Luxury News
April 10th, 2013
On Monday, April 8 at 12:35pm local time, Uhuru Kenyatta, son of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s founding father, was sworn in as the country’s fourth President. He has now returned to the State House in Nairobi where he spent his early childhood years, to follows in the footsteps of his late father to lead Kenya into a hopefully bright and prosperous future. More than 20 heads of state, heads of government and heads of delegations from across Africa were present to witness the colorful ceremony; a testament to Kenya’s peaceful transition of power and generational change.
The tourism industry has clearly been set at the very center of things to come by the newly sworn in Deputy President William Ruto who set out part of the new government’s agenda. The new leadership of Kenya unmistakably knows very well what potential tourism holds and how it could be developed even more with the right supporting policies and actions. At one time, President Uhuru Kenyatta served as Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Board, giving the sector now an added advantage that the highest level of government has a close relationship and full understanding of the tourism industry. Conservation, a matter of severe concern to the tourism and conservation community, was addressed as well by President Uhuru Kenyatta in his inaugural address, as one of the crimes to be tackled head on, and the offenders brought to order.
A new cabinet will see the position of Tourism and Wildlife joined together with Environment. There is intense speculation that the former Minister of Tourism, Najib Balala may return as Cabinet Secretary for this portfolio; a move that would be viewed very favorably by stakeholders in the Tourism industry. One of the first key activities for the new holder of the portfolio will be to move an amendment to the wildlife act, introducing financially crippling fines and long prison sentences for anyone found connected with poaching. The other area will be to operationalize the new tourism agencies created under the tourism act passed by the last parliament and facilitate the Kenya Tourism Board with adequate funding to run a global marketing campaign to aid the recovery of the sector.
We would like to give the best of luck to the new President and Deputy President who are getting off to a brisk and successful start.
October 3rd, 2012
Last Thursday Luxury Trips hosted over 350 Sip and Stroll attendees! Throughout the evening, sippers made their way to over 20 different stores and restaurants to sip, stroll and socialize with the Park Avenue community.
This was our first time sponsoring the Sip and Stroll, and we donated over 350 Sip & Stroll glasses that were etched with the Luxury Trips and the Winter Park 125th Anniversary logo. It was exciting to see so many people holding our logo in their hands as they enjoyed a lovely evening.
At the Luxury Trips storefront we had homemade samosas that were a huge hit! We also brought Wine Barn on board and hand selected a few South African wines to accompany their incredible tasty pizzas that were cooked to perfection.
Stay tuned for the next Sip & Stroll, and make sure to get your tickets early because this past event was sold out!
September 6th, 2012
The summer breeze has blown by and now fall is upon us. If you didn’t get a chance to get away and get a vacation in this summer, our Fall Luxury List will help you get inspired to embark on a new excursion before the holidays sneak up on you.
For this Fall Luxury List we present the top travel destinations in the 3 main regions we specialize in – Africa, Asia and Latin America. Dive in as we provide insight into the remarkable areas to visit in the months of September through November.
Asia – The Indochina Region
The Indochina region boasts a remarkable array of ancient settings, modern delights and remote cultures where tradition and evolution collide in a spellbinding mosaic of captivating wonders.
Cambodia & Vietnam – Soaring mountains, breathtaking coastline and radiant rice fields only begin to describe the sprawling landscapes. Explore ancient temples like the Angkor Wat, hike the mountains of Vietnam, mingle in the village markets and cruise down the legendary Halong Bay while soaking in the lush architecture and history that permeates throughout these cultures.
Laos & Thailand – The hidden treasures of Laos and the golden glow of Thailand will fully immerse you into a cultural experience unlike any other. Buddhist temples, martial arts demonstrations, floating markets, museums and encounters with local elephants will give you a deeper understanding of these alluring lands. Boasting some of the most incredible ancient wonders of the world, these destinations have plenty to offer curious cultural travelers.
Africa – Spring in Southern Africa
Africa is a world where pristine panoramas, delightful cultures and enamoring wildlife are blended to produce a rich mosaic that promises to leave an everlasting print on your journey.
