VIP Travel Experience Blog | Luxury Vacation Ideas & more

Best Vacation Ideas for 2017

December 21, 2016 at 4:48 PM

Is it just my family?

For some reason, as one year comes to a close, travel plans are the hot topic in our family. We all love something to look forward to and what better than vacation plans?

I don't think it's just my family because phones are already ringing off the hook. So what's on your list for 2017?

1. Bora Bora. See the fifty shades of blue in French Polynesia. Stay in an over water bungalow, snorkel with the stingrays and sharks or rent a yacht to get a more up close and personal experience in the water and finding little private motus. Words cannot describe my recent experience and I truly hope each of you can experience that sooner rather than later.

Europe. Board a river cruise ship and take a convenient journey to explore charming little towns along the Rhone, Seine, Main, Danube or Rhine. FullSizeRender(13).jpg Spend a day with a French chef learning to cook Provencal-style. Truffle hunt in Provence or if you love visiting wine vineyards, its on the itinerary as well. No packing or unpacking, just sit back and watch the scenery you've read about in history books unfold before your eyes.

Food and Wine Travel. NOW is always the perfect time to visit Italy. The opportunities to enjoy food and wine of Italy are limitless.

Can't imagine a better place to see stunning coastlines, mystical vineyards and storied landmarks. Enjoy scintillating views while enjoying a magical meal. For a more bespoke experience, spend the morning hours gathering ingredients at the local fresh market and join a local chef in his home to create a meal to remember while learning more about the way locals live.

Caribbean Dreams

FullSizeRender(12).jpg Some mystical experiences are hidden in the mountains of the Caribbean. Are you looking for some little hidden spots to explore for a new Caribbean experience? This is one of those spots we found on a recent trip there. We would love to share our little secrets with you.

These are just a few ideas from my travels in 2016 to spur interest, VIP Travel Experience specializes in unique, exclusive personalized travel planning. We design individualized journeys, small and group tours, deluxe accommodations, and exceptional excursions, suited to each client based on our personal experience, ongoing research, relationships and professional expertise.

Benefits of working with VIP Travel Experience include:

Truly expert advice
Flexible, structured to your schedule
Authentic Experiences and unique behind-the-scenes opportunities
Professional individualized attention to detail and execution of a well planned trip
Beautiful proposals and detailed travel documentation (print and electronic)
Excellent value pricing
Memories to last a lifetime
We make you the hero of your family by wowing your family members with an incredible trip.

Click here

for more inspiration and ideas for a travel inspired life.

Topics: #girlstrip, #bestvacation, #viptravelexperience, travel planner, planning the right trip, Italy, #reunion, travel concierge, travel consultant, #passportpassion, why use a travel agent, Best Vacation Value, First Time Tips to Italy, LOVEITALY, group travel, paradiseescape

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Give the Gift of Travel

Posted by Tammy Murphy

December 15, 2016 at 10:38 AM

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 TRAVEL EXPERIENCE. The gift is even sweeter if we can share that experience together ("We'll always have New York"). Share your secret with another struggling Santa mom and experience a destination with several family members or friends. I promise you that planning this gift is so much more fun than fighting the mall crowds and traffic, and I can make it even easier for you, one phone call or email to me and I'll do your shopping.

Here are a 3 ideas to WRAP your GIFT OF Travel Experiences:

1. Scavenger Hunt. Write down several clues (or when the boys were younger, I printed pictures clues), wrap the clues in separate boxes all under the tree numbered, or I like to put one box under the tree and lead them to boxes hidden around the house with clues. Imagine the excitement on their face's when they discover the last clue is tickets to: Whale Watching in Hawaii, Wine Tasting in Italy, Swimming with sharks and rays in Bora Bora, Zip lining in Caribbean or YOU fill in the blank. Be sure to have your video camera ready-these are priceless moments.

2. Travel Gifts. Buy a few things that pertain to your trip. Books to build the anticipation of the destination they will be visiting soon. Or more tangible gifts pertaining to the destination: If you are taking them to the Caribbean or Costa Rica, some water shoes, snorkel mask, cosa rica.jpg

sunscreen; National Park passport or national geographic books of Grand Canyon, if visiting National Parks; golf tees if golf trip, Lei if gifting Hawaii or Tahiti, Bora Bora; etc.

3. Gift Certificate.
gift cert.jpg

I create gift certificates for my clients with photos of the excursions or destinations that have been booked.

Studies show that the twenty-something millennial generation, increasingly value experiences over material possessions. In the age of technology and social media, we are bombarded with information, no downtime, etc. Millennials rate travel experiences just below life's milestones. This may be a time that we can learn from our children . . .

So enough of the THINGS they outgrow or throw out. Imagine the love and laughs increased with time away from routines exploring new areas of the world. Time spent getting to know and connecting on another level with your adult children on your trip to ?? . . . Great times mingling and really connecting are PRICELESS. Oh the memories, it grows even more special over time when you recount the memories "remember the time when . . ." So put your thinking cap on and let's find an experience that will change you/their lives. You will thank me later! A famous quote, The Trouble is You THINK you have time, make the most of the times you have and experience LIFE together.

