Travel Aficionado Blog

Trending Destinations for remainder of 2014

2014-10-28T13:26:00.001-07:00

Trending Destinations for remainder of 2014

Press Release by Virtuoso

The Leading luxury travel network that we are part of, Virtuoso, harnessing data from its worldwide travel agency members, evealed where the affluent will be venturing for the remainder of 2014, including the crucial holiday time and winter months.

Announced during the network's annual Virtuoso Travel Week event which we took part of in August, Virtuoso shared the top destinations for travel overall as well as those spots that are seeing the fastest growth, while also sharing insight on how and why consumers are making travel decisions. The results ... a surge in demand for Down Under, some surprises in Central Europe and the next evolution in family travel – global citizenship.

Virtuoso Chairman and CEO, Matthew D. Upchurch, shared insights on the buying habits and motivations of upscale travelers. He noted that the same consumer is buying travel in two polar opposite ways: planning upwards of a year in advance for certain trips while also booking close-in, impulse trips to round out their travels. Several factors are driving the high demand, most notably the massive rise in tourism with more than one billion people now crossing international borders as tourists, the rise in affluence throughout the world and, of course, the 78 million Baby Boomers who are now traveling.

These factors also have led to an evolution in family and multigenerational travel that Virtuoso has identified. While the trend line for more than a decade has shown that consumers want to travel to connect with their love ones, using travel to supplement traditional education for children is a new philosophy Virtuoso has termed the "Journey to Global Citizenship." The desire to connect and build lasting memories as a family still holds true; however, Upchurch says parents and even grandparents are looking at travel as a means of giving the next generation a leg up in the world.

"One of the smartest things you can do, if you have the means, is take your kids to China or India or Brazil," says Upchurch. "These countries will influence much of the business being done now and in the future, and kids who have insight into these cultures, who learn to adapt in unfamiliar surroundings early on, and who gain an understanding of the world around them, will have a certain advantage when it's time to enter the workforce."

Upchurch also shared how travelers are approaching many of these destinations. For the tried and true places, people are looking to experience them in a new way, visiting lesser known sites, absorbing more of the local culture, looking for anything not found in a guide book and, probably most telling, seeking a certain 'feeling' rather than basing destination choices on what to see and do. His other observation is that travelers are on a hunt to "collect countries."

"There is a race towards trying to get to some of the more pristine places because of the rise in mass tourism and globalization. The opening up of some of the new, non-traditional destinations that we've identified, offer even more incentive for travelers to explore."

Drawing upon its data warehouse of more than $32 billion in client transactions, then Virtuoso shared that international (non-U.S. countries) travel is up 21 percent compared to the same time last year. Travel to Virtuoso's 10 most popular destinations are averaging an 18 percent uptick:

The Virtuoso "Top 10"
1.	Italy (6%)	6.	Germany (+ 31%)
2.	United Kingdom (30%)	7.	Mexico (+ 17%)
3.	France (23%)	8.	South Africa (- 5%)
4.	Canada (9%)	9.	Netherlands (+ 18%)
5.	Spain (20%)	10.	Greece (57%)

Perhaps more enlightening, though, are the countries seeing the largest year-over-year growth.

Virtuoso's "Hot List"
1.	New Zealand (+ 196%)	6.	Croatia (+ 68%)
2.	Chile (+ 103%)	7.	Australia (+ 58%)
3.	Indonesia (+ 103%)	8.	Ecuador (+ 57%)
4.	Hungary (+ 86%)	9.	Greece (+ 57%)
5.	Hong Kong (+ 72%)	10.	Norway (+ 54%)

The group also revealed that Central Europe is experiencing a surge: Hungary (86%), Croatia (68%), Austria (48%), Poland (48%), and Czech Republic (23%). Russia, however, has seen a sharp decline, down 69%. Overall, travel to European countries is up by 23%.

Virtuoso also provided a glimpse at the network's typical client, sharing that the median age is 56 years (53% are age 35-64) and 70% are married or partnered. They are affluent with $200,000 median household income and a net worth of $1.75 million. And, they are well-traveled with 95% owning a passport and 47% prepared to take 4-7 or even more trips this year.

Travel Agents Today

2014-10-02T07:51:00.001-07:00

" You're a Travel Agent? I didn't know those still existed!"

We get this question all the time! Many people probably envision the movie-type travel agent: the lady sitting behind a desk typing away with a big poster that says "China" right behind her. The travel agent still exists, but the model has been completely revolutionized. Forbes explains it best by saying that the
"traditional travel agent, whose main purpose was to take orders and book transactions, has now been replaced by Travel Advisors".

Believe it or not, upscale Travel Advisers are actually doing better today, after the online revolution (think birth of Expedia) than ever before! In a recent interview, Matthew Upchurch, Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso said it best:

"During the online revolution, travel agents who were basically human vending machines

were replaced, but airline executives were scratching their heads wondering how the hell

could so many others survive when, for a while there, their commissions were cut to zero.

That is because the airline industry saw the travel agency distribution system as an extension

of them. But it’s not an extension of them. It’s an extension of the consumer."

With the internet, the plain old "booking and reserving" is vastly easier today than ever before. However, what Travelocity and Kayak cannot do, is make calls to their friend who just happens to be the General Manager of a particular hotel, and request a particular room on a particular floor for you. They can't decipher amongst all of the millions of contradicting reviews terms. Travel Advisors collaborate with their clients, helping to plan better trips, make better decisions, and cash in on the advisor’s hard-earned connections and continuous education. They have become invaluable in a world where online booking means you can do it yourself, but you don’t actually know what you’re getting. Travel Advisors do know, and they can help make sure you actually get what you want.

Read full interview here

Fabian in Maldives

2014-07-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Where in the world...

So this is heaven!

Fabian Lebrija: June 2014

I recently spent 4 unforgettable nights in the Maldives at Taj Exotica Resort and Spa as a guest of Taj Hotels. The lush 56-acre island is what dreams are made of and the moment your boat pulls up, I can promise this: your jaw will drop.

After flying halfway around the world, the last thing you want to deal with is getting on a small float plane or a long boat ride. What’s nice about the Taj Exotica is that a few minutes after you land at the Malé airport, you will be taken in a speedboat for no more than 10 minutes. Please don’t get me wrong… there are other Amazing properties throughout the Maldives that are worth that extra time such as these amazing properties:

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives (formerly Soneva Gili)

One&Only Reethi Rah

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Soneva Fushi

Cocoa Island by Como

I am just pointing out a “plus” in staying at the Taj Exotica is that it is close to Male. The moment you collect your belongings and clear customs, your worries will disappear and you can stop thinking all together. A Taj representative will be waiting to escort you to the boat, where you will be at your hotel within minutes.

I was fortunate enough to stay at an "overwater bungalow" that had a plunge pool on the balcony. You need to stay in an odd numbered suite since you then get unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean and a bit more privacy (obviously Travelworld of Coronado will take care of this). There’s no need to bring electrical adapters or converters as the rooms have plenty of multi-pronged outlets. One of the nicest amenities with getting an overwater bungalow is that you have your own butler that helps with EVERYTHING. My butler unpacked my suitcase, took me around the island whenever I needed to go somewhere, brought me lemon and chili for my breakfast in the room… EVERYTHING. It is veeery easy to get in touch with your butler…. Just dial a two digit number from your room and voila! If you are lazy or in a hurry, you call your butler and get a ride to and from your room to wherever you are going within minutes.

THINGS TO DO

The Maldives is definitely a romantic destination, but can be geared towards families as well. I personally think pairing with another country is an absolute MUST; for example, the south of India, Sri Lanka (what I did, you can read my post here), or the United Arab Emirates.

