Tammy Murphy

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A Little Behind the Scenes

Posted by Tammy Murphy

October 16, 2020 at 8:00 AM

 

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Hey VIP Travelers! I want to check in with you to see how are holding up.

I hope you are finding some peace in your "new normal" during these times of social distancing and stay at home.  We are moving forward here.  I'm so thankful for the direction of improvement around the world.  Thank you to all that are helping to be part of the solution.

We are definitely experiencing a completely different fall season than we had anticipated, but making it count just the same.  I'm very hopeful that we will come back stronger and better for the experiences we learned from this experience.  While my heart hurts, grieves really, for the many trips that were so beautifully imagined, designed and then grounded.  I hope your hopes are lifted for the future...that you will fly when you choose the time is right for you.  

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Through our associations with our national travel association, ASTA, we were able to voice concerns and arm ASTA with information needed for their talks with governmental officials to let them know how consumers were being affected.  As an industry, we sent many emails to our congressman begging for relaxing of rescheduling deadlines. 

I recorded this little clip Behind the Scenes.

I am so grateful for our clients' patience, understanding and for the many random acts of kindness from many of you.  It was very helpful to Justin and I. 

I have really enjoyed following you on facebook and seeing the many positive and uplifting ways that you have made limoncello from the lemons we have been served.

Do me a favor and shoot me an email and let me know is what information you would like to read about, what is helpful to you. 

I'm anxious to move forward, whatever that looks like . . . 

Keep Dreaming, we sure are!IMG_2083 2

 

 

 

justin@viptravelexperience.com tammy@viptravelexperience.com
I would love to make your dream come true.

Are you looking for the perfect travel destination to dream about?
We would love to help you with travel tips and more.

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Topics: #viptravelexperience, travel planner, planning the right trip, why use a travel agent, Best Vacation Value, group travel, Italy Travel, experiencesnotthings, sicily

What's On Your Wanderlist?

Posted by Tammy Murphy

September 24, 2020 at 8:45 AM

 
Life is short (1)
 

If you have travel dreams then you should have travel plans!

While travel to some countries is currently in an unknown territory, we don’t want to push aside dreams of embarking on a trip -- in fact now is one of the best times to start considering your travel goals. Currently many of us plan our vacations in our free time. What if we PLANNED TO LIVE just like we PLAN TO RETIRE. Of all of your life priorities, leisure time is one asset you can't earn back. Let’s face it, if we don’t plan for it 9 times out of 10 it won’t happen. And before we know it another incredible travel opportunity has slipped through our fingers. Perhaps you’re not ready to travel just yet. We get it, you should travel when you feel it's right for you. But for today, let's talk about your travel plans in the next 5 years. A milestone event need celebrating?

That’s why we are proud to be one of Virtuoso’s certified Wanderlist Advisors. What’s Wanderlist? Wanderlist provides you with a customizable travel portfolio that is used to prioritize the most ideal vacations for you + your travel companions while also mapping out your future travel possibilities.

It pays strong dividends to collaborate with us, your seasoned advisors, to maximize your most precious non-renewable asset - YOUR TIME!

How It Works...

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CURATE: EXPLORE: PLAN:
Your Wanderlist journey begins with each traveler ranking their interests, & travel dreams by using an online tool to organize everything all in one place. A personalized travel portal (& app) for you to easily explore the places and specific experiences you long for tailored to all travelers interests. We’ll work together to create a plan for you & all companions future travel possibilities based on your travel portfolio.


Wanderlist builds on the model of financial advising and blending the popularity of the bucket list. A travel portfolio will help save you time and money, as well as prioritize what matters most to you - a clear path to fulfilling your dreams of seeing the world. Wanderlist makes it easy to start living out your travel dreams.

We're here to help you plan a lifetime of extraordinary trips. The world is waiting and we want to be the one to hold your hand to curate the journeys that begin with YOUR dream destinations.

Inspired to see the world?

Schedule your call to learn more about how Wanderlist can change the way you plan travel.