WARNING: I gave John a GIFT OF EXPERIENCE about 10 years ago (Golf Trip with his buddies), and he won't accept any other gift except that one each year. On the bright side, I don't even need to think about WHAT to get him, its a given.

I would love to hear YOUR ideas, how did you surprise your family or friends with an extraordinary experience?

Remember, in your life, you’ll meet two kinds of people – those who dream of going places and those that GO PLACES! Which one do you want to be?

Click here

for more inspiration and ideas for a travel inspired life.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Benefits of Packing Light

Posted by Tammy Murphy

November 30, 2016 at 5:57 PM

Packing Light – especially on an itinerary where you will be moving and changing locations a good bit – cannot be underestimated. In fact, it can be the difference between an enjoyable vacation and a miserable one! You will never meet anyone who says “I wish I had packed heavier” when they return from a journey. Rick Steves, the Public TV European travel guru, only allows the members of his escorted tours to bring 1 carry-on size piece of luggage per person…even when the tour is 3 weeks long! Can’t be done? Yes it can…and it should! I’ve done it myself, in fact, I did that earlier today as I prepare to hop around the islands of Tahiti this week.

Admittedly, it does take a little more planning, but the advantages outweighed the disadvantages by a huge margin!

I'll let you know the advantages wihle traveling in Tahiti in future posts, but today I will share the benefits of traveling light in Europe, we would dress quickly in whatever outfit was clean and appropriate for the day. I started thinking of my wardrobe as my “travel uniform”. We were there to explore, enjoy and expand our horizons…not worry about what we were going to wear. Doing a little laundry along the way won’t kill anyone – in fact, it can be a real adventure!

1. We could move quickly from place to place….No worries about big suitcases and where we would fit our luggage on the train or bus or taxi. A lot of European hotels have no elevator, so lugging heavy bags up and down stairs can be a real bummer.

2. Having too much luggage “marks” you as a typical tourist. Con artists figure you’re helpless and you become a serious pickpocket or scam target.

3. We saved enough money in checked luggage fees to treat ourselves to some special “extras”. We also saved time by not having to wait around at luggage carousels in strange airports. We were off and starting our adventure while everyone else was standing around waiting for the bags to arrive.

4. Here are my suggestions for cutting back on the amount of “stuff” you think you need on your next trip:

 Spread out everything you think you might need across your bed. Pick up each item one at a time and ask yourself “Will I really use this enough to justify carrying it over the Swiss Alps?” (or wherever you are heading) When in doubt, leave it out!

 Don’t pack for the worst-case scenario…Pack for the best-case and buy yourself out of any jams along the way. Risk shivering for a day rather than taking a heavy jacket. Buy a cheap umbrella from one of the many street vendors who "miraculously" appear when the drops start to fall. If you think it “might come in handy”, it should stay home.

 Pack exactly the same whether you’re traveling for three weeks or three months. Rather than take a whole trip’s supply of toiletries, take enough to get started and replace them along the way. Believe it or not, Europeans use toothpaste, lotion, hair gel, soap and (sometimes) deodorant! It’s REALLY fun to go into a general store and stock up on local brands on the fly!

 Multi purpose items work best (3 shirts per one pair of paints, several dresses and swap up with sweaters, shoes that match several outfits, you get the picture.

 Invest in a good quality piece of luggage that fits your needs. Rick Steves offers a few options in his travel store at www.ricksteves.com/travelstore that are reasonably priced and come with or without wheels. If you are healthy enough to carry your bag, do it…suitcases on wheels don’t get along with cobblestone streets very well….

So weed out the unnecessary, pack your bag and go walk around the block a few times to get a good idea of what you will be dealing with. You will thank me later! Remember, in your travels, you’ll meet two kinds of tourists – those who pack light and those who wish they had!

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

A First-timer's Guide to Italy

Posted by Tammy Murphy

November 17, 2016 at 7:30 AM

ITALY is, by far, the European country requested most by my clients . . . in fact, over 46 million tourist visit this amazing country every year. They come from all over the world, for many different reasons and many will return again and again for that magic that only Italy can deliver. Italians are very kind, outgoing, family-centric and extremely patient (unless they are driving!). The Italians realize how blessed they are to be the safe keepers of some of history’s most magnificent relics and art treasures and they are happy to share them. However, there are a few things that most Italians want Americans to know before we arrive in their country. Here is “VIP Travel Experience's” list of the Top 10 ways to blend right in to Italian Culture:

1. Slow Down: You will NOT see it all!

Trust me, the reason that the 46 million tourists flock to Italy each year is because there is so much beauty to see and experience: culture, art, vineyards, food, museums and the amazing people! A lifetime isn’t even enough time! So, slow down, take it all in, appreciate what you DO see….and then plan to return! I had to tell myself "Enjoy every second, you will see what is meant to be seen on your first visit". At the time, I thought surely I would never be able to return, thank goodness that wasn't true.

