my carry-on and one quick shopping trip.

Here's what I learned about making do with the clothes on my back and in my carry-on luggage for 6 days.

1 - Create a survivor capsule in your carry on. Think through your carry-on luggage as a mini version of what you would need for (the unthinkable) numerous days. I had a skeleton version of my makeup but nothing like I needed for the semi-formal events and 2 days of professional meetings. Take small versions of all the products you need to create your look. Include the moisturizers and lip balm to keep you comfortable. I always carry a toothbrush & toothpaste, hand cream, roller ball perfume and a multiple stick (mine is Nars) for blush, but never thought to pack deodorant in my carry on. Day three this will feel like a necessity, I promise you. Also include a hair brush, accessories and hair products to tame the mane.

2 - Stick with neutrals - I debated between wearing the comfy, trendy track pants or a pair of black stretch leggings on the plane. As you can see, I went with the track pants, but in the end it was the wrong choice. Though I was thrilled to see that track pants are definitely a fashion statement in Italy (image above), what I found, over the next several days, was that the more neutral your pieces are, especially for reuse in a pinch, the better. Do you really want to see me wearing obviously the same pair of pants three days in a row? I think not.

3 - Pack jewelry and accessories - to mix up your look with basic neutrals. I got lucky! At the last minute I moved my jewelry bag from my checked luggage to my carry-on. Having a sparkling necklace and multi-strand of pearls definitely helped my basic black 'uniform' feel more festive for fancy cocktail parties. Also, scarves are ideal with neutral basics. They can be used as a scarf or a wrap as I did for a formal night at Villa d'este.

My purchases in my quick one hour to shop for backup items in San Remo

4 - Be practical (not precious) when you need to shop for necessities. When I realized my luggage would be delivered to the Italian Riviera after I was scheduled to leave for Lake Como, I knew I had to get smart. I knew there would be no time to shop at our Travelux 2018 event, so I made a quick list of necessities and walked to San Remo to power shop. Though Italy has amazing fashion, I didn't have time to browse the expensive boutiques for something special. I hit the inexpensive makeup store (mascara, tinted moisturizer, day/night cream) the pharmacy (a brush, dry shampoo) plus an inexpensive boutique (undies, black leggings, black top, a graphic scarf). At another, more hip boutique, I found a pretty green blouse with bold sleeves and a gold tank sweater with a bit of sheen (for semi-formal nights).

4 - Pack two shoe options - One pair for comfort and one pair for professional or dressy events. I had this one covered. I wore sneakers on the plane which came in very handy when I had to sprint through the international terminal in San Francisco to catch my Swiss Air Flight to France. This is where my luggage and I parted ways since it did not make the quick connection. Also, pack socks (to prevent blisters) and band-aids, just in case you end up getting blisters from repeating the same shoes day after day. Despite the band-aids, my blisters became so bad I had to wear my sneakers to a couple of the semi-formal cocktail parties and events... Seriously, sneakers at a semi-formal event at Villa d'Este? As a shoe lover, that is my personal fashion nightmare!

5 - Get creative. I had packed my black halter swimming suit in the carry-on since there was a spa at my first hotel. I considered pairing that black halter with my black legging and a long wrap for one of the semi-formal evenings. In the end, I decided it was too bare for the cold weather, but it was a creative option. I also pulled my cosmetic bag out of my purse and used it as a clutch for our spectacular evening at Villa d'este. In the end, I felt like a 'fashion MacGyver'.

6 - Pack Multi-Use Pieces - At the last moment I grabbed my reversible vest - faux fur on one side and nylon on the other. That turned out to be the most versatile piece I packed. It was a pillow on the plane, a warm/rain shield on the boat tour of Lake Como and a stylish layer (faux fur with gold tone zipper) for a cocktail party.

And when my bag finally arrived in Italy(BLISS!!) just moments before we left Lake Como for Abano, I was elated. I told my traveling companions to expect to see me in at least 3 outfits per day, just because I could FINALLY wear my packed clothing. Our last stop was at the Grand Hotel a spa hotel in Abano where robes were enocouraged for day wear. No matter, I still rocked as many outfits as I could.

Struggling to put myself together for these luxury events in Italy for six days was NOT easy. I had one moment, on the phone with my husband (furiously tracking my luggage on his end), when I wondered if I had taken on too much with this international trip for my new career. I used pretty 'descriptive language', shed a couple of tears, and then my wise husband said to me, "flash that beautiful smile and they won't notice how you look". That was just the push I needed and resolve set in. I was in ITALY invited to attend 3 hosted luxury travel events for nine days and I was bound and determined to make the best of it! It helped tremendously that I made some wonderful friends who were sympathetic and encouraging about my plight. They shared their luggage stories and agreed my situation was a tough one. They even offered to loan me clothes and do my makeup. One Italian friend brought a pair of socks to me at a fancy cocktail party. These kind gestures helped keep my spirits up for the most part.