Plan Your Dreams
 
 
 

Life is short (2)

Together we can create the best vacation experience for YOU.  It's a big world out there -- we hope you EXPERIENCE it.  
 

justin@viptravelexperience.com or tammy@viptravelexperience.com  

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Topics: travel tips, luxurytravel

Best Greek Island Destinations

Posted by Tammy Murphy

September 23, 2020 at 9:30 AM

 
Beautiful view from the island of Santorini
 

Greece has always been an idyllic Mediterranean vacation destination. With over 200 inhabited Greek islands to experience, each holding their own beauty with turquoise waters, incredible sunsets - it can be hard to choose which ones you want to consider "must sees" when thinking about where you want to visit.  This is where I come in, we can chat about your preferences and dreams and together we can choose which islands are the best fit for you based on experiences you enjoy, level of luxury you enjoy and best time for crowds and weather.

#1. Milos

Located in the Aegean Sea, Milos is home to the best beaches in Greece. With a beautiful volcano, this island is rich in minerals as well as history. With white-washed Cycladic villages and black sands this island is nothing but picturesque. With some beaches only accessible by boat, there are over 80 mini beaches to explore. Our top favorite include Firopotamos, Kastanas and Paliorema.

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#2: Folegandros

What we consider to be the best Greek Island for an intimate couples getaway, Folegandros is an untouched piece of true, pure Greece with a relaxing, serene atmosphere. Not having the crowded streets from tourists you'll be whisked away to a lovers paradise with a broad selection of restaurants and cafes, open landscapes and beautiful clifftop housing.

#12 Greek olives fun facts

#3: Crete

Rich with archaeological & mythological history, Crete reflects so much history in its ancient ruins and cultural attractions. Soak up the charming atmosphere of Chania Town’s Old Venetian Harbor or check out the majestic Mt. Ida, which is said to be home to the cave where Zeus was born. Cretan cuisine is some of the best of the Greek islands and focuses on all-natural ingredients and can be enjoyed at any local tavern throughout the islands.  Some dishes include Dakos, Gamopilafo, Mizithropita and Apaki.

 

#4. Paros

With gusty winds that can be seen from a mile away Paros is best known for great kiteboarding and windsurfing sport goers. Santa Maria, Prassonisi, and Pounda are the main beaches where the sport is practiced.  The Thalasea Sports Center is the bay of Mikli Vigla and is a popular hub for the sport.

#5. Santorini
Crescent shaped beyond beautiful, Santorini is the precious gem of the Aegean, is actually a group of islands. The whole complex of islands is still an active volcano and probably the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea. Venture into the seaside treasures and dive into the deep blue waters with beaches filled with beautiful white, red or black sand or volcanic pebbles, spectacular rock formations and impressive lunar landscapes. This island is one filled with lots of spectacular views, culinary paradise, and perfect for a romance getaway.

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justin@viptravelexperience.com or  tammy@viptravelexperience.com  

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Topics: travel tips, luxurytravel

How Travel Ready Are You?

Posted by Tammy Murphy

September 1, 2020 at 10:25 AM

 
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Starting the Countdown for travel produces more endorphins in anticipation than actually arriving in destination (well sometimes!). More to that point - I have been a very busy bee and I can tell you I have been experiencing some endorphin overload especially after a full week of seeing new properties and new experiences for future travels. Typically this time each year we travel to Las Vegas to attend Virtuoso Travel Week. Virtuoso is an invite-only luxury travel consortia. Being part of this consortia has incredible perks for our clients. We meet one on one with hand picked representatives from boutique hotels, luxury cruise lines and on the ground partners from many countries around the world.