The main attractions are water-based. The turquoise color of the water is ridiculously beautiful and warm all throughout the Maldives at roughly 87°F (31°C) in peak season. Guests can pretty much do any type of water sport. I saw people jet ski, wind surf, stand up paddle, parasail, waterski, go for banana boat rides … but the real treat is diving or snorkeling. I focused on this, as it was absolutely impressive. The water was so clear and warm and had beautiful coral and fish.

Other fun things to do are spot small black tip reef sharks, and even pet stingrays. The resident marine biologist does a nightly feeding for both and gives an interesting educational talk. FYI: I was told there are no snakes or mosquitoes in the Maldives so no worries about Malaria. Bugs definitely weren’t a problem and I didn’t use my bug spray once, unlike in India or Sri Lanka.

On my last evening in “paradise”, I took a traditional boat ride and went out on a one-hour sunset cruise. This is worth doing, as you get a feel of the tranquility and serenity of what is the Maldives.

IN THE KNOW
You cannot bring in alcohol. So if you're thinking of bringing in a bottle of bubbly to celebrate (even in your suitecase), leave it behind as it is a strict Muslim country. Don't get me wrong, you can buy alcohol there and no one cares but you just can't bring it in.

There is absolutely nothing to do in Male, the capital. There is no such thing as a "city center", nightlife (you create your own), nor your typical historical site-seeing. The point of going to the Maldives is entirely to enjoy the water and relax (disconnect)

The Maldives is a bit more expensive than I imagined. I know it’s an island nation (made up of 1,197 islands, 200 of which are inhabited), so everything is rightly marked up but this destination isn’t cheap. Taxation is what drives the prices way up, so be prepared to stuff your wallet before travelling.

BEST TIME TO GO
December to April is the high season, which encounters the drier northeast monsoon. From May to November you'll experience some rain during the southwestern monsoon that occurs at this time, but you'll have the least company and best prices at the resorts. Plus, surfers will catch the best waves, and divers will see the most life on the reefs. Maldives never sees overcrowding though!

It’s important to note that some Maldivian holidays follow our own Georgian calendar, while others abide by the lunar Islamic calendar. Island holidays won’t affect your resort stay too much, although some visitors have remarked that Maldivians are slightly less hospitable during Ramadan.

Click here to view my photo gallery.

Tania in Bahamas 2014

2014-06-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Where in the world...

Bahamas Take 2...
The Kids Edition

The last time I was in the Bahamas it was in March of 2011. I went with some friends. We stayed at Atlantis but at The Cove which is considered 'adult only'. We saw no kids and drank rum punch all day. (Click here for blog from that trip!)

This time I went with my 2 year old and husband! A completely different trip. We stayed at Atlantis for the first half of our trip and although I had been to the Atlantis before, I had stuck to the adults only pool at the Cove. Now I was to venture to the kids only areas. I thought I was prepared.

A bit of background is in order at this point. The entire Atlantis Paradise Island Resort has over 3,600 guestrooms! It is broken up into 6 areas:

Coral Towers
Royal Towers
Beach Tower
Harborside ( Residential-style villas)
The Reef (Virtuoso)

Pool at the Reef. One of many pools.

The Cove (Virtuoso)

The place is massive. No other place in the Caribbean really compares. It has tons of activities for both adults (think Nobu, casino and nightclubs) and children (from dolphin encounters to ‘splish splash’ areas for the little ones). The water park is amazing and guests have free access. There are over 20 restaurants.

Obviously this leads to a lot of crowds and add to it that you even have non-guest people that come for the day (from other hotels or cruises), you could wait quite a while to get on to some of the slides.

The Reef (where we stayed) was nice overall. It is discrete and quiet. You have a lot of kids at the hotel but it is well managed. I think the secrete here though is if you want to stay at Atlantis and do a bit more luxury, you stay at the Cove (remember…it's the Pool that’s adult only!) and just go to different pools.

You have to be very careful of what kind of room size you request and especially the view. Just look at the difference between these two:

One thing I noticed about the Bahamas is that it is incredibly expensive. Insanely so. From a bottle of water to dinner or a simple pack of gum, everything is off the charts. There are some meal packages that Atlantis offers and I would look into that if going again with family. Just to give you an idea, WiFi was about $20 a day extra (a pet peeve of mine when hotels charge)

The service was very extreme. Some excellent, some horrible. You would have some wonderful people with the biggest smiles that could not do enough to help you whilst at times you would encounter some people that you knew did not want to be there.

The second half of our time in the Bahamas we stayed at the One & Only Resort – Ocean Club. This is a lot more of how we like to travel as we like quiet, understated luxury. I think if my daughter was older then perhaps Atlantis would be perfect but even then, the two resorts are so close that you can stay at One & Only and spend the day at the waterpark at Atlantis.

Welcome to One & Only

It is very quiet but the good thing is they have two seperate pools. One for kids only and the other for adults. This makes it nice for parents with screaming kids as you don't really bother anyone. They also have a kids "fun zone" which is indoors (in case it gets too hot) with computers, crafts etc. The service was good and the rooms spacious with nice amenities. Although I would say that it is in need of a refurbishment soon given it's a bit old.

My kind of childcare

The interesting news is that there is a huge complex being built in Nassau (so closer to the airport) where you will have 4 hotels in one area. With over 400 hectares along the beach, Baha Mar will be home to:

Rosewood
SLS Hotel (originally the Mondrian)
Grand Hyatt
The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel (new concept)

It is slated to be open in December 2014. I’m looking forward to this!

Fabian in Sri Lanka

2014-05-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

Where in the world...

Fabian in Sri Lanka

On May 3^rd I set out on a 2 week adventure!

The first 5 days in Sri Lanka, then 3.5 days in the Maldives with a pit stop in Istanbul. I couldn’t wait. No one in the office had gone to Sri Lanka and it was a great group of us going, lead by our friend from Taj Hotels.

The trip started from LAX to Istanbul (nonstop) with Turkish Airlines. I must say, this airline really stepped up their game. Their Business class is very comfortable, at a reasonable price, and premium economy is extremely impressive…. Reminded me of a seat on a first class domestic flight.

As there was an 8-hour layover to take the next jump from Istanbul to Colombo, we decided to enjoy the evening in Turkey. We got in at about 5pm on a Saturday. We had planned a quick Bosporus Cruise and dinner at the pier. Who would ever think there would be traffic at that time?? WRONG. The streets were packed with cars mushed bumper to bumper.

The ride was roughly 45 minutes from the airport to the pier, where normally it would take 20 minutes tops. But it was definitely worth it. I highly recommend even a 1-hour cruise through the Boshorus. This really gives you a good “feel” for the city. After a nice boat ride, followed by a delicious traditional Turkish dinner near the pier, we hopped on the plane again and headed over to Sri Lanka.

Cruise Down Bosporus

Sears?

HELLO COLOMBO! We arrived at the airport, got off the plane and proceeded to customs. “We are here!” Wait, what’s this?? Washing machines, refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves… as you make your way through customs. Huh?? For a second, I thought I was still on the plane dreaming about being in a Sears.

After the ever-so strange encounter with Sears meeting JFK, we got our bags and were greeted by our Sri Lankan trio; pro driver, guide and assistant guide (prepared by Ceylon Express Tours). The three wise men were great…. very knowledgeable of the area, flexible, good manners and great English. They stayed with us throughout the entire stay in Sri Lanka, as the country is relatively small (no need to fly anywhere… train or car is all you need… possibly a tuk tuk as well).

The drive from the airport to our hotel was about 1.5 hours. We arrived to the hotel, the Taj Samudra, where traditional dancers were doing their groove at the lobby entrance. The hotel is nice; beach-front with clean rooms and great views. Tip: stay on the top floor, as the hotel recently renovated these rooms.

After a long-needed sleep on an actual bed, the next morning was a blast. Our target that day was Kandy (2-hour drive), with a pit-stop at the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala. We just made it to see the end of the Elephant bathing. We then went to feed the elephants after they were nice and clean. I have to say, getting up close to the largest land animal in the world and feeding it full bananas, watermelon and pineapple… you feel tiny (even me!).

Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala

Next stop was our target city of Kandy, a larger city around the middle of Sri Lanka. Here is where I felt the similarities of Sri Lanka and India; the people, the food, the hustle and bustle, the crowds etc…We went directly to our hotel, the Mahaweli ReachHotel. After checking-in to the room, we headed right out to see a cultural performance by Kandyan dancers.

Following the cultural show, our “tour guide trio" took us to the most famous temple in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Tooth. It is famous because it safeguards the tooth of Buddha, and people come to catch a glimpse of the tooth through a small window of the room where it is kept. Maybe I was just tired from a full day of experiences, but I wasn’t swayed by the magnificence of the temple. I am sure many people beg to differ but regardless, Buddhist or not, one still finds it very interesting to see the beliefs and respect that the locals have to the temple and its withholdings.

Temple of the Tooth

Kandy

View from Hotel Room

The next day, we returned to Colombo by train, to then drive to a beach town called Bentota. The train ride is well known for its scenery… unfortunately we did not get this as it was pouring rain and extremely foggy, but you could tell that on a nice day, the views must be incredible (confirmed by my friend Google). TIP: go first class. The difference is not much monetarily, yet very well worth it. After the 1 hour train ride and 1.5 hour drive to Bentota, we finally arrived to our hotel; the Vivanta by TajBentota.

Vivanta by TajBentota

The town of Bentota is well known for its scuba diving, surfing and its cinnamon! Believe it or not, the bulk of the world's cinnamon production (80-90%) comes from Sri Lanka. We enjoyed a nice dinner at the hotel and off to bed, to recharge and count some sheep.

The next day, we toured through the city of Bentota and its surroundings, including a visit to a turtle hatchery, a cinnamon and moonstone factory, a pit stop by side of the road to see how the locals make Coconut Liquor and finished the day with a quick drive to Galle, where we saw the Dutch fortress and the once-most important port on the island (18^th century during the Dutch Colonial Period).

Dutch Fortress and Coconut Liquor Tasting

Cinnamon Factory

Moonstone Factory

The beach town was the final leg of our Sri Lanka journey. Overall, my thoughts on Sri Lanka is that it is a very interesting country, filled with rich history, great food (lots of spice), and pleasant people. I would recommend going to Sri Lanka, but only if you pair it with a visit to another country. Examples are the United Arab Emirates, India, and my personal favorite, Maldives! The Taj Hotels are great and if you want a bit more luxury, we have 2 Virtuoso properties that are AmanResorts: Amangali in Galle which is in the South West and Amanwella in Tangalle which is in the South East.

We returned to Colombo by car to take a flight and transport ourselves to PARADISE. The Maldives left me speechless.

Stay tuned for part 2 of Fabian’s trip coming soon......Check out a complete collage of all of Fabian's Pictures here.

LAND ROVER ANNOUNCES GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH VIRGIN GALACTIC

2014-04-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Land Rover is Virgin Galactic's first global partner, bringing together two world leaders in adventure, innovation and exploration. It has revealed a long-term global partnership with Richard Branson's pioneering commercial spaceline, Virgin Galactic.

Demonstrating their shared vision of pioneering spirit, technological innovation and sense of adventure, the ground breaking partnership was announced against the backdrop of SpaceShipTwo, the world's first commercial passenger carrying spacecraft, together with Land Rover's n ew Discovery Vision Concept vehicle.

The announcement illustrates the commitment that both brands share to iconic design and engineering excellence and a desire to push the boundaries of travel for the next generation.

The partnership will see Land Rover vehicles become part of daily life for the Virgin Galactic team and for all 'Future Astronauts', the space experience will now begin with Land Rover as they arrive in New Mexico for training, and continue to the moment they drive from the space terminal building to the waiting spaceship. Land Rover will base a fleet of vehicles at the Virgin Galactic test centre in the Mojave Desert, California and at its astounding operational New Mexico base, Spaceport America. (Click here for journal of when Francis Contreras was there)

The exciting announcement was revealed in dramatic fashion on board USS Intrepid, a former aircraft carrier and now a museum dedicated to the exploration of sea, air and space and anchored on the Hudson River. Land Rover's first act as exclusive partner was to bring a unique full-size replica of SpaceShipTwo VSS Enterprise to New York, where it joined the remarkable British Airways Concorde and its namesake Space Shuttle Enterprise upon the Intrepid. Like the Space Shuttle, SpaceShipTwo is the first of a revolutionary fleet of reusable human spacecraft. Having the vehicles in one place for the first time provided a powerful symbol of human ingenuity and the adventurous spirit of exploration and discovery.

Revealed alongside SpaceShipTwo was Land Rover's Discovery Vision Concept, a vision of Land Rover's future family of Discovery vehicles. The concept car previews dynamic new design language and an array of world first technologies. Building on Land Rover's renowned all-terrain capability, the Discovery Vision Concept represents the ultimate SUV of the future.

The vehicle uses augmented reality technology to display a 'see-through' view of the terrain ahead, making the front of the car 'virtually' invisible from inside the cabin. Gesture Control allows you to open the doors, operate the indicators or turn on the headlamps simply by moving your hand, while Laser Referencing projects visible markings, symbols and imagery onto the ground to aid low speed or tricky manoeuvres.

More than 200 VIP guests witnessed the two game-changing vehicles, which were revealed against a stunning Manhattan background and an awe-inspiring projection mapping sequence.."

Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Galactic said "We couldn't be more delighted to have Land Rover join us on our incredible journey. It is hard to think of a brand which is more synonymous with exploration and adventure. The safety and engineering excellence of Land Rover's vehicles, which have been the stuff of legend for more than 65 years, are attributes which also lie at the heart of Virgin Galactic. We look forward to crossing the final frontier together and to a long and fruitful partnership."

Phil Popham, Group Marketing Director of Jaguar Land Rover said "This is a marriage of two of Britain's most iconic brands which celebrate shared values, a pioneering spirit and a true sense of adventure. Not only do we both share the same long-term vision to enable mankind to explore, but we also want to develop this partnership to inspire others. From our tens of thousands of employees and customers to schools and colleges, motivating more young people to pursue careers in engineering, science, technology and math - and explore new ways of traveling for future generations.

Land Rover's heart beats 'above and beyond' - we are pioneers on land and Virgin Galactic is the pioneer of space. It's a very special match of brands with a shared vision."

Both brands run significant and highly regarded community relations and STEM education programmes, which encourage young people to aspire to a future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and together see the huge potential to develop this partnership to inspire others and motivate more young people to pursue careers in these vitally important fields.

The marriage of these two innovative, upscale, discovery brands makes perfect sense!," says Francis Contreras, owner of Travelworld of Coronado and one of the first Accredited Space Agents and future astronaut herself.

Courtesy of Land Rover, SpaceShipTwo, will remain on display at Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum for the public to view between from 15th to the 22nd April. It will sit alongside other game changing artifacts including the first ever space shuttle Enterprise, the prototype NASA orbiter that paved the way for the space shuttle programme and the record-breaking and revolutionary supersonic passenger airliner, the Concorde.

The Discovery Vision Concept will be on display at the New York Auto Show, which opens on Wednesday 16th April.

Best Of The Best - 2014 Virtuoso Style!

2014-01-14T13:20:00.001-08:00

Check out the 2014 Virtuoso Best of the Best! This year's directory brings a wealth of information on the more than 980 Virtuoso-preferred hotels and resorts worldwide. You'll find tips from Virtuoso travel advisors to help you make the most of your stay, along with details on complimentary amenities like room upgrades, breakfast daily, resort credits and more. Plus, be sure to check out our new Exceptional Experiences throughout the directory, which your Virtuoso travel advisor can custom design just for you.