South Africa – September through November are known for being South Africa’s magical months of spring. Wine, whales and crisp weather are a major attraction for visitors looking to get some warm weather activities in with an unforgettable safari experience. The Two Oceans Hermanus Whale Festival from September 28 – October 1 is famous for whale watching, eco-experiences, live entertainment, local food and shopping, car shows, sporting events and kid-friendly activities! This region of South Africa is known as the best whale watching destination in the world and is often coupled with a tour through the South Peninsula wine route and a game safari to fully experience the allure, hospitality and exuberance of South African culture.
Indian Ocean Islands – Style and elegance enchant each traveler who visits the secluded beaches of the Indian Ocean Islands. Grace your vacation with soft breezes, white shores, lush tropical greenery and a curio of rare species in the coastal paradise of Mauritius, The Seychelles, Madagascar and Maldives. Watersports, diving, fishing, hiking, and zip-lining can be found amongst the family-friendly accommodations or private villas nestled on these pristine coastlines.
South America – Peru and Patagonia
South America’s splendidly diverse destinations host a passionate and colorful aura that invokes a renewed vitality within every soul she touches.
Patagonia – The world’s most picturesque treasures lie in the region of Patagonia between Chile and Argentina. The dominating silence of ice blue glaciers and towering Andean peaks provide a pristine landscape of natural beauty during their warmer months of October & November. Embark on a luxury cruise through the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel to explore the most beautiful and untouched places on Earth.
Peru – Enjoy the unique and captivating experience of the Mistura Festival in September, a world renowned food festival in Lima that is sure to stimulate all of the senses. Food is Peru’s abiding national passion and among incredible cuisines there are massive markets, chef competitions, and food fairs that will leave any foodie feeling fulfilled. While you’re there, we suggest a trip to Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas to see the famous ruins of Machu Picchu.
August 23rd, 2012
You’ve had a long flight, you hardly slept thanks to that crying baby and you have a busy schedule the second you land… and then the jet lag kicks in. How do you do it? How do you savor every minute of your vacation without over-exhausting your body and putting yourself at risk of getting sick due to lack of rest?
Travel is what we specialize in here at Luxury Trips and we know every aspect of traveling to help you answer these questions and avoid a situation where you may not be at your best on your much-needed vacation. Some great articles and studies as have been conducted pertaining to jet lag and it has led to a plethora of tips on eating, sleeping, and scheduling to make jet lag work for you instead of against you.
The infographic above (courtesy of Jaunted) has provided some insightful tips on how to create a balanced meal and regulate your eating habits before traveling across time zones. Limiting caffeine intake to only certain times of the day or only certain days and drinking plenty of water before, during and after travel are two tips you will see very often that make a huge difference behind the scenes.
When traveling to other sides of the world where the timezones are completely opposite the best tip we can give would be to stay awake and adhere to the new time zone as much as possible. Even if you’ve been up all night, try to stick to their schedule and stay up. Make some time for a nap mid-day, typically a good idea either way as it’s the warmest time of the day and many cultures take this time to nap anyway.
If you are waking up early or can’t get a full nights rest without waking up in the middle of night try using that time to do something productive that might otherwise be pushed back to later in the day. Up early? Try going for a walk or hit the fitness room. If you’re waking up in the middle of the night do some reading, write in your journal or maybe knock out that deadline you’ve been procrastinating. Getting tasks like that done early will make you feel more accomplished and less stressed about obligations you strive to meet while traveling.
August 17th, 2012
Sip and Stroll is back for another event and we are excited to announce that Luxury Trips is sponsoring the September 27th event!
Sip, stroll and celebrate 125 years of the lovely Winter Park presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the Park Avenue Area Association. This fall marks the City of Winter Park’s 125th anniversary since it’s incorporation and you can join in on the fun on September 27.
Stroll your favorite shops and restaurants, sample delicious wine & food and get to know more about what’s in your backyard. Participating locations are on the Sip Facebook Page. Follow Sip & Stroll on Facebook and Twitter for more info.
