VIP's List of the Top 10 Luxurious Resorts Worldwide

Posted by Robert Landen

December 18, 2015 at 4:00 PM

When money is no object, travelers seek out luxury. First class travelers want amenities that offer opulence and privacy, and they will travel the world to find it.Phuket

We've picked out what we believe to be the most luxurious resorts. While some of these are world-renowned hotels, we hope you will discover a few new hidden jewels among the mix.

So what exactly defines a ‘top luxurious resort’? Read our list below to see what we believe makes the cut.

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Topics: travel destinations

Top Vacation Experiences for 2016 . . . River Cruises

Posted by Tammy Murphy

December 11, 2015 at 2:00 PM

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Convenience, Luxury, and most of all Making Memories to last a lifetime.

Making memories through vacation experiences with family and friends is priceless!!

You love the idea of exploring several countries on one visit, what better way than aboard a 5 star floating boutique hotel.   Most of the ships accommodate only 120-200 passengers, which allows for an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

River cruises provide a unique approach to the "vacation experience".  Spend a few minutes explaining to your travel consultant what your hobbies and interest are and she can suggest the perfect river cruise vacation experience for you.  What appeals to me most is that you can immerse yourself in local culture through exclusive limited edition tours, and its offers many group benefits with a individual travel feel.  River cruises are great for groups, families, friends, special interest groups, church groups, etc.

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Award-winning cuisine crafted by expert chefs and served in a variety of stylish dining venues--including the Chef's Table specialty restaurant.  In fact, you can find the chef in the local markets because the ingredients are farm to table in the area that you are visiting.  You may eat in the main dining room which accommodates all guests, but there are smaller alternative restaurants for a more casual experience.

Most everything is included (varies by cruise line), but typically beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner.  Some cruise lines also include excursions.      

On a river cruise, you enjoy the unique small towns within the countries you visit.  You won't need a tender or bus because the ship docks right where you want to be.  You can choose from optional small group tours with local tour guides or you can explore on your own.  Some cruise lines offer a self-guided GPS walking or biking tour.   There are also optional special activities that are planned at your destinations and local entertainment is brought on board to perform for the guests in the evenings.  Between all of the exciting tours, guests can indulge in outstanding onboard amenities like massages services and a fitness room.  Or sip on a glass of wine in the pool with a swim-up bar on the sun deck.  Imagine lounging in your bathing suits and cruising by centuries-old castles. 

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River cruising is a relaxed and easy way to visit beautiful countries with family and friends.  The ease of getting from one city or country to another taking in riverside scenery from a spacious balcony stateroom is a rare treat any guests would love.   Enjoy luxurious accommodations , delicious food, and unique experiences and you only had to unpack once!  The hardest decision is which entree to try next because the staff is dedicated to exceeding expectations.  They want you to feel like part of the family.   It's so much more than a vacation, its a unique experience regardless how many times you cruise.

Please share if you know anyone that is ready to try river cruising.  As a travel consultant, I enjoy making your travel experience, as well as the planning, as easy as possible.   VIP Your Journey

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Topics: foodie travel, wine tasting, river cruise, #viptravelexperience, #VIPRiverCruise, #RiverCruise

Chianti in the Carolinas

Posted by Tammy Murphy

December 8, 2015 at 10:34 PM

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Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery, "Chianti in the Carolinas" was a pleasant surprise.

While taking a time-out from a working weekend in  Charlotte, I managed to find a little "unique experience" nearby. 

Honestly, they had me at Buon Giorno!! We were welcomed as old friends before we even reached the door of  the Tuscan style villa.  The Raffaldini family and their staff take great pride in their vineyard and we enjoyed their enthusiasm more than I can say.  The belief that family, food and wine are an integral part of their daily life had me suddenly wishing I was strolling through the piazzas of Italy again.  Well, that's not entirely truthful, it wasn't suddenly, I'm always wishing I was in Italy :)    

The Raffaldini family has celebrated family dinners with homemade Italian wine for more than 650 years.  Lucky for us, they decided to share their family heritage in the United States, or more specifically Swan Creek area of Yadkin Valley.  I did as they promised "closed my eyes and was transported to Italy . . .

