Enjoying Europe Through The Back Door

 

Do you like slipping in the back door of a restaurant sometimes?  For many, avoiding the crowds is an essential part of ENJOYING our travels. Of course, there’s some irony in being a traveler who complains about all the other tourists cluttering up the landscape, (ha ha) because of course, we’re all contributing to the crowd!

 

In reality, the best-known places are always going to draw lots of people, and usually with good reason.  So how can we see the sights without feeling like we’re stuck in a herd of camera-toting sheep? I take great pride in carefully scheduling a great travel plan...designed to minimize crowds and time in line and maximize your enjoyment. Here are our top ten tips for avoiding the worst of the vacation crowds:

 

• Hire a local guide
  • My very first suggestion is to hire a private guide, if your budget will allow. A guide knows when the busiest places will have lulls in the crowds, and exactly where to go to soak in a city’s ambiance without being joined by thousands of others with the same idea. I have several well-vetted private guides all over Europe that I use frequently for my clients. You will get so much more out of sights when you see them with a local guide who can make the history come to life. Your tour guide really DOES know it all!
• Skip the line!
  • Did you know you could do this? A major benefit of using a travel adviser who specializes in Europe (like yours truly) is that they often have the ability to help you skip right past a 2-hour long line and whisk you inside the attraction you’d rather not wait to see. Some of the most important spots with “skip the line” privileges are the Louvre and Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Vatican and Colosseum in Rome and the Accademia (to meet Michelangelo’s amazing David) in Florence, St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace in Venice, etc..

• Take advantage of jet lag
  • What does that mean? Imagine you managed to stay up until 8pm after an overnight trans-Atlantic flight. Now it’s 5am the next day and you’re wide awake. Get out of bed and  wander through near-empty streets as the city quietly stirs (I adore this time). Enjoy a coffee alongside locals on their way to work. Early morning can be a magical time to explore the streets of Europe
  • 

• Travel off-peak
  • Have you ever been to Italy in April or May? The locals have fled the city for their summer vacation, leaving the tourists to take it by storm. A lot of stores, cafes and restaurants are closed. Consider traveling in your destination’s shoulder season (April, May and September-October) – and avoid school holidays like the plague! If you are worried about taking your children out of school, get over it (Ssh, my husband is on the school board,  you didn't hear that from me)! A family trip to Europe will contribute so much more to their future than a “Perfect Attendance” award in 6th grade.
• Do your research and plan museum visits accordingly
  • Many museums have “free” days once a month; these are always going to be busy days, and best to avoid. Some major attractions (e.g. London’s Tate Modern) stay open late one or two nights a week; visiting the gallery during these extended hours tends to offer a quieter experience.

• Investigate “alternative” destinations
  • Everyone talks about the big ticket destinations – Rome, Paris, London, Prague – but there’s much magic to be found in Europe’s smaller cities. For instance, if you’re looking to experience Dutch culture, Leiden or Haarlem are beautiful and less crowded alternatives to Amsterdam. (we can find some great alternatives to the hustle-bustle where you will get the authentic “feel” of the country you are visiting).  Haven't you been dying to visit SICILY??
• Benefit from local insight
  • TALK TO THE LOCALS  to learn about what’s popular with people who live in the city, rather than what’s popular with people who visit. A good way to incorporate this wisdom into your trip-planning is to use an experienced Travel Professional who specializes in Europe. Most of the suppliers we partner with to obtain inside access for your  vacation actually live in the destination you are visiting and can give us some great “insider” tips.
• Choose attractions off the beaten path
  • Just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you have to visit it; you won’t get a failing grade for skipping the supposed “must-sees”.  Don't miss the London sights beyond Buckingham Palace; You can experience Italy without snapping a photo of yourself holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There’s way more to a city than its icons, so let the icons draw the crowds, while you ferret out more unique ways to spend your time.

• Stay in locally owned smaller hotels that are centrally located
  • Choosing a smaller hotel in a more residential neighborhood with easy access to the places you want to visit is a nice way to escape the crowds at the end of the day. You didn’t travel all the way to Europe to stay in a Holiday Inn or Best Western, did you? Plus, the owners and employees are super helpful in suggesting some little-known jewels for restaurants and sightseeing.  
• Be a Good Neighbor:  
  • Please patronize European hotels, it is only fair and just to support the communities through hotel taxes that we are so happy to visit.   (it's only fair right?)
• Be aware of cruise ship docking days
  • If you’re staying in a port-city, find out when the cruise ships dock – then hightail it out of there! And if you’re one of the people debarking from the ship, see Tip #1...then hightail it out of there with your private guide! Today’s mega ships can dump 3000 people off in Rome...all at the same time and all heading for the same sights.