It is always a treat to meet new friends and nourish the old, attend continuing education programs and socialized with many partners over cocktails, dinner with partner friends and also other travel advisors. As with all things 2020, we pivoted and I attended one to one meetings via video format with 130 individual partners. Of course, NOT meeting our friends in person was a drag, but there were many, many positives. I was able to be completed zoned in and sometimes the background of the meeting was in destination so I was able to see the view from hotels in Spain, France, Italy, etc. At a time when we cannot travel to Europe, brainstorming and seeking new accommodations and experiences was beyond exciting!!!! Building my knowledge and professional relationships with friends around the globe makes me better prepared to choose which of the many options is the best fit for you, your family and your travel preferences. It's always nice to say "I have a VIP Client I'm sending, please look out for them. 

 

lonely-planet-h_lvEhh25ro-unsplashAfter each of my clients return from their trip that we've planned I send an email asking what's on their radar for the future. And here's why I ask - I have a notebook of who wants to go where and having planned their past trips, I know what kind of experience and accommodation they are looking for and I choose my meetings based on this. So before we actually start the detailed planning, I've kept each of their destinations on MY RADAR for a year sometimes.

Many of my clients have already reached out, but for anyone that I haven't spoken with, I would love to know how you are feeling about travel for 2021?. We've received phone calls, "Where can you send me, I gotta get out of here?" and some that say, "let's start planning 2021." And I'm sure many of you can relate, or may fall somewhere in the middle. Whether you want to plan for future travel or just dream for now, it's all OK, we want you to feel comfortable and we would love to know HOW YOU FEEL!

And as we continue to navigate this temporary travel landscape, we are checking on and staying in touch with our travel partners and tourism boards for the most relevant information. While many countries in the Caribbean are opening borders to the US, many European countries are not opening borders to US citizens at the moment. Some tourism boards have said that countries will need to flatten curve for a minimum of 60 days before possibly lifting the ban.

 I would love to get your thoughts on a couple questions to help us get a better idea of how you are feeling about your future travels - we would be so grateful to hear your feedback. Just click the link below to answer our quick 2 question anonymous survey to help us better provide you with the best information.

How Travel Ready Are You?

 

justin@viptravelexperience.com or  tammy@viptravelexperience.com  

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Topics: travel tips, luxurytravel

Do I Stay or Do I Go?

Posted by Tammy Murphy

August 13, 2020 at 3:00 PM

 
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"Let's getaway" Are you hearing that little voice in your head??  It sure was for me the last few months.  While I try to stay FOCUSED FORWARD and not dwell on my trip dates that passed with me staring at my computer screen or sitting hours on hold...IT WAS TIME for me (maybe you've seen the meme of the girl putting her luggage on the nordic track-yep, that's me about now- how about you??)

Getting creative,  my amazing husband and MY travel advisor, John Murphy, designed the perfect weekend getaway a few weeks ago complete with my favorite private driver of all time. We took several day trips in a convertible with cool lunch stops in Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs and Madisonville.  Not quite the Italy or Greece trips I had planned, but it was WONDERFUL for where we are right now.

 
IMG_2538 (1)I bet you can do the same wherever you are located, take a road trip within a couple hours of your home until you are ready to venture to the skies.
 
I am so very happy to share about some clients that were REALLY ABLE TO GO...OFF TO PARADISE ... a precious honeymoon couple kept their travel plans to ANTIGUA (correction-when their original honeymoon to Jamaica was cancelled 2 weeks before travel, they were heartbroken and still wanted to get away, so we were able to revise their honeymoon destination to Antigua since its borders were open.  After receiving all of their texts and facebook posts, we can't really imagine the honeymoon in Jamaica because Antigua turned out to be just PERFECT.  I was in contact with from the moment they left home until arriving back home.  They had nothing but wonderful, positive, thankful texts (including the travel days).  I was so very happy for them!!

Can you EVEN IMAGINE how wonderful your first getaway will be?  It will be completely incredible BUT please read my article below about some travelers we read about and how to help make sure this doesn't happen to you. 

WHY USING A TRAVEL ADVISOR IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT POST COVID . . .

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Everyone is asking....Do I stay or do I go?  Some countries are opening (the Caribbean) some flights are flying, yet other countries are not lifting the travel ban on the US. There are conflicting headlines, news stories, articles and sources. The short answer is it purely a personal decision that only you can make.  