See how Virtuoso can open doors for you - around the world! Explore your world, your way, with exclusive amenities at all of the hotels and resorts in this directory:

Navigate to any section of the world and read about Virtuoso's preferred hotels and resorts from Cape Town to Paris. Virtuoso can take you anywhere - in style.

Voted outstanding in select categories by Virtuoso travel advisors, take a look at these hotels are standouts this year and start planning your next luxury getaway.

The Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Preview program welcomes seven extraordinary properties. Review the newest 'Best of the Best' in this issue.

These are just a few of the best parts of 2014's 'Best Of The Best'. Flip through for information, pictures and to get to know some of Virtuoso's finest properties, then contact Travelworld of Coronado to help plan your next vacation.

Biggest Celebration of Life is to Travel

2014-01-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

Biggest Celebration of Life is to Travel

Every new year comes with new reasons to celebrate - birthdays, graduations, anniversaries...in other words, time spent with the ones you love. This select collection of trips is perfect for heralding any special occasion and we just had to share it with you.

Each features exclusive Virtuoso amenities and extras, compliments of traveling with us. So how will you mark the occasion? Whatever you choose, we will collaborate with you to customize every detail of your festive journey!!

Trips of a Lifetime

2013-12-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

With a new year around the corner, naturally it's a time to look back at what you've accomplished, what you would have done differently and of course create a list of new years resolutions. This year lets add 'go on my dream vacation' that list! Not sure what your dream vacation is made of yet? We can help you! Here are some trips of a lifetime that could become your reality come 2014...

Adventure in Abu Dhabi
Watch a camel race, ride the world's fastest roller coaster, barter in a souk, and gaze up at the world's "furthest leaning man-made tower" all in a single day. Those are just a few of the adventures that await visitors to Abu Dhabi.

Discover the Galapagos
Meet blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas and penguins. Visit the Charles Darwin Research station and the historic barrel, that has served as an archipelago post office for two centuries!

Uncover History in Israel
Visit Jerusalem, the home to holy sites of the three major monotheistic religions- Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Then trek the new Gospel Trail in Northern Israel and make your way south to float in the Dead Sea. End your trip in Israel's cultural capital, Tel Aviv!

Explore Kenya
You could spend a year in Kenya and never experience all that there is to see and do. This rich country offers a wealth of exhilarating adventures from big five safaris to insightful encounters with Maasi elders and village craftswomen.

We want to create your trip of a lifetime in 2014! Contact us for more information.

The crazy New Zealander at Estadio Azteca

2013-11-13T12:22:00.000-08:00

Where in the world...

Mexico VS New Zealand

By: Tania Swasbrook

When my husband, a New Zealander born and raised, proposed going to Mexico City to see the soccer game between Mexico and New Zealand for a spot in the World Cup 2014, I thought it was a great idea! For a whole minute that is...

Then I thought...Are you NUTS? Do you know what they would do to you if NZ won? In a stadium that fits 104,000 fans, you will be one of at most 10 fans from New Zealand in "Estadio Azteca".

So of course we went.

Our friends at Las Alcobas, a trendy hotel in Polanco, invited us to stay for the 2 days we would be there and we dragged along another Kiwi friend, my mother and brother for support. It was a sight to be seen!

THE GAME PREVIEW

I always love Mexico City but you need to be careful with the smog, altitude and the fact that it now has 24 million people. This wasn't a site-seeing trip but as a side-note, there is SO much to do in Mexico City. You just need to a) have local contacts and b) have it well planned out in advance.

We got there pretty late...close to midnight...so obviously we went straight for tacos near our hotel. Midnight is still pretty early in Mexico so we were able to get a seat.

TACOS EL PASTOR

Las Alcobas hotel is very quaint. It's perfectly placed in Polanco which is the ritzy area of Mexico City...somewhat mixed with trendy. You have the more upscale hotels and shops and it is a tad more secure. The hotel had great service (well, that's not hard as Mexico has some of the best service in the world) and everything was VERY high-tech. Almost a bit too high-tech to be honest. It took forever just to find how to turn on the light or where the safe was. They did have very cool amenities though which were these cool soup collection bar.

Las Alcobas
Trendy/Boutique luxury
Location: Polanco, near upscale neighborhood/residential zone so quiet
Tech: WiFi included. Room very high tech (almost too much!)
Service: Excellent
Kids: Welcomed but as with any trendy boutique hotel, not that much to do. Although with this type of hotel, you come to visit the city, not stay inside.
Restaurant: Delicious and very "cool"

BEST TEQUILA

WE HAVE THE TICKETS!

The next day was game day. My mother had to meet with some clients before going (they gave us a wonderful gift at breakfast) (and they had some of the most incredible offices I have ever seen). Then we were off.

Traffic was obviously going to be horrible but Mexico City has this very complex highway system. One you pay and has no traffic, the other you don't and you have traffic. So we paid. We got there on time. As predicted, we were amongst the only New Zealanders there.

I won't lie. We started off great but then it started to get a bit scary. Yes, Mexico was up by 4 points but it doesn't matter. We were the enemy (of course I was cheering for Mexico but I at that moment was with the enemy). So we ended up leaving about 20 minutes before the end as it started to get a bit rough and we started to see the riot police coming in.

RIOT POLICE COMING

We had an extraordinary time and once in a lifetime experience!

My daughter, supporting the best team, asking: "Are you guys nuts"?
#DoYouTravelworld

NBC chosen to televise first flight to space

2013-11-08T13:37:00.001-08:00

We just wanted to share this press release with you. Step by step we are getting closer to making history. I am nervous and excited all at once!

Keep up to date on our space page: www.travelworldspaceagents.com

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO TELEVISE FIRST COMMERCIAL FLIGHT TO SPACE HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO NBC

"TODAY" to Broadcast Virgin Galactic's Historic First Commercial Spaceflight LIVE Featuring Sir Richard Branson and His Children. Coronado Woman is future astronaut.

NEW YORK, NY - November 8, 2013 - Announced this morning on NBC's TODAY, NBCUniversal inked an exclusive multi-platform partnership with Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic, the world's first commercial spaceline, to televise the inaugural commercial space flight of SpaceShipTwo. Next year, Sir Richard and his adult children, Holly and Sam, will be the first private passengers to travel into space on SpaceShipTwo from Virgin Galactic's terminal at Spaceport America in New Mexico. NBC News' award-winning Peacock Productions will chronicle the journey across a myriad of NBCUniversal brands and platforms including CNBC,MSNBC, NBCNews.com, Syfy, The Weather Channel and more, culminating in a primetime special airing on NBC the night before launch, and a three-hour live event on "TODAY," hosted by Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthr Final Phase testing ie.

"Without a doubt, Sir Richard and his children taking the first commercial flight into space, will go down in history as one of the most memorable events on television," said Sharon Scott, President and General Manager, Peacock Productions. "Through NBCUniversal's multiple platforms and overseas network partners, viewers from around the world will get to experience this where were you moment; we're extremely honored to chronicle Sir Richard's journey and live launch into space."

"Virgin Galactic is thrilled that NBCUniversal will join us on our exciting first journey to space," said Sir Richard. "In this first chapter of commercial space travel, we will help make space accessible and inspire countless more people to join us in the pursuit of space exploration and science innovation."

"Every time something like this happens it gives me chills. It means we are getting one step closer to making history!," says Francis Contreras, owner of Travelworld of Coronado and one of the first Accredited Space Agents and future astronaut herself.

2013-11-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

From a stylish retreat in Bhutan to a chic city stay Bangkok, we have Travel + Leisure's hit list of the coolest hotels and what pushes them to the top. We'll summarize 2013's most extraordinary hotels for any style of travel!

City

Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund

Located on the northern part of the iconic Bund waterfront, provides the ultimate escape to this megalopolis of 23 million. From the unobstructed views of the Huangpu River to the both thoughtful and discreet service, everything about this hotel is to die for. Oh and did we forget to mention the three-floor, marble-clad spa, spread over 14,000 square feet, with the most comprehensive treatment menu around. Click here to check out Fabian's travels through China!