You don't have to miss the "must see" sights to avoid the crowds.  
Plan carefully and seek guidance of travel professional.  We want you to have the BEST vacation EXPERIENCE possible!!!  Travelers thank us every day for showing them the quiet and secret sights, authentic experiences more so than the icons that drew them to the destination in the first place.    It's OK with us, either way, but do you want your photo in front of XXX like everyone else OR do you want to EXPERIENCE  something AUTHENTIC!!!

Which ever your style, we hope you will TRAVEL far and wide and explore this beautiful WORLD!!

Topics: travel ideas, travel tips, Italy, First Time Tips to Italy

Enjoying Europe Through The Back Door

 

Do you like slipping in the back door of a restaurant sometimes?  For many,avoiding the crowds is an essential part of ENJOYING our travels. Of course, there’s some irony in being a traveler who complains about all the other tourists cluttering up the landscape, (ha ha) because of course, we’re all contributing to the crowd!

 

In reality, the best-known places are always going to draw lots of people, and usually with good reason.  So how can we see the sights without feeling like we’re stuck in a herd of camera-toting sheep? I take great pride in carefully scheduling a great travel plan...designed to minimize crowds and time in line and maximize your enjoyment. Here are our top ten tips for avoiding the worst of the vacation crowds:

• Hire a local guide
  • My very first suggestion is to hire a private guide, if your budget will allow. A guide knows when the busiest places will have lulls in the crowds, and exactly where to go to soak in a city’s ambiance without being joined by thousands of others with the same idea. I have several well-vetted private guides all over Europe that I use frequently for my clients. You will get so much more out of sights when you see them with a local guide who can make the history come to life. Your tour guide really DOES know it all!
• Skip the line!
  • Did you know you could do this? A major benefit of using a travel adviser who specializes in Europe (like yours truly) is that they often have the ability to help you skip right past a 2-hour long line and whisk you inside the attraction you’d rather not wait to see. Some of the most important spots with “skip the line” privileges are the Louvre and Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Vatican and Colosseum in Rome and the Accademia (to meet Michelangelo’s amazing David) in Florence, St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace in Venice, etc..

• Take advantage of jet lag
  • What does that mean? Imagine you managed to stay up until 8pm after an overnight trans-Atlantic flight. Now it’s 5am the next day and you’re wide awake. Get out of bed and  wander through near-empty streets as the city quietly stirs (I adore this time). Enjoy a coffee alongside locals on their way to work. Early morning can be a magical time to explore the streets of Europe
  • 

• Travel off-peak
  • Have you ever been to Paris in August? The locals have fled the city for their summer vacation, leaving the tourists to take it by storm. A lot of stores, cafes and restaurants are closed. Consider traveling in your destination’s shoulder season (April, May and September-October) – and avoid school holidays like the plague! If you are worried about taking your children out of school, get over it (Ssh, my husband is on the school board,  you didn't hear that from me)! A family trip to Europe will contribute so much more to their future than a “Perfect Attendance” award in 6th grade.
• Do your research and plan museum visits accordingly
  • Many museums have “free” days once a month; these are always going to be busy days, and best to avoid. Some major attractions (e.g. London’s Tate Modern) stay open late one or two nights a week; visiting the gallery during these extended hourstends to offer a quieter experience.