IF YOU DO decide the time is right for you, let's be sure you have all the facts (as we know them today). Please hire a travel advisor.  We are getting updates and following it minute by minute from trusted sources.

An example, the headline may read "Caribbean borders are open", before you pick up the mouse, please consult your travel advisor ...there are different opening dates, many different restrictions and some hoops that must be jumped through prior.  One example below:

Antigua, Mexico and Jamaica just opened its borders to international travelers.  So WHY were there 30 people stranded at the Miami airport, denied boarding onto their ticketed flight to Montego Bay on June 16?  Because they did not know that there is a new Travel Authorization Form, a medical clearance that must be applied for online prior to travel, that is collected by the airport staff BEFORE you can get on any plane bound for Jamaica.

Why did I include that depressing story?  Because I care about you and your travel dollars and that of your friends as well.  I would say that it is  MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER as travel begins to reopen around the world in our post-COVID world.  In today's times, it's just too risky to DIY your travel.  A travel advisor would have informed those travelers of  the new restrictions and given the link to apply for and print the new Authorization form well before departure.

It's simply what we do!

As we all start to navigate the new travel climate:

1. Just because you CAN doesn't mean that you SHOULD.  We have the resources to stay up to date on ever-changing entry and quarantine requirements from every destination.  Policies are literally changing moment-by-moment and it is important to know the risks of finding yourself in an unexpected quarantine situation.  Also, just because a resort or island is "open", what is the actual experience going to be like?  Are masks required?  Are all the facilities and amenities open? Will the kid's club and waterparks be operational?  Without buffets, what are the food and beverage options?  We can get that info for you to avoid expensive disappointments!

2.  We have intel to stay current on which travel partners are trustworthy and fiscally sound.  We certainly can't guarantee there won't be any surprises, but we have connections that keep us informed and are there for us when needed.  Most importantly, you won't face it alone.

3.  We are part of a MUCH larger network of advisors, so we hear about which resorts, airlines and destinations are going above and beyond to adapt post-COVID wellness policies to protect your health and well-being.  And which ones are NOT.  We want you to feel safe and secure wherever you may travel.

4.  We do have some ultra luxe LUXURY connections and private drivers scattered across the USA until the borders are open to us to fly across the pond!   There are some totally mind-blowingly beautiful destinations and resorts right here in our own country.  

I'm definitely not saying don't fly to wherever you want and feel ready to go.   I'm simply saying, let's make sure you have all the facts so that it is the travel experience you've been dreaming of.  We would LOVE to help you get out of your house and live again - safely and when you are ready, we will be here.

5.  As you've come to count on us in the past, we are available to you before, during and after your travels...kind of like a personal backup system!  If you run into any hiccups or need reassurance while away from home, we are your first call!!  Delayed/Cancelled flights?  Text us while you wait in line with the airline and we can try to get you rebooked before you even reach the desk.  Is your "ocean view" suite actually overlooking some construction?  Let us work out a relocation with the front desk  if they don't respond to your request.  Don't risk your hard earned travel dollars and PTO to a mouse and computer screen.    A travel advisor is always your best advocate because they truly CARE!! 

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Keep dreaming!

When you are ready to take your dreams to reality, we are here for you!

 

justin@viptravelexperience.com or  tammy@viptravelexperience.com  

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Organizing and Reminiscing: Past Travels inspires Future Travel

Posted by Tammy Murphy

July 29, 2020 at 4:10 PM

Organizing and Reminiscing Past Travels inspires Future Travel

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If my house were on fire and my family was safe, the first things I would grab are my photos, scrapbooks, laptop  and hard drive.  Would you agree?  Although special, the rest of the things can be replaced . . . Murano glass gondola or Amalfi Coast painting on the wall,  clothes, shoes, etc.  We have all heard about the awful times of people losing photos from fire, flood, stolen or crashed computers, etc.  Let's talk about organizing your vacation photos so you can reminisce and get excited about past memories and future travels.  So now can we agree , PHOTOS ARE THE BEST SOUVENIR.
 