Shangri-La, Mumbai

Bringing even more glamour to the Mumbai, the Shangri-La is the perfect escape within the bustling city. Whether it be soaking in a hot-stone massage at the Chi spa, designer shopping at the ground-floor Palladium Mall, or lounging by the breezy outdoor pool, the hotel is almost a city in itself. Upstairs, the spectacular 390 guest rooms offer sweeping views of the city and Arabian Sea beyond. Click here and we will help you make this relaxing dream come true.

Rustic

Capaldi Atlas Mountains, Morocco

A visit to Morocco is now incomplete without a visit to the windswept dunes of the Moroccan desert, just outside of Marrakesh. At night, feast on tender côte de boeuf at the French-inspired restaurant before a swim under the stars in the pool and a midnight movie at the hotel’s private cinema. Click here for more information.

Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk National Park, Australia
There are 500 remaining Jawoyn Aborigines in the Northern Territory that make up one of the world’s oldest surviving cultures, and now, with the opening of Cicada Lodge they are also Australia's most anticipated hoteliers. This boutique hotel that consists of 18 relaxing rooms aims to put Nitmiluk Gorge on the traveler's map. From high intensity four-wheel-drive touring to swimming under waterfalls, this national park has something for everyone and we can help you plan it.

Beach

Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa
The country’s first five-star hideaway, located on an undeveloped stretch of land on the Pacific coast that now reeks of luxury. From plunge pools, butlers, a spa with themed treatment rooms, and a golf course designed by David McLay Kid, this is the ultimate beach get-away.We love the culture elements incorporated from the mostly local staff to the local grass-fed Nicaraguan beef and Flor de Caña rum. Click here to see how Nicaragua may be the perfect place for your next beach destination.

Oyster Inn, Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Just 35 minutes from Auckland by ferry, Kiwis have known about it forever, but the world is just catching on to Waiheke Island, thanks to the Oyster Inn. Waking up in the small but sweet all whitewashed guestrooms with exposed rafters and colorful kilims and walking over to the patio café overlooking Oneroa Bay, ordering platters of bivalves plucked straight from the sea, could not make for a better beach getaway. Click here to talk to us about planning your island vacation.

Fabian & Francis cruising the Black Sea

2013-08-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

Where in the world...

Our trip to the Black Sea

Oceania Cruises: Riviera

The brand new Riviera, which debuted in May 2012, is stunning. Designer touches are everywhere, from the magnificent Lalique Grand Staircase and stunning Owner's Suites furnished in Ralph Lauren Home.

Comfortably mid-sized, with a country club casual ambiance and level of personalized service, combined with new amenities, made it an incredible experience…one which were not expecting. As the first ship designed for lovers of fine dining and travel experiences, the 1250 passenger Riviera offers guests multiple dining venues, of which six are open-seating gourmet restaurants with no surcharge.

Accommodations in every category are incredibly spacious, especially with regard to the lavish bathrooms.

Our 13 day Itinerary

Day	Date	Location
1	Thu, 25 Jul	Istanbul, Turkey
2	Fri, 26 Jul	Nessebar, Bulgaria
3	Sat, 27 Jul	Constanta, Romania
4	Sun, 28 Jul	Odessa, Ukraine
5	Mon, 29 Jul	Sevastopol, Ukraine
6	Tue, 30 Jul	Yalta, Ukraine
7	Wed, 31 Jul	Sochi, Russia
8	Thu, 01 Aug	Trabzon, Turkey
9	Fri, 02 Aug	Sinop, Turkey
10	Sat, 03 Aug	Çengelköy, Turkey
11	Sun, 04 Aug	Kusadasi, Turkey
12	Mon, 05 Aug	Mykonos, Greece
13	Tue, 06 Aug	Piraeus, Greece

Arrival into Istambul, Turkey:

Turkish Airlines

Excellent Business Class as well as Comfort Class (Premium Economy).

With the most amazing tour operator in the world, Nurdan from Nurdan's United Travel Services, Turkey.

Istanbul, Turkey

MUST SEE:

Dolmabache Palacio

Mezquita azul

Iglesia Sofia

Grand Bazaar

MUST EAT & DRINK

Sur Balak (5mins from Four Season)
Kebabs’
Doner Kebaps (like Mexican Tacos)

Black tea and Apple tea

Turkish Coffee

Nessebar, Bulgaria

Nessebar, Bulgaria...an ancient town and one of the major seaside resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast!

MUST EAT AND DRINK:
Pork (not a lot of options)
Local Wines

Constanta, Romania

Constanta - the oldest extant city in Romania. It was founded around 600 BC

MUST EAT AND DRINK:

Local Wines
** 1 dollar = 3.3 Lei

Odessa, Ucrania

The port of Odessa, where they arrived, is one of the most important seaports in Ukraine which is located on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea.

MUST SEE:

Potemkin Steps y Odessa City Hall

Opera House

Fine Arts Museum

Primoski Boulevard

MUST EAT & DRINK :

Pork and vegetable dumplings

Pork Borsch (onion and egg soup)
Vodka : Horilka
Cold fruit tea

Sevastopol, Ukraine
Sevastopol is one of two cities with special status in Ukraine (the other being the capital, Kiev). A strategically important naval point, it is also a popular seaside resort and tourist destination.

MUST SEE:

Khan Palace in Bakhchisaray (1hra del puerto)

Yalta, Ukraine

YALTA, a resort city in Crimea, southern Ukraine, on the north coast of the Black Sea. The city is located on the site of an ancient Greek colony, said to have been founded by Greek sailors who were looking for a safe shore on which to land.

MUST SEE:

Museum: Chekhov
Alexander Nevsky Cathedra;

MUST EAT AND DRINK:

Beer: Lvivske
BBQ Pork

Sochi, Russia

Situated on the Black Sea coast near the border of Georgia, Sochi is one of Russia's largest resort cities. A lot is going on here in the next few years. Sochi will host the XXII Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games next year as well as the Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix. It is also one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Basic info:

* "Spasibo" = Thank you
* 1 Dolar = 30 Rubles

Trabzon, Turkey

Trabzon played a key role in both the Silk Road and the Ottoman period because of the importance of its port.

MUST SEE:

Monasterio Sumela (1 hr from port) CANT MISS

MUST EAT AND DRINK:
Kebabs

Kusadasi, Turkey

A resort town on Turkey's Aegean, its primary industry is tourism given it is so close to Ephesus.

MUST SEE:

Ephesus: Old Roman Town- CANT MISS

MUST EAT AND DRINK:

Kebabs

Travelworld at Virtuoso Week 2013, Las Vegas

2013-08-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

WOW! The Travelworld team was just in Las Vegas for Virtuoso's annual conference and there is no way to describe it. Over 4200 participants from nearly every corner of the globe. Our friend and editor of TravelPlus.com, James Shillinglaw, describes it best:

Virtuoso: The Week That Was!

By James Shillinglaw
August 19, 2013

Those outside the travel industry who think travel agents are "dead" in a world that is supposedly dominated by online travel companies should spend a Thursday night in August at The Bank at Bellagio in Las Vegas.

During Virtuoso Travel Week, the annual meeting of the Virtuoso luxury travel network, which just celebrated its 25^th year, it’s become a tradition after a week of heavy meetings and appointments for Virtuoso travel advisors and suppliers to gather on Thursday after the closing gala dinner at The Bank nightclub to blow off a little steam. And do they ever blow off steam!

The Bank is transformed into "Club V” (Club Virtuoso) with literally a thousand or more people packed onto the dance floor. And many of them are surprisingly young given the usual demographic at many travel agent events. One of the highlights of the evening, however, is when Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch gets up on a raised platform to dance with Valerie Wilson, a veteran Virtuoso member and owner of Valerie Wilson Travel in New York. Upchurch himself then leads the festivities into the wee hours of the night.