• Investigate “alternative” destinations
  • Everyone talks about the big ticket destinations – Rome, Paris, London, Prague – but there’s much magic to be found in Europe’s smaller cities. For instance, if you’re looking to experience Dutch culture, Leiden or Haarlem are beautiful and less crowded alternatives to Amsterdam. (we can find some great alternatives to the hustle-bustle where you will get the authentic “feel” of the country you are visiting).  Haven't you been dying to visit SICILY??
• Benefit from local insight
  • TALK TO THE LOCALS  to learn about what’s popular with people who live in the city, rather than what’s popular with people who visit. A good way to incorporate this wisdom into your trip-planning is to use an experienced Travel Professional who specializes in Europe. Most of the suppliers we partner with to obtain inside access for your  vacation actually live in the destination you are visiting and can give us some great “insider” tips.
• Choose attractions off the beaten path
  • Just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you have to visit it; you won’t get a failing grade for skipping the supposed “must-sees”.  Don't miss the London sights beyond Buckingham Palace; You can experience Italy without snapping a photo of yourself holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There’s way more to a city than its icons, so let the icons draw the crowds, while you ferret out more unique ways to spend your time.

• Stay in locally owned smaller hotels that are centrally located
  • Choosing a smaller hotel in a more residential neighborhood with easy access to the places you want to visit is a nice way to escape the crowds at the end of the day. You didn’t travel all the way to Europe to stay in a Holiday Inn or Best Western, did you? Plus, the owners and employees are super helpful in suggesting some little-known jewels for restaurants and sightseeing.  
• Be a Good Neighbor:  
  • Please patronize European hotels, it is only fair and just to support the communities through hotel taxes that we are so happy to visit.   (it's only fair right?)
• Be aware of cruise ship docking days
  • If you’re staying in a port-city, find out when the cruise ships dock – then hightail it out of there! And if you’re one of the people debarking from the ship, see Tip #1...then hightail it out of there with your private guide! Today’s mega ships can dump 3000 people off in Rome...all at the same time and all heading for the same sights.

You don't have to miss the "must see" sights to avoid the crowds.  
Plan carefully and seek guidance of travel professional.  We want you to have the BEST vacation EXPERIENCE possible!!!  Travelers thank us every day for showing them the quiet and secret sights, authentic experiences more so than the icons that drew them to the destination in the first place.    It's OK with us, either way, but do you want your photo in front of XXX like everyone else OR do you want to EXPERIENCE  something AUTHENTIC!!!

Which ever your style, we hope you will TRAVEL far and wide and explore this beautiful WORLD!!

Topics: travel ideas, travel tips, Italy, First Time Tips to Italy

"Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life" - Anna Akhmatova.

 

Italy is by far, the European country requested the most by my clients....in fact, over 46 million tourists 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 our 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 attack 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!

 

2. Dress more conservatively than you do at home.

Mini skirts, 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!)  Caffe Correcto.

Topics: travel ideas, travel tips, Italy, First Time Tips to Italy

"Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life" - Anna Akhmatova.

 

Italy is by far, the European country requested the most by my clients....in fact, over 46 million tourists 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 our 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 attack 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!

 

2. Dress more conservatively than you do at home.

Mini skirts, 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!)  Caffe Correcto.

Topics: travel ideas, travel tips, Italy, First Time Tips to Italy

I love a good challenge, details and I love travel, so this career was a perfect fit for me.  Creating itineraries for clients is so exciting to me.  It is also challenging and extremely time consuming.  Sometimes I have clients that know exactly where they want to go, what they want to do, and exactly what they want to spend, the flip-side is having clients who don't know exactly where they want to go or what they might enjoy while traveling.  Both options are exciting in their own way.  I have a family departing soon for an absolutely amazing trip to Yellowstone National Park.  They had never been to any national parks or any place in the United States for that matter, and they were seeking a fully customized, off the beaten path trip--amazing vacation that was all their own. 

 

The hard part at the beginning though, was being able to uncover what the experience was they were after.  My client knew exactly what her family wanted to do while visiting the Grand Canyon.   She provided great details on the web itineary questionnaire, we had a great phone consultation.    What followed were weeks of planning and tweaking, until the trip that evolved was simply perfect for her family and she was so excited and amazed at "what almost happened" had we not really connected the dots of where and how.  Keep reading, I think you'll be surprised how we arrived there.

 

Well it became a bit challenging when I realized that the activities that were important to each family member were on 4 opposite points of the Grand Canyon and she had already shared that she was not a fan of traveling from Point A to Point B, to C, to D.  In addition, the temperature would be well over 100 degrees and torrential rainfall during the time she planned to travel.  Once she realized that IF she had booked her hotel and air on her own then worried about the excursions afterwards, it would have been a horrible surprise to learn all of the driving required and the experience would not be what they hoped for.