2. Dress more conservatively than you do at home.

Miniskirts, short-shorts (they are for the beach!); halter tops and saggy jeans will not live up to the classic fashion taste of Italians. You don’t have to be formal and uncomfortable…just neat, put-together and a little more modest. Some Cathedrals (including the Vatican) will not let you enter if your shoulders and knees are not covered. Cover up, unless you really are spending the day on a beautiful Italian beach. And leave the stilettos at home…Cobblestone streets and high heels don’t get along very well!

3. Cappuccino and Café Lattes are morning-only drinks!
A true Italian would never dream of ordering one after late morning, or especially after a meal! If you need a caffeine pick-me-up later in the day, stop in a coffee bar for a quick shot of espresso. Did you know that Italy is one of the only countries that doesn’t have a Starbucks? They are illegal there because the Italians are so proud of their coffee culture. Italian coffee is superior and should be enjoyed as the real Italians do…Give it a “shot”! (Pun intended!) Sshh, don't tell but I don't drink coffee, so this bit of info is from friends.

4. Dinner is not usually served earlier than 8:00pm!
Showing up at a restaurant before 7:30 will probably get you a view of the staff having their own pre-service meal and a totally empty dining room! Your meal will be more enjoyable in a restaurant full of happy locals and with the wait staff ready to do their thing! Most places charge a “Coperto”, or cover charge, for each table. This is NOT a ploy to take advantage of you…it is routine! It is explained as the cost of washing the linens, dishes, and providing the “free stuff” like bread (pane in Italian) or tap water. Get used to it!

5. Simplify your schedule!
Leave time in your day to just wander around and poke your head into the real Italy. If you just get a couple of blocks away from some of the most famous tourist sites, real Italian life is in front of you. Stop to listen to a street performer (and tip!), stop into a neighborhood café for a glass of wine or a coffee or slurp a cone of gelato with the locals. Plus. If you are always trying to keep up with a tight schedule, you and your travel companions will just plain get grumpy!

6. You need to call for a taxi, or go to an actual taxi stand.
You cannot just hail a taxi off the street in Italy, and many Italian taxi drivers get their entertainment from watching tourists try to do so! As an alternative, familiarize yourself with the public transportation systems in your town. Busses, Subways, Trains and Boats are remarkably efficient and manage to get millions of Italians where they need to go every day…Why not you?

7. Italian is the official language of Italy!
I know this seems obvious…but some Americans go barging in to other countries expecting everyone to speak English fluently? Just learning a few common words and phrases in the local language will make a big difference in your experience. We have seen Americans screaming “DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?” at someone (they aren’t deaf…just Italian!) try “I’m sorry, but my Italian is poor…Parla l’Inglese?” (Par-la Een-glace?) Even if you find yourself in the rare circumstance with no English-speakers, Italians speak with their hands, so go back to your charade talents and you will get your point across and have a good laugh doing so!

Note: there are apps now that demonstrate how to say words or phrases in another language, which we tried to do out of respect.

8. Speaking of waiters in restaurants, slow service is good service!
European restaurants are drastically different than most here in America. When you take a table for a meal, it is yours for the night or as long as you want…Waiters are NOT trying to “turn tables” fast so they can make more tips. (tips are not required, but a small gratuity for good service is always welcomed) Waiting tables is a respected profession in most of Europe and they are paid well. Italians enjoy their mealtimes and are not in a rush to dash off to a movie or other event. Dinner IS usually the event! Relax and go with the slow flow! And you must ask for the check when you are ready to leave. It is considered rude for a waiter to bring your check before you ask because he doesn’t want to rush you! Get the picture???

9. Everyone in Italy doesn’t want to kiss you!
Italians are very welcoming people, but there is a certain etiquette for reaching out and saying hello! You will see friends, family and even acquaintances kissing each other on the cheeks and saying “Ciao” all over, however, as a stranger, that might be a little bit “overboard”. When you meet an Italian, take their lead…but a smile and a firm handshake is probably the most appropriate until you get to know them a little better. Also, Italian culture respects its elders and, if someone is introduced as Signore (Mr.) or Signora (Mrs.), it is best not to address them by their first names until they request it.

10. Smile!
You are in a country that has welcomed and inspired visitors for centuries! Enjoy the people, the beauty, the art, music & literature. You are one lucky duck…and don’t forget it! The Italians will be happy to share a smile with you and you will return home already planning your return trip in your mind! And remember…”VIP TRAVEL EXPERIENCE” specializes in custom-crafted Italian vacations! Let us help you plan your next adventure to put these newly learned skills to use!

My first experience in Italy was nothing short of magical, and I would love to help you have that same experience!!!

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Best Vacation Ideas for 2017

Is it just my family?

Give the Gift of Travel

Benefits of Packing Light

A First-timer's Guide to Italy

Email

New Module

Recent Posts

Posts by Topic