This year's Virtuoso Travel Week attracted more than 4,200 participants, including travel advisors, suppliers, media and other guests (compared to roughly 3,800 last year). What's more important is that 2,000 travel advisors attended, more than the number of suppliers registered.

Last year Virtuoso changed the branding of its annual domestic conference from Virtuoso Travel Mart as it tried to put more of a consumer face on its activities in Vegas every August. The idea was to create a "happening" like Fashion Week that will eventually be recognized by consumer media and the outside world.

Last year I wrote that Virtuoso Travel Week was still a "work in progress," which perhaps wasn't surprising given that it was the first year with the new name and focus. This year roughly 15 consumer media attended the event, so Virtuoso is continuing to build up its consumer face. I'm just waiting for the day when the Bellagio fountain is lined with TV cameras and crews eagerly awaiting news of the latest and most innovative luxury travel products.

Nevertheless, Virtuoso's giant event this year truly emerged as a real phenomenon, largely because it just keeps growing and getting busier year over year. Virtuoso Travel Week is now the largest convention hosted by Bellagio and the property makes a special effort to ensure that its entire staff is on duty and ready to serve its Virtuoso guests. Indeed, Virtuoso even released a video made by Bellagio showing just how much preparation the resort puts into the event.

Last week Virtuoso Travel Week had not one but three keynote speakers at its opening general session. In addition to Upchurch, the session featured Simon Sinek, author of “Start with Why,” who first spoke to Virtuoso in 2010; Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D, Age Wave president and CEO, who spoke in 2006; and Lee Brower of Empowered Wealth, LLC, who for more than 12 years has also served as an entrepreneurial coach for Strategic Coach Inc.

Last year Virtuoso hosted its first celebrity guest, Francis Ford Coppola, who regaled Virtuoso attendees with stories of his Godfather movies, but also happened to be a preferred supplier who owns luxury resorts in Belize. This year Virtuoso featured magician David Copperfield, who is also effectively a Virtuoso preferred supplier as well as owner of Musha Cay, the exclusive island resort in the Bahamas. Not to disappoint the crowd, Copperfield also performed one of his signature illusions on stage.

But the real heart of Virtuoso Travel Week remains its famed (some say infamous) four-minute meetings, where every Virtuoso travel advisor can meet virtually every Virtuoso preferred suppliers. Each travel advisor and preferred supplier is scheduled for roughly 98 meetings per day for four days. This "speed dating" has been a major part of Virtuoso Travel Week since its inception, but now it has spilled over to encompass every ballroom in the Bellagio and many of the hallways in the convention center.

Row upon row of tables and chairs line every room and time clock countdowns on the individual meetings are projected on giant screens on the walls, as sharp tones indicate when meetings are about to come to an end. It certainly is speed dating, though it often reminded me of a giant bingo game, where the prize is matching a travel product to the right customer through a Virtuoso travel advisor.
I sat in on an hour's worth of meetings, as I have in the past, and I continue to be amazed about the process. The goal, however, is to build relationships, however brief, which can result in connections over time, so Virtuoso travel advisors can work more intimately with resorts, destination companies, tour operators, cruise lines and other top suppliers.

At just a little under 4,000 rooms and suites, the Bellagio can no longer hold every Virtuoso attendee, so the conference has now spilled over to the adjacent Vdara and Aria. Indeed, Upchurch told me he believes at some point Virtuoso Travel Week will take up a good part of the "campus" that links the Bellagio and City Center resorts.

And what of the annual tradition at The Bank? Well, I wouldn't be surprised if next year Upchurch and Wilson will have to repeat their dance performance at Hyde, Bellagio's other big nightclub, as well as The Bank. In the end, the message is this: Travel agents are vibrant, alive and dancing the night away at Bellagio!

James Shillinglaw is editor in chief and editorial director of travAlliancemedia, which publishes TravelPulse.com, Agent@Home magazine and Vacation Agent magazine.

Francis' Central American Adventure

2013-07-09T12:38:00.002-07:00

Where in the world...
By: Francis Contreras

Costa Rica to Nicaragua!

A trip through Costa Rica and Nicaragua was the perfect summer kick-off. Costa Rica... endless outdoor activities, rain forest, volcanoes, and of course tropical beaches all around. While, the beautiful beachfront villas of Mukul Resort in Nicaragua serve as the perfect home base with their private pools, incredible golf course and luxury spa.

Costa Rica, here I come...

The flight from San Diego is quite tiring due to the connections to Liberia but I chose to do it this way as it is not recommended to arrive at San Juan, given that it´s a four hour drive to Liberia. Flying into Liberia cuts down your drive to the hotels to only 45 minutes.

The most luxurious part of Costa Rica is the region of Papagayo. I recommend staying at the Four Seasons Papagayo, which has three types of rooms to choose from:

Homes, which are beautiful, updated 3-room houses that serve as a wonderful home base- I highly suggest going this route
Villas, which were nice but could use a bit of a facelift
Normal rooms, which are nice but could also use a bit of remodeling

The Four Seasons Papagayo boasts an incredible golf course with access to the Beach Club, along with clay and grass tennis courts with professional instruction if you want to polish up your swing. Di Mare restaurant and adjoining Tico Bar are great ways to end your beach days with a full belly and the pools and activities offered make the hotel perfect for a family getaway.

Another option for luxury accommodations is Villa Manzu (website still under construction). The 8-room villa, in terms of luxury, is the best I have seen. The rate per night includes all meals and drinks. There is a chef and a daily cleaning service. The chef prepares the most extraordinary dishes and they include superb wines. Villa Manzu is about a 10 minute drive from the Four Seasons and the guests are granted access to the Four Seasons amenities. There is access to a beautiful Spa located within the house. The whole house must be rented; they do not rent by room.

Costa Rica as a whole is the perfect vacation with it's endless outdoor activities, rain forest, volcanoes, and of course tropical beaches all around.

Now off to Nicaragua....

To get from Papagayo to Nicaraguan border only takes approximately 1.5 hours by car. The road is not bad and the drive is pretty but when you get to the border it´s a different story. Though the country is beautiful and the resorts are spectacular, there are some things to be aware of in terms of actually getting there, as the Nicaraguan infrastructure is still developing. The process of getting into the country takes quite a bit of time, as one must go through a Costa Rican office where passports are stamped then onto the offices of the country of Nicaragua, which is considered third world. The weekend we passed through, the offices were packed with people so the process took us about 4 hours. It is very tiring and there is a lot of corruption; we constantly had to pay bribes to pass through the lines which were enormous.

The road from the boarder to Mukul Resort is not in the best condition; therefore the drive takes about another 1.5 hours. Shortly, this drive will be cut down significantly as the owner of Mukul Resort is arranging with the migration offices to make this easier by giving a free pass to guests in order to avoid lines. If you prefer not to deal with the roads at all, there is always the option of getting there by helicopter but the cost is extremely high at about $4,000 USD.

The resort itself is a whole experience though it is a bit difficult to get there. Located 2.5 hours from the airport of Managua by car, the trip can be made by helicopter and the negotiated price is $1500 per helicopter. The cost is cheap as 4 to 5 people can fit in each helicopter. On the way there, there is a visit to the colonial city of Granada, although there is not much to see there.

Mukul Resort is the first luxury hotel Spa in Nicaragua- it opened its doors on February, 2013. The 12 beautiful beachfront villas, known as 'Bohios', consist of 23 constructions among the trees with an ocean view and a private pool in each one. The property boasts 6 separate SPA buildings, each one offering a different Spa experience. This was truly incredible, the perfect amenity for a luxury getaway.

The golf course, Guacalito de la Isla, designed by David McLay Kidd, is considered one of the best- it is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.