 

I was very thankful I was able to save her from that kind of vacation.  She is super excited and they are about to depart for an amazing adventure to  . . . YELLOWSTONE.

 

Highlights:

• Convertible Jeep Rental (not available at airport rentals but we found it for her)
• Private Morning Wildlife Tour of Grand Teton National Park
• Scenic Float on the Snake River
• Overnight Camping in a Riverside Teepee
• Whitewater Rafting on the Snake River
• Jackson Rodeo
• Flight Seeing from Jackson to West Yellowstone
• Private Guided Tour of Yellowstone National Park
• Private Trail Ride
• Covered Wagon Cookout Dinner
• Lots of free time each day to just explore their resort and nearby towns
• Added an extra day for rest

Would I try to talk you out going to the Grand Canyon?  Absolutely not, I would love it if everyone could visit the Grand Canyon.  In this particular instance, the time of year and the activities on their wish list just didn't work for that particular client, so it turned out that Yellowstone and Grand Teton were more closely aligned to their personalities (and the time of year they were traveling).

 

My favorite thing about their trip is that it is their's.  What they may not have known at the beginning of the planning process, they were able to better describe and decide on as the planning process was underway.  And the best part is that they have a live person to contact and reach out to throughout (and prior) their trip with questions are additional assistance, as well as someone at the destination.  Vacation planning may come naturally to some after years of doing it, but it can be quite intimidating to many.  I am available via email, phone and text while they are away.

 

I plan travel for seasoned travelers as well as new travelers.  My biggest goal is to always help you have the trip that aligns with your interests, personality.  Whichever traveler you are, I would love to partner with you on your next trip.  Contact me to get started.

Topics: travel ideas, travel tips, #bestvacation, #viptravelexperience, planning the perfect vacation, National Parks, Yellowstone National Park, #travelentrepreneur

Topics: travel destinations, travel ideas, Grand Prix Packages

Topics: travel ideas, tours

 

Topics: travel destinations, travel ideas, Hiking Vacations

Thai cuisine–roast duck in red curry Terence Ong

Traveling the world gives you plenty of opportunities to experience exotic cuisines with the added flair of authenticity you simply can't get at home. As a lifestyle concierge, a favorite past-time while traveling is eating, so here we provide you with a few destinations where the food alone is reason enough to make a visit.

Thailand

During your stay in Thailand, you'll notice the amazing complexity within the often light dishes. Tom Yum Gung is a Thai soup that's filled with shrimp, tomatoes, mushrooms, and many other delicious ingredients. This is a classic dish, which you might enjoy alongside a serving of Panang Gai, mild curried chicken. While you're there, don't miss trying the signature Thai sweet tea, Cha Yen.

Brazil

Brazilian food is rich and comforting. To get the full experience of Brazilian cuisine you'll have to take a tour of the nation, as the fare varies broadly from region to region. You'll sample delicious dishes such as Camarao na Moranga, or shrimp in pumpkin, which is a traditional seafood stew that's served inside a hollow pumpkin. If you're looking for a classic dish, try Bolinhos de Bacalhau (fried salt cod cakes). Also, don't forget to try the traditional Brazilian condiment, Farofa, which is often served alongside roasted meat dishes. 

Turkey

There's really nothing quite like exquisite Turkish cuisine. Whether you're enjoying the comfort of a BBQ Yogurt Marinated Chicken dish, or you enjoy a vegetarian dish such as Spinach with Bulgur, you'll get your fill no matter which luxurious restaurant you visit. Be sure to finish your meal with something delectable, like Limonlu Kareler, sweet lemon bars. 

Gnocci Paoletta S.

Rome

If you've always wanted to visit Italy for some real Italian food, look no further than Rome. You'll find that many of the restaurants in Rome stick closely to tradition. Many of them serve Gnocchi on Thursdays and Salt Cod every Friday. Rome is known for its seafood, and any of the finest restaurants will feature a number of elegant seafood dishes on their menus. If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, there's absolutely nothing like homemade Gelati, which is available at many Roman restaurants, and be sure you try the Sfogliatelle, pastry leaves with ricotta cheese. 

If you would like to speak with a professional lifestyle concierge to begin planning your next vacation, we would love to talk with you. Contact us today for your quote. 

Topics: travel ideas, foodie travel, Asia, Europe