Being without my luggage, and all the elements that make me feel like myself, was a life lesson to me. It's not about having the right clothing, makeup or the right shoes. It IS about making the best of a challenging situation, getting creative, and letting go of the things you cannot control. I also had to be self-forgetful about my appearance, which is not easy at my age, when being polished and put together feels essential at times like this. It was a mind game and I simply had to make the choice not to let this issue impact my enjoyment of the trip.

In the end, I learned new lessons about what to pack in my carry-on, to get creative with my resources, and how to make it work with the right attitude. I learned that fireworks and candlelight do wonders to hide makeup flaws and wild hair. My husband is right, if you lead with a bright smile, maybe they won't notice that you are wearing sneakers to a formal event at Villa d'este.

Bellissimo!! Heather

Read more of my trip to Italy: San Remo, Lake Como and Abano.

How to Create Resort Wear Out of a Bra, Belt and Sarong

An Italian Spa Getaway in Abano (Part Four)

Heather Lindstrom — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 19:42:07 +0000

Following our final event at Lake Como for Travelux 2018, our driver swung back to the hotel where I was finally reunited with my luggage, on day 6 of my trip to Italy. The pickup was successful and our driver headed east towards Venice to the Grand Hotel in Abano. It was a cold and rainy day but our welcome at the Abano Grand couldn't have been warmer or more welcoming at this luxury spa resort.

As I was introduced to my spacious 'Panorama View' suite I was captivated by the view and the welcoming fruit basket and bottle of chilled prosecco. It felt wonderful to have my suitcase and belongings. I was finally able to unpack, for the first time on this trip, day 7! I informed my traveling companions, now friends, who knew all about my lost luggage, that I would likely change outfits three times a day just because I finally had options again.

Our itinerary at the Abano Grand included several complimentary spa treatments, a tour of the premises/additional local properties as well as semi-formal cocktails and dinners each evening. There was also free time to enjoy the thermal pools, both inside and out. On this stormy day, I took a swim in the expansive outdoor pool. Lost in the steamy waters and relaxing my cares away, snowflakes started to fall. It was truly a sensory experience (catching snowflakes on my tongue) that I'll never forget.

“For your Italian vacation under the banner of wellness and relaxation, choose the exclusive GB Thermae Hotels in the heart of Abano Terme, the largest thermal waters area of Europe located in the vicinity of Venice. All GB luxury hotels offer large thermal indoor pools connected to the outdoor, large parks for relaxing walks and exclusive SPAS with sources of healing waters, where to take good care of yourself thanks to the numerous beneficial properties of mud therapy.
”

— GB Thermae Hotels

The spa treatment regimen began with a 60-minute evaluation performed by a spa physician to assess wellness. Based on my specific profile, I was prescribed a unique set of treatments. My program included a mud bath (You can't be modest for this one ;), a 90-minute hydrating facial, and a 60-minute lymphatic drainage massage. Each treatment left me feeling relaxed and renewed. Adding in water treatments from the thermal pools, steam room, sauna, circulation pools circuits to the spa time enhances the health benefits of the treatments. The physician told me that Italians will typically stay at the health spa for a week at a time for daily treatments to achieve the maximum wellness benefits.

Though I finally had my luggage and 9 days worth of unworn clothing, I discovered it is essential to wear the white fluffy robes, and slippers, from one stop to another at the spa resort. I can definitely get behind this kind of relaxing environment and attire while on a luxury travel tour.

Our tour of the hotels one afternoon revealed the diverse style of the GB Hotels brand. While some properties cater to the classic, Italian decor and spa style, other hotels had contemporary decor and a fresh, stylish vibe at the spa. With 5 spa hotels in the GB Hotels brand, it is easy to find the perfect fit for those seeking a preferred spa resort experience.

While days were spent in fluffy robes, reveling in the spa, our evenings were filled with semi-formal cocktail parties with our hosts and fellow travel professionals. Meals were elegant, tasty menus created by the chef from regional cuisine with impeccable service from the staff. The hotel even provided entertainment which made a spontaneous dance party, Italian style, a must.

Our one trip away from the spa hotel was a lovely afternoon visit to the jewel of a city, Padua. I'll share more on my discoveries in Padua in an upcoming post.