All in all, Nicaragua's new luxury resorts and beautiful beaches while still being a bit rough around the edges serves as a great adventure to an up and coming tourist destination.

By Air, By Sea, By Elevator

2013-05-20T14:13:00.002-07:00

When we think of vacation, we usually think of sipping margaritas on the beaches of Mexico or skiing down the slopes of the Alps. We usually don't think of the transportation it took to get to that point.

But considering the fact that getting to the activity is something we are not able to get around, we may as well make the most out of it. New York Magazine recently published an article highlighting 'transportation-centric' destinations where the transportation IS the activity! As the old saying goes, "it's the journey, not the destination" so check out these alternatives to regular old rental cars and the fun you can have along the way!

Croatia by Canoe

A canoe excursion through the Croatian floodplains finds you in a newly named UNESCO biosphere reserve, where you can paddle through the mazelike waterways, oxbow lakes, and hidden sandbars of Kopački Rit Nature Park. We'll book your top-of-the-line farm stay in, organize your visit to the cellar of award-winning wine producer Josić, where you can sample the burgeoning wine region’s tipple of choice in its vaultlike restaurant.

Roatan by Submarine

The waters surrounding the Honduran island of Roatan is home to exotic plant and animal life from luminescent coral to Dumbo octopus- all of which you can see up close and personal. Submarine expeditions range from 90 minutes to nine hours and are an amazing way to experience all of what the island has to offer under the sea. Contact us to book your next below sea level adventure!

Alaska by Float Plane

Explore the vast wilderness of Alaska in a low-flying, two-to-ten-seater aircraft in which pontoons sub for landing gear! Afraid of heights? Read a bit about one of our own advisor, Fabian's trip to Alaska and talk to us about other ways to explore the back country. We can plan your private glacier-and-volcano viewing near Mount McKinley or gourmet picnic on Prince William Sound while taking in the whale migration.

Valparaiso by Elevator

Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage city 75 miles west of Santiago, is best traveled by it's network of cable elevators, or ascensores, dating to the late nineteenth century. We can coordinate your trip from sea level to some of the 45 hilltop neighborhoods or cerros, each filled with quirky restaurants and boutique hotels.

Zambia by Foot

Watch for herds of elephant, lion, and buffalo from the comfort of your private stone plunge-pool or thatched-roof hut or move alongside antelope, impala, baboon, and rare African Pitta birds inside Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Game drives in open-sided Land Rovers are available for the fainter of heart, but for optimal viewing, you’ll travel by foot, jeep, and puddle jumper between three different Luangwa camps. At the remote Kapamba Bushcamp, watch for herds of elephant, lion, and buffalo from the comfort of your private stone plunge-pool or thatched-roof hut. We'll plan your after-dark drives between camps for private wildlife spottings, including night apes and bug-eyed galagos.

Sweden by Sailboat

Spend three days to a week gliding north to Norway and back—from the resort town of Marstrand up to the Koster Islands’ nature preserve—mooring overnight in some of the area’s 270 natural harbors. You’ll pass docks piled high with lobster traps on tiny islands like Åstol, where you can dine alfresco on house-smoked shrimp. Contact us to coordinate your Swedish sailtrip.

Istanbul by Ferry

The port city’s 600-to-2,100-passenger ferries are still the most popular way for both locals and tourists to traverse the nineteen-mile strait. We'll plan your private tour to include stopping everywhere from fruit carts (for, say, green almonds and sour plums) to an Ottoman-era caravanserai for tea to the historic Galata Bridge, you’ll be whisked by ferry to 'Asian Istanbul' to sample regional treats. Contact us to book your Turkish adventure!

What's New Now - The Virtuoso Life Edition

2013-05-03T13:57:00.003-07:00

The benefits of working with Travelworld of Coronado travel advisors are immeasurable and often intangible, from time savings to their impressive global connections and know-how. However, one of the more tangible benefits of working with an advisor is Travelworld's hotel program, with nearly 1,000 properties in more than 100 countries around the globe, all offering perks and benefits that you wouldn't receive if you'd booked the hotel on your own. Whether you prefer sprawling resorts, intimate family-run inns, or trendy new hotels, there’s something to suit everyone's tastes in the May issue of Virtuoso Life. Enjoy!

Star Power
From beach and jungle hideouts to energizing city escapes, these six new hotels will light up your nights.
Straight From the Top
Three of the hotel world's major players discuss the state of high-end stays.

Your Cruise Atlas
When, where, and how to set sail on seagoing cruises around the world.
Southern Exposure
Patagonia's rugged, unspoiled nature will blow you away.

The Short and Winding Road
Sweet interludes along Maui's famed Road to Hana.

Last Minute Travel Deals...What will it be this Summer?

2013-05-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

We've been getting so many requests for trips this summer that we are happy to share with you an easy guide to Last Minute offers.

An around-the-world tour? A relaxing river cruise on the Rhone? What about an adrenaline-pumping Canadian Rockies adventure or to the other extreme, a spa and golf getaway in Southern California?

Check out this selection of last minute deals and email us for more information.

You Really Can Have It All

2013-04-15T07:23:00.004-07:00

How much can you really do on your vacation?

Take a cruise and you'll see, everything you could possibly want - even if it's nothing at all! For inspiration, peruse this month's Travel Catalog, then contact me to help you choose the best destination, the best cruise ship and the best stateroom, plus make all the arrangements for an unforgettable time on shore. Every exclusive offer featured includes extra perks, like complimentary spa credits and specialty dining experiences. Just one call and you truly will have it all....

Fabian in Cuba - Havana in 3 days

2013-03-05T13:51:00.001-08:00

Where in the world...
Cuba
By: Fabian Lebrija

Havana in 3 days!

Havana is an extremely -- at times, overwhelming -- city, overflowing with history, art, architecture, culture, nightlife, and more. Three days will allow you to visit its most important attractions, and maybe even discover some of its lesser-known charms.

Day 1: Start in the Old City

Start your day in Havana Vieja. Visit the Plaza de la Catedral, the Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza de San Francisco. Be sure to tour the Museo de la Ciudad, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, and any other attractions that catch your attention. Have a world famous original mimosa at La Bodeguita del Medio.

As the day cools down, enjoy a fine cigar at the Hotel Nacional. Sitting on a high bluff overlooking the Malecón, this is Havana's signature hotel, and it's loaded with atmosphere. The outdoor terrace made of marble is a great place to grab a table for a sunset drink and cigar while enjoying the scenery. Another mojito here won’t hurt!

For dinner, a great spot would be La Guarida, the city's most celebrated paladar. Reservations here are essential.

Day 2: Vedado & Miramar

Start the morning strolling along the beautiful tombs and mausoleums of Cementerio de Colón. From here, take a 10 minute drive to Miramar and the Playa district. After lunch, head to the José Martí Memorial, and enjoy the panoramic view from the highest spot in Havana.

In the evening, head over to the Tropicana for dinner and a show. This place is the original and known to be the best cabaret show in Cuba!

Day 3: More Havana Vieja

Give yourself another day in Habana Vieja -- there's just no way you've seen it all in one day. Be sure to visit some of the art galleries, spend some time shopping at the Calle Tacón outdoor market ,and check out he classic cars lined up nearby. Pass through the Capitolio Nacional (Cuba Capitol Building). Resembling the U.S. Capitol Building, this iconic landmark is one of the city's signature attractions.

In front of the Capitolio Nacional is the Partagas cigar factory, where you you can see Cuba’s premium cigars being hand-rolled for export. The four story factory specializes in full-bodied cigars such as the Cohiba, Montecristo and, of course, the Partagás, one of the oldest of the Havana brands, started in 1843. Guided tours (45 minutes) are offered every 15 minutes. Buy tickets in advance at either Hotel Saratoga or Hotel Habana Libre (both a block away from the factory).

Have lunch on one of the ancient plazas here. In the late afternoon, head over to the Parque Histórico Morro y Cabaña and explore the forts and museums at this complex.