So how do you rescue the photos from your phone or the cloud and into photo books, scrapbooks or your favorite mode of viewing?    I think I heard some of you say hire someone (just kidding).
 
IMG_0279-2...That time we celebrated our anniversary in Venice, I get chills every time I see this photo.  I can almost hear the musician passionately serenading us through the quiet and quaint alleys of Venice.  It was nothing short of magical and I purchased a murano glass gondola to remember the moment, but once we returned and reviewed photos . . . this photo evoked more emotion than the glass did and I keep returning.

In my past Photo Organization Classes, it seemed much easier to organize printed photos.  Digital photo organization can be very overwhelming, but with an action plan that fits your needs, you could soon be showcasing your photos and inspiring your family for future travel.   You can  adopt the same action plan you used for printed photos for digital photos.  Here are a few steps to guide you through the process.

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  • Gather
  • Sort
  • Store
  • Showcase

 
1.  Gather
One method I used for gathering my travel photos was creating a few folders in Shutterfly:  France, Italy, Ireland, Barbados, Exuma, etc.   I moved all photos from my phone and computer to these folders in Shutterfly and shared the login with my family so that they could upload their photos as well.  Then as time allows, I begin creating a few pages at a time until I'm ready to print the digital photo book highlighting my favorite travel photos.

It occurred to me that I skipped a step in my organization.   With printed photos, I had used a Photo Box with divisions by years, then subdivided to months to consolidate and sort my photos.  The digital answer  is to create a folder on your desktop named "To Be Organized or Scrapbooked" to gather them all into one place, then subdivide by year.  Then create subfolders by months or location. I recommend choosing a program or app to assist in gathering your travel photos  from all of your devices and you may even want to scan printed photos to add to your digital file.   Here are just a few examples:  Google Photos, MacPhotos with photo duplicates cleaner or PhotoSync are some examples.  If you want more details, here are two links that may be helpful: Tom's Guide or Organizing your Digital Photo Collection.  Going forward, I plan to use an app called PhotoSync to consolidate all of my travel photos to "take the pain out of moving your photos", I also like the idea that it will eliminate duplicate files.   I would love to hear if you have a tool that you love for gathering across multiple devices and sorting by theme or year. 

2.  Sort
Next, sort your travel photos by  time and location.  This is where a program or app is handy sorting by people, places or dates.  A couple suggestions are Magix Photo Manager, Photo Organizer by Systweak, Google Photos or Adobe Bridge.  Based on this blog, Adobe Bridge is the best value. 
 
3.  Store
This is something you will want to carefully consider prior to choosing the tools above.  Remember, free always comes with a few compromises.  Consider security, photo compression for cloud services or an external hard drive.  Some people suggest both. Some examples are Carbonite, Google Drive, and DropBox.  For more details, you may want to read Consumer Reports Guide.  
 
4.  Showcase
My favorite part about organizing my photos is my ability to create a digital photo book for myself and traveling companions so we can relive these wonderful travel memories.  As mentioned above, it's a sure way to get my husband inspired to start planning our next travel adventure.

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I hope you are inspired to organize your travel photos, print a photo book and share these memories with your family and friends. 

When you are inspired to plan your next adventure, we are here for you.

When you are ready to take your dreams to reality, we are here for you justin@viptravelexperience.com or  tammy@viptravelexperience.com  

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Take Off to Tahiti & Bora Bora Bound

Posted by Tammy Murphy

July 2, 2020 at 3:43 PM

Take Off to Tahiti & Bora Bora Bound
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A trip to Bora Bora and the Tahiti Islands is your first class ticket into discovering and exploring a new and colorful world of its own. Plush green mountains crystal clear lagoons will be waiting for in this picture perfect paradise. Tahiti and Bora Bora are renowned as a honeymooners' and lovers' heaven on Earth. Every island in Tahiti offers a multitude of activities and endless possibilities: a dive in Rangiroa, a hike in Moorea, an unbelievable encounter with manta rays in Bora Bora, swim in Tahiti's cascades, or even a chance to enjoy the authentic Polynesian culture in Raiatea. A vacation to Bora Bora and Tahiti is a one of kind experience, a tropical paradise and unique discovery which you can only understand while there.  It was really hard for me to choose just one bungalow picture to share with you from my trip.  
 