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Denise was our gracious wine expert for our wine tasting.  Her knowledge and love of wine was captivating.  I enjoyed each and every wine tasted, from the dry, apple 2014 Pinot Grigio to the  2013 Montepulciano Riserva with its dark cherry finish. We were amazed with Denise's teaching of the soil and winemaking in the United States East Coast vs. the West Coast vs. Italy.

The view was beautiful of the Blue Ridge and Brushy Mountains from the tasting room, but even better to soak it up outside in the piazza.  I only wished I had more time to relax and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, listening to chatter and laughter of friends and family while the children played nearby.  As an added bonus, we enjoyed a wood-fired pizza catered by a mobile oven and catering company, Giannos.  Along with the delicious smells of the pizza and wine, you could smell the nearby vines.    

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If you ever find yourself in North Carolina, take a short one and one-half drive from Charlotte, NC to visit Raffaldini Vineyard.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised what's hiding in the mountains.  For more details, visit their website  www.raffaldini.com.                              

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Topics: wine tasting

Prayers for Paris

Posted by Robert Landen

November 18, 2015 at 6:10 PM

12246797_10153598183630485_6160889339734256148_n-1.jpgLast week we were shocked and saddened to hear about the latest terrorist acts in the Paris area. Luckily, we did not have any clients traveling in the area at the time, but we do have tour operators and friends that we desperately wanted to hear were OK.  Thankfully, they were safe. 
When I heard of the steps our tour operators were taking, I was so proud to be associated with such great on-site travel professionals. I will share with you as well, and I'm sure you feel like me that it feels so good to have a working relationship with a travel consultant as opposed to a booking engine.  Our tour providers publish an 800 Global Assist number, but they acted proactively, and with the help of other travel professionals, called every hotel that their clients were registered and confirmed the travelers were safe and accounted for.  I LOVE that they cared so much to reach out instead of waiting for the phones to ring.   
Our phones began ringing with questions about future travel.  We are engaged in many travel networks and the consensus of respected travel professionals is that we encourage  travel to show solidarity.  The heightened security should deter the terrorist attacks, however, you should always do your research, and trust your instinct. Travel to and from France continues as normal.  We have been in touch with friends in Paris today and they have assured us that they feel safe.   We believe that Paris will remain one of the most visited cities in the world for all of its character and charm, and for now will continue praying for everyone in Paris.  
What they hope doesn't happen is that tourists will feel they are trespassing or not showing respect for the grief of this city in mourning.  Our friends in Paris assure us that anyone arriving in Paris today and coming weeks and months will be given a huge welcome by the locals and thanked for their support.  

Travel insurance has been a huge concern for many this week.  It's one of those things you hope you never need, but when you do you are so relieved to have it. 
It is so hard to wrap my head around this unexplainable hatred.  However, I do believe this is still an amazing world that is unfortunately also a scary place at times.   Personally, I refuse to let the terrorists win, I choose to focus on the fascinating people that make up the majority of it and I will continue to explore the world around me. Tourism allows us to meet and know others.  As I've met people around the country, I know that I certaily seek to learn and appreciate their culture and in doing so find common ground and appreciate each other.  Just recently while attending a trade show in Washington DC, Tammy and I met many friends from around the globe.  Sissia of China and Lisa of United Kingdom shared these snapshots with us after the trip.  My life has been more enriched each time I have traveled, and I can't live in fear or let the terrorists win. 
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A few quick tips when you travel:
  • Work with a travel professional travel consultant, they have copies of your reservations and can do some ground work for you in making adjustments; 
  • Leave your Travel Itinerary with your family - it helps that they know at a glance where you are if phone coverage is weak.
  • Purchase Travel Insurance - most will cover Terrorist Acts, Travel Delay and interruption; and depending on your travel policy purchased, it may cover you if the act occurs within 30 days.  As well as emergency medical expenses and emergency evacuation. Be sure to carry the travel insurance card you are provided so you can get help promptly.
  • Use social media to let others know you are safe and look for up to the minute information from your travel consultant.
  • Enroll in STEP Program (The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) -  it allows you to enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy.
  • Practice good judgment and safe practices when in foreign places as you would at home.  Always ask the concierge at your hotel if there are any areas you should refrain from going for safety reasons.