Following a few days in San Remo on the Italian Riviera, 3 days at Lake Como for Travelux 2018, the luxury travel event, enjoying 3 days at an Italian Spa resort was perfect planning. I highly recommend a stay at any of the GB Thermae Hotels in Abano. This spa retreat could be a short getaway after touring Italy or even a destination following a stay in Venice. It would also make a wonderful girlfriends' group getaway.

My thanks to the team at GB Thermae Hotels, especially Chiara Borile, Daria, Paolo, Simone and Carlo for your gracious hospitality, luxury suite, spa treatments and lovely spa products. Thank you to Nebe Club and Travelux 2018 for creating this memorable luxury travel opportunity.

GB Thermae Hotels

To book a visit to a GB Spa Hotels or to create a group spa trip, contact me at Curated Travel.

Curated Travel - The Blog

Reflecting on 2025 + a Big Announcement!

Reflecting on 2025

Preparing for a Luxury Mediterranean Cruise: Your Guide to Smooth Sailing

Preparing for a Luxury Mediterranean Cruise:

Your Guide to Smooth Sailing

Embrace the Mediterranean Lifestyle

Barcelona - Ibiza - Marseille - Villefranche Sur Mer - Genoa - Portofino - Porto Santo Stefano - Rome

The Italian Riviera: Where Golden Sunshine, Azure Seas and Chic Sophistication Frolic

The Italian Riviera

PORTOFino

Santa Margherita Ligure

San Remo

Porto Venere

Journey to White island Bohemia & Italian Riviera Romance on Explora II - Cruise with Us!

Barcelona - Ibiza - Marseille - Villefranche Sur Mer - Genoa - Portofino - Porto Santo Stefano - Rome

Packing Guide for a Stylish European Getaway from Curated Travel

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a

Stylish European Getaway

1. Elevate Your Wardrobe Staples

2. Shoes That Marry Comfort and Glamour

3. Accessories with Panache

4. Create a Capsule Wardrobe

5. Beauty in the Details

6. Smart Packing Techniques

7. Essentials for the Sophisticated Explorer

Make Room for European Treasures

Reflecting on 2024 at Curated Travel

Holiday Gift Guide from a Luxury Travel Advisor for 2024

A holiday gift guide for the traveler in your life:

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: A French Riviera Paradise on the Côte d'Azur

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: A Riviera Paradise

Our HOT TAKES:

A Winter Warm Up in Los Cabos: Where the Desert Meets the Sea

Things we love about Los Cabos

Beach Vibes

A Milestone Birthday Dinner for Dorie!

Sunsets Los Cabos style!

More on our Travels in Mexico:

Setting Sail On the French Riviera!

Celebrate! Announcing our Forbes Travel Guide Endorsement!

Exciting News! We Will be Hosting A Virtuoso Voyage with Seabourn Ultra Luxury Cruises - Monte Carlo to Barcelona - October 2023 - Join Us!

Virtuoso Hosted Voyages Perks:

OR-

Is Alaska more your style??

Envision: The Anticipation of Travel

What are you envisioning for your next travels?

Hot Tips for Preparing for International Travel (Revisited for 2025)

Hot Tips for International Travel

Lake Garda: Mercurial, Magical and Idyllic

Milan: Modern, Vibrant and Stylish (with Classic Soul)

Milan

Bravo! Italy is finally back on my horizon!

ON THE ITINERARY:

This and that:

FOLLOW ALONG on INSTAGRAM:

Curated Travel

Reflecting on Travel 2021 plus a hopeful horizon for 2022!

Reflecting on Travel 2021

Announcing: Our Third Curated Travel Group Cruise Setting sail in Oct 2022 (Greece is the Word!)

Itinerary: Greece Intensive Oct. 15-22, 2022

(8 Days/7 nights)

View Cruise Details

Revisiting Los Cabos for 2021 (plus a chic stay at Viceroy Los Cabos)

A tour of our suite at Viceroy Los Cabos

Los Cabos at a Glance:

French Polynesia and the Breathtaking islands of Moorea & Bora Bora: A Visual Journal

First stop: Moorea

(Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort)

Next Stop: Bora Bora

(Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Spa)

Arriving by plane and private boat to the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Curated Travel Bio is Featured on CADENCE Travel

Postcard from a Southern California Road Trip

Beautiful views at Ojai Valley Inn

Postcard from Los Cabos (plus: what it's like to travel internationally again)

A few of our favorite moments:

Until Further Notice, Celebrate Everything!

A Springtime Getaway to Sonoma Valley Wine Country and the Idyllic Montage Healdsburg

Twilight views of Mount St. Helena