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The feeling of going down these steps into the most amazing water . . . I toured many over water bungalows while there and quickly realized there are many differences in resorts and even the range of bungalows at any one resort.
 
 
For being such quaint places Bora Bora and Tahiti offers endless adventures abound: 
  • Underwater cycling on aqua bikes. Perched on a white seat, you descend slowly as the hydraulic platform of the pontoon boat you ride out to the spot lowers us into the waves – the warm, tropical waters gradually creeping up to your bikini tops. Once in the water, spot the coral gardens looming ahead – tree-like elk horn corals and cauliflower corals, dappled by shafts of sunlight piercing through the blue. Your guides, point out a starfish 30 centimeters (1 foot) in diameter, a parrot fish hovering over an undulating welcome mat of hot-pink anemone, and what looks suspiciously like a shark shooting out from under a craggy outcrop and disappearing into the murk.
  • Aqua safari via helmet dive. This enterprise involves donning a cubed yellow-and-white helmet that keeps your head completely dry as you descend a ladder to the sandy ocean floor. Feet clad in rubbery boots, walk in slow motion through craggy outcrops of coral and lengths of seaweed fluttering in the currents, feeling like a puppet as you carefully lift one foot and then the other, hands buoyed and bobbing at waist level.Screen Shot 2017-05-24 at 1.43.05 PM.png
  • Snorkeling in Bora Bora’s coral reefs. Bora Bora’s famed coral reef, which encircles the island and is accessible within 15 minutes by speedboat, has some of the best snorkeling in the world. Home to approximately 700 species of tropical fish, Coral Garden is our first stop, followed by a few other choice locations known to the crew. Slipping into the water, our guide coaxes curious moray eels from their hiding places and points out the distinctive diamond shapes of manta and eagle rays gliding through the blue.   I could not believe how much I enjoyed this!
  • Island cruises and fresh seafood. Learn that Bora Bora’s outer ring of reef and motu (small reef islets) makes its calm lagoon waters ideal for exploration by kayak or paddle board, and private boat tours abound. You can book a 23-foot Jeanneau Cap Camarat motorboat, a trimaran, a catamaran, a pontoon boat or an aluminum Quintrex boat perfect for a small group, and most excursions include a picnic on a private beach.  Of everything we did in Bora Bora, Tahiti and Tikehau, chartering a small yacht for the day was my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE thing we did.  We were treated to the most relaxing day I could ever imagine, our hosts were incredible, they served BBQ fish, caught fresh from the boat and grilled.  They sang the sweetest tunes and danced to show their gratitude to us for visiting their homeland.  The French Polynesians were the most humble, gracious hosts I think I have ever met.
  • Swimming with sharks. Saving the biggest thrill for last. Adventurous streak notwithstanding, you get the willies at the idea of being a few meters away from sharks, then you can opt for a purely observational excursion. Even so, there’s something about dipping into cooler, deeper water and being surrounded by dozens of  sleek rays and the sharks.  As I took a deep breath and slipped in this FREAKED me out, but I did it--conquer your fears right?  I was definitely making sure I saw the black tipped tail, but it was absolutely exhilarating!!!
For those not looking for a boost of adrenaline, but instead a stress relieving and relaxing sun bath on the deck of your over water bungalow!!  Bora Bora and Tahiti are still perfect for you!
 
Visiting the destination first hand was an incredible blessing and I am so grateful to our Polynesia experts for sharing so many incredible  once in a lifetime experiences.  If Bora Bora is on your bucket list, please give us a call.
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When you are ready to take your dreams to reality, we are here for you justin@viptravelexperience.com or  tammy@viptravelexperience.com  

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Boost Your Immune System!