Check out more pictures from my trip here!

Seeking the Sun - The Virtuoso Life Edition

2013-03-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

We all have a travel wish list of places we want to go - for milestone celebrations, family vacations, long weekend getaways, and the like. So what kind of traveler are you, and what's on your wish list? Find out when you take our Travel Dreams Survey. In the March issue of Virtuoso Life you'll find plenty of sandy shores and sandal-worthy locations, sunny vacation temptations that you'll want to add to your list.

6 Ways to Seek the Sun
Lounge in Jamaica, dive in Fiji, pedal through Sicily: Get your dose of Vitamin D now.

Big, Bold, Beachy
With 5,000 miles of coastline, a booming economy, and a good-time vibe, Brazil has sandy retreats for every mood.

Capri Calling
Ferry off to the Island of Dreams for iconic hotels, vintage taxis, and icy limoncello served with cliff top views of Amalfi.

Check out our pictures from Capri! Click here

Where to go now - The Virtuoso Life edition

2013-01-17T07:25:00.001-08:00

Virtuoso travel advisors like ourselves were asked to identify the most intriguing emerging destinations for 2013. From countries just embracing tourism to new reasons to visit old favorites, they are featured in the January/February edition of Virtuoso Life . You'll find the list of where to go now - along with tips and insights from the best in the industry. Not to brag, but we've been to nearly every single one of those places!

Plus, as a cool perk, Tania and Francis's trip to the Danube is featured on there too...with a cool picture to match! Check it out here. You can also visit our Travel Journals for more pictures !

Breckenridge Winter Family Holiday

2012-12-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

Where in the world...

Breckenridge is about a 2-hour drive from Denver. It is one of the highest mountain towns in Colorado and has 155 trails. The skiing is fantastic. It is the largest historic district in Colorado but the apres skii is not as lively as other areas like Vail or upscale like Aspen.

However, if you are a skiier, you are so tired at the end of the day that it's not that important anyway.

The best thing to do in the area is to rent a cabin or condo.. They Hyatt has excellent choices and is right off one of the lifts. The choice of good restaurants is a bit limited and there is nothing in terms of fancy places (think the opposite to Aspen), but the town is very quaint and very laid back.

CLIMATE: Winter Temperatures: 28 degrees daytime / 15 degrees night time

POPULATION: 3,535(as of 2013)
TOWN SIZE: 7 miles long 2 miles wide
APRES SKI: Don't expect much. You go here to ski. It has a few local and good restaurants but don't compare it to the likes of Aspen!
LODGING: Hyatt Main Street Station - A Hyatt Residence Club

Great accommodations and location near town with walking distance to one of the main lifts.

Click here for some great pictures of our family holiday!

#DoYouTravelworld

Tania & Francis through Danube 2012

2012-11-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

Where in the World...

Cruise through the Danube
Click here for photo journal

ITINERARY OF OUR CRUISE THROUGH THE DANUBE

November 8th, BUDAPEST
3:00pm Embark ship - The Amacerto!

November 9th, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
This afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. You have your choice of two tours today. The first option is a walking tour of the city’s major sites, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In the alternative, choose a “Communist History Tour” that includes architectural landmarks such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and the Soviet War Memorial. Late tonight, the ship cruises to magnificent Vienna.

November 10th, VIENNA
This morning enjoy a guided tour of romantic Vienna that will include the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna’s famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the alternative, join an optional tour this afternoon to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, a famous example of baroque architecture. Tonight, enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert.

November 11th, DÜRNSTEIN – MELK
Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley for your walking tour of Dürnstein, known as one of the prettiest towns along the Danube. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the baroque Stiftskirche and see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Your tour also includes a wine tasting at a local vintner. This afternoon, you can enjoy a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship arrives in Melk late this afternoon, where you will tour the spectacular Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries. Gaze at the famous library that inspired Umberto Eco while writing “The Name of the Rose.” Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Melk, one of Europe’s great cultural heritage sites.

November 12th, LINZ – PASSAU, GERMANY
This morning the ship arrives in Linz, where you will have the choice of two different excursions. The first choice is an optional excursion to Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. In the alternative, remain on the ship and cruise through scenic Upper Austria to Passau. Located where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube, this 2,000-year-old city is noted for its Gothic and Italian baroque architecture. A walking tour of Passau will take you along the cobblestone streets of Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest cathedral organ in the world.

November 13th, REGENSBURG
In the early afternoon arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have your choice of three different tours here. The first is a guided walking tour, in which you will see the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria — gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. The next tour is an afternoon bike ride to Walhalla, where you will visit the Walhalla temple which honors distinguished Germans throughout history (capacity controlled). Your third choice is a trip to the Audi Factory in Ingolstadt, where a member of the Audi team will take you on a guided tour of the Audi Car Museum or Factory Floor (subject to availability). Known for its distinctive architecture, the museum features unique, high-tech exhibits on the history of the car, combined with a fascinating look back at the 20th century. The tour is capacity controlled.

November 14th, NUREMBERG
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. This afternoon, you have a choice of two different excursions in Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. On one tour, you will explore the medieval history of Nuremberg, and see the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and Old Town Hall. The other tour will focus on Nuremberg during World War II as the center of the Third Reich. Visit the infamous Zeppelin field used to hold rallies and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946.

November 15th, NUREMBERG
Disembark

Francis through the Enchanted Rhine

2011-11-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

Francis through the Enchanted Rhine - November 2011
AMAWaterways - MS AMACello

On November 12th, we arrived in Basel, Switzerland for the start of our journey. Though it’s cold this time of year, the markets were bustling and the fresh produce was beautiful. Winter squash and the last of the summer vegetables filled the stands next to cider kiosks.

While we weren’t in Basel for a long time, we did manage to see the Hotel Bar at Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois Basel, which is a stunning Virtuoso property. It has a very old-world feel with dark wood and crystal sconces and chandaliers. Heavy velvet drapes and leather furniture complete the feel, letting you know that you must be in Switzerland.

For our river cruise, we chose AmaWaterways, the premier river cruise operator in Europe, Russia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Our particular vessel was the MS AMACello which carries 148 passangers down the river Rhine. From the moment we stepped aboard we knew that the service would be impeccable. The staff greeted us all from the top deck of the ship as we boarded, and the friendly service continued throughout our stay.

For those used to cruises, small, cramped cabins are the biggest complaint, but the rooms on the MS AMACello are quite spacious and well-appointed. Because it is a small river boat cruise, every room also comes with a beautiful view of the passing scenery on the bank, or swans on the river, depending on the day.

The boat is also appointed with a beautiful bar and restaurant, giving a scenic view and offering delicious local cuisine.

The boat cruise allows passengers to disembark at beautiful destinations, much like any larger cruse. We stopped first in Heidelberg in southwest Germany, where mink is a must in the cold weather. The city’s architecture is beautiful, as well. Our next stop was Rüdesheim, a popular stop on any Rhine River cruse. One of the popular attractions in this riverside town is Seigfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. It is the first museum collection of automated musical instruments in Germany and holds an impressive collection.

One of our last stops was Cologne, Germany. As we entered the city, we were treated to an onboard Wine Lecture, and upon arrival, took a guided walking tour through the oldest part of the city, visiting Cologne’s treasure, the legendary 13th century Gothic cathedral. The tour ended with a tasting of Kölsch, Cologne’s specialty beer, which has a straw-yellow hue and is brewed in the city. Dinner was provided by Früh beer makers in their private cellar.

I must say that being my first river cruise I didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. If you are looking for complete entertainment from the moment you walk on the ship with things like casinos and shows, this is definitely not the way to travel for you. But if you like to get to know the smaller cities in an intimate arena, with a slow pace, then this is definitely the way to travel for you!

Check out my day by day journey via photos here:

Post by Travelworld of Coronado.