To register and purchase tickets click here.
August 17th, 2012
Getting the world excited about travel is just one of the reasons we have an A-frame dry erase sign outside of our store in Winter Park.
Back in April we acquired this outdoor sign and every day we write a new message for Winter Park locals and visitors to see as they walk by. Positive and inspirational quotes, travel tips, tidbits about Luxury Trips, upcoming events, and more is just some of the content on display as passerbyers make their way to and from Park Avenue.
Recently we started a weekly trend that we aptly call ‘Wildlife Friday’s’. Every Friday, our office coordinator Michann, who happens to be a great visual artist, draws a new animal on the board. As she’s outside creating her masterpiece for the day, people walk by and comment on her drawing and admire her artistic skills. Over the past few months we’ve even had a few people walk in and tell us how much they love our messages and drawings and that it ‘makes their day’ when they walk by.
So in saying, let us formally introduce you to our newest weekly trend ‘Wildlife Friday’s! If you can’t make it to Winter Park to see if for yourself, we snap a photo and post it to our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter account so be sure to give us a follow!
What animal do you want to see on our next Wildlife Friday’s drawing?
August 9th, 2012
When planning a trip, budget is usually the first aspect to take into consideration. Your needs and specifications are of top priority for Luxury Trips, and during the booking process we are always here to help you along the way. Sometimes a little splurge here and there on a certain part of your trip makes it just that much more special and here are the top 3 situations where we encourage a little indulgence while experiencing your journey of a lifetime.
A fine dining experience –
While exploring the palette of a new culture, you are usually limited to ‘what’s included’ or ‘whatever’s on the menu’ during your daily meals. Whether you’re traveling 5 star or not, it’s always an appreciated gesture when we plan one fine dining experience for our clients traveling abroad. Dining under the stars of the African bush, a cooking demo with a famous local chef, or reservations at the most exclusive restaurant in the city are once in a lifetime experiences that will be worth the extra splurge and leave you with great flavors to bring back home.
A spa treatment –
Let’s face it, no matter how long or short your flight was, everyone has that little craving for a massage or relaxing treatment after they land. Release that built-up tension from traveling through airports, lugging bags or falling asleep in an uncomfortable, very upright position with a relaxing treatment. Spas are a huge attraction for guests and hotels have responded accordingly by making them one of the main highlights of their accommodation. A couple’s massage overlooking the Pacific ocean, a private yoga and stretching class on the Himalayan mountains, or relaxing in the steam room of an ancient Turkish bath will surely immerse you in vacation-mode.
A once in a lifetime excursion –
Your journey of a lifetime should have at least one, if not multiple events that make you say “I will never forget this moment.” Sometimes these excursions require an extra day or additional costs that don’t fall in your overall trip cost and most of the time, it’s worth it! The benefit of having a travel consultant is that they are there to tell you what you should do while going to that particular destination. Tell them your hobbies, goals, or bucket list items and there will most likely be an excursion or activity that caters to your needs! An elephant back safari in Botswana, a trip to the seafood market exchange in Lima, a private tour through the ancient temples of Cambodia or swimming with the sharks in the Pacific Ocean will leave you with plenty of bragging rights when you return home and make your trip that much more memorable.
July 26th, 2012
Sometimes the best way to conserve or protect something is to raise awareness about it. The largest and one of the most fascinating big cats in the world, the tiger, is on the critical endangered species list and their population is rapidly declining year after year. In 2011 about 1,700 tigers were counted in the wild, and a century ago over 100,000 were estimated in India alone! Preserving nature and wildlife is something we feel very strongly about here at Luxury Trips and in order to help raise awareness about this rapid decline in tiger population Luxury Trips joined an organization called TOFTigers.