Posted by Tammy Murphy

April 3, 2020 at 4:26 PM

Boosting Your Immune System: 

 

1. Practicing GRATITUDE

If we are beginning our days and focusing on gratitute, love and joy, it can drastically improve our health and immune system.  It instantly reduces stress hormones that rises when we focus on negative thoughts.  Its like a spinning wheel, the more we stress, the more prone we are to disease.

 

2. Eat Healthy

I know, I am craving carbs more than ever.  Even carbs I don't like.  Jump off the hamster1200px-Good_Food_Display_-_NCI_Visuals_Online wheel and  prep some healthy lunch and dinners.  If it's ready, we may be more apt to make that healthy choice.  If you are like me, I NEED my routine, meditation, vitamins and walking.   When I skip one of these steps, I usually skip them all.   At this time, more than ever, it is so important to practice proper hygiene and exercise to optimize the well being of our bodies.                Photo credit:  Wikipedia

3) Rest

Put away the screens early  so that you can fall asleep faster and try to get approximately 7 to 8 hours daily.

 

4) Meditation

Practice meditation, prayer, deep breathing, yoga, pilates, listen to 

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music, play the video in your mind of previous peaceful travels or whatever lowers your shoulders and quiets your mind.

 

 

5) Don't over medicate

I enjoy a glass or two of wine in the evenings, but we need to be careful not to deplete our immune systems by overindulging.

Sometimes we can forget that we have the power to elevate our joy, love and gratitude.

 

We CAN DO THIS TOGETHER and let's share these tips or other you think will inspire others.

One day soon there will be family gatherings, ballgames, school, graduations, weddings, travel, hugs, etc.  

Click here for your listening pleasure from one of the greatest Italian singers, Andrea Bocelli.

 

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When you are ready to take your dreams to reality, we are here for you justin@viptravelexperience.com or  tammy@viptravelexperience.com  

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Something Beautiful Always Emerges On The Other Side

Posted by Tammy Murphy

March 28, 2020 at 1:04 PM

 

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   There is always something beautiful on the other side

Search the photo above and let me know if you spot something beautiful that happened on the other side of a very difficult time in Venice.  Have you ever seen a photo of Venice without that DOME? In fact, I can't really imagine sailing into Venice without seeing that gorgeous Basilica.  The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica of St. Mary of Health) welcomes you to Venice at the junction of Grand Canal and Bacino di San Marco lagoon.   It is so amazing and can be seen from all over the city.  

It's iconic of Venice.  The striking Basilica in the foreground is a symbol of gratitude!!   Did you know that it was built in 1631 to celebrate the end of the unusual outbreak of the plaque responsible for so much loss of life of the Veneto population.  I was told it took 56 years to build and was built to THANK MARY for her prayers of intercession to end the plaque.

I hope when you go to Venice you get the opportunity to visit this beautiful octagonal basilica built on a platform made of thousands of wood piles and located in the Dorsoduro area.  As you walk up to it, you are overwhelmed at the height and you may miss the statue of the Virgin Mary presiding over the church.  There are additional statues of Mark, Luke, Matthew and John.  The great dome represents her crown, the vast interior her womb, the eight sides are the eight points of her symbolic star.  You can visit two small chapels on its sides, and don't miss in the sacristy there is a beautiful  canvas called "Marriage at Cana".  

In November each year, there is also an annual celebration called the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin wherein they walk from San Marco to La Salute across the Grand Canal on a specially constructed pontoon bridge for a service of thanksgiving.  

I LOVE stories of how Italians are filled with gratitude and always honoring Mary.  I know that in these uncertain times we can be filled with doubt and fear, but we know from stories in the bible and history books that we always rise higher and better on the other side of adversity.   We are ALL in this together and there is a future full of hope for all of us.  Let's be kind and help each other along the way.  

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Sharing a little happy picture of my grand demonstrating what to do when life gives you lemons.

 

  • Stay Healthy
  • Stay at Home
  • Stay Strong !!!
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Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel, #australia

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