In closing, I would like to extend our condolences to all of those affected in that county and around the world who have been affected by terrorist attacks.  Our hearts and prayers go out to all who are touched by these senseless, tragic events.

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Topics: travel tips

Experiences, Not Things

Posted by Tammy Murphy

November 9, 2015 at 3:36 PM

A few years ago after searching and searching for the perfect gift for my adult children, parents and friends, I had an epiphany . . . they won't remember these things, but something they will remember is a great EXPERIENCE .  And I must say, that is more fun planning than fighting the crowds.

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Ready for the Vacation of a Lifetime? Leave It To The Travel Conceirge

Posted by Robert Landen

November 5, 2015 at 12:01 PM

16342666When you're ready to go on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about are the details. There are so many of them that go into planning the perfect vacation. Wouldn't it be better to leave the planning to the professionals? That's what VIP Travel Experience is all about. . .
Choosing Luxury Travel Services

Regardless of whether you want to have a slow and relaxing getaway or be on a thrilling adventure as soon as you exit the plane, concierge luxury travel services will make it happen. It's our goal to make your trip as effortless as possible. We take great pride in the services we offer to our clients, and we always go the extra mile to make sure all of your needs are being taken care of. 

Relaxation Starts Early

There are no vacation horror stories when you work with luxury travel services. Tell your travel specialist about everything you desire from your vacation, and leave the scheduling, booking, and planning to them. Luxury concierge services will provide you with a vacation unlike any that you've ever taken, and you'll be wondering why you ever traveled any other way. 

Never Miss Out

Whether you leave with a tight or loose itinerary, you can be sure you will have no regrets. Want to make some last minute plans? Discover a hot new restaurant, bar, or club while exploring the city? Tell your travel specialist, they'll do their best to get you in – and without waiting in any lines.

When it comes to luxury travel services, you deserve the very best. At VIP Travel Experience, we're dedicated to ensuring that you enjoy a wonderful vacation. We offer different levels of service, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Whether you want to avoid standing in any lines to get a table for dinner, or that someone will be available to take care of things back home, you'll be more than satisfied with our services. If you'd like to know more, contact us today.  
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Topics: concierge services

Surprise Her with a Romantic Getaway Using a Luxury Travel Concierge

Posted by Robert Landen

August 17, 2015 at 12:10 PM

63294846Perhaps it's been a while since you whisked her away on a luxurious vacation. Or, maybe you always visit the same places every time you travel and you'd like to try something different. A change of pace is a good thing, and it's one of the things that makes traveling so exciting. However, if you're looking for the best VIP experience you can find, a luxury travel concierge can help you design a vacation that's sure to take her breath away.

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Topics: concierge services, romantic getaway

Luxury Family Vacations Everyone Can Enjoy

Posted by Robert Landen

August 13, 2015 at 12:04 PM

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Planning a family vacation isn't always an easy feat. You must attempt to accomodate the preferences of adults and children alike. If you're looking for luxury family travel without the hassles of planning the itinerary, allowing you and your family to truly relax while you're on vacation, look to VIP Travel Experience. We have some excellent options that are great for children as well as their parents. 

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Topics: family vacations

Stem Cell Therapy in Luxury

Posted by Robert Landen

July 3, 2015 at 11:32 AM

The 21st century is revolutionizing molecular and cellular medicine aiding in the growth of stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or  prevent a medical condition. It is used to combat a stem-cell-163711_640-2number of degenerative diseases, slowing down or reversing aging. The safe and effective process improves immune function by regenerating and repairing damaged organs. 

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