“Experience and research shows that responsible wildlife and nature tourism can provide an invaluable platform to support and sustain parks, wildlife conservancies, buffer zones and local communities. It can also play an important role in poverty eradication.”- TOFTigers.org
By joining TOFTigers, we encourage open-minded travelers and wildlife enthusiasts to visit India to not only explore the rich cultural diversity and landmarks, but to see these incredible tigers in their natural habitat and learn about the world that’s drastically affecting their livelihood. Portions of the required park entry fees and permits to see the tigers help allocate funds that continue to preserve these intriguing animals and their habitat. We will continue to support and raise awareness about TOFTigers and have customized some incredible India itineraries that incorporate tiger game viewing with visits to palaces, temples, spa retreats and more!
Visit our profile on Toftigers.org here.
July 11th, 2012
Bucket List – Buck•et –List [buhk-it, list] noun: Series of places you wish to visit, goals you want to achieve, dreams you want to fulfill and life experiences you desire to experience before you “kick the bucket”.
The concept of a bucket list is so much more than destinations you want to visit, it’s a motivating list of things you want to achieve in your lifetime, goals you set for yourself and a reminder that you’re striving to accomplish what you want out of life. Luxury Trips not only encourages you to travel to your bucket list destinations, but we also feel it’s important to dream, set goals and live life to the fullest. Every traveler has a unique “bucket list” and Luxury Trips is here to help you fill it with memories and experiences that you will share with the world. We’ve compiled a short list of 3 tips to help you embark on your journey of a lifetime.
How To Fulfill Your Bucket List
1 – Make a bucket list
The first step might seem quite obvious, but most people’s definition of a bucket list is a few places they’ve simply thought about traveling to. Take a few minutes to actually create your bucket list, write it down, share ideas with family, friends, and co-workers, gather images and create a collage (the old fashioned way or on your computer). If you’re tech-savvy and social, post it on your blog, Facebook page, or Pinterest or take a screenshot of your list and make it your phone/computer background. If you’re less digitally inclined, print the list and put it on the inside of your bathroom mirror, on your bed stand or at your desk at work. Seeing it, adding to it, changing it and talking about it daily will inspire and motivate you to make those dreams a reality
Helpful tools: Oprah’s website has a free web-based application available to all Oprah.com members where you can create your own digital vision board or bucket list. http://www.oprah.com/spirit/O-Dream-Board-Envision-Your-Best-LifeTM
Our favorite bucket list: Esteemed photographer, Kien Lam’s has 2 columns for his Bucket List – Things he’s already accomplished and things he wants to do: http://kienlam.net/my-bucket-list
2 – Read and follow these tips on how to make your vacation dreams come a reality
American Express Open Forum recently asked a handful of members from the Young Entrepreneur Council to suggest tips on finding the time and the budget to take vacations. Their answers were very insightful and useful for everyone, not just people living the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Some of our favorites were – setup passive income streams, work remotely, make travel a priority, and network to give you a good start on how to approach your next vacation and not be afraid of falling behind. With wi-fi available in even the most remote destinations of the world (like the middle of the African bush) remember that you can combine a little bit of work while being halfway around the world.
Read 13 Tips to Make Vacations a Reality here: http://www.openforum.com/articles/13-tips-to-make-vacations-a-reality?extlink=em-openf-SBdaily
3 – Contact a destinations consultant at Luxury Trips
“What’s on your bucket list?” is one of the first questions we ask when approach by a potential traveler. It is our specialty to help travelers design customized itineraries to their dream destinations. Recognized for extensive insider knowledge and an unyielding devotion to exploration, Luxury Trips is dedicated to providing each traveler with their trip of a lifetime. All of our destination specialists have first-hand local experience and extensive knowledge of the countries that we serve. We are your travel resource and happy to help inspire, brainstorm and fulfill your journey of a lifetime.
July 11th, 2012
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts will be expanding into the region of Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time. The official launch will take place in Fall 2012 as they have just implemented a long term agreement with current standing Bilila Lodge to take over management, renovate and re-brand the current resort as the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania over the next few months. Four Seasons will be launching two additional locations in Tanzania, one in Ngorongoro and the other in Zanzibar.
“This is the first step in a bold development project that will see three diverse Four Seasons experiences in what are considered to be three of the most important and attractive destinations in Tanzania,” said Scott Woroch, executive vice president of worldwide development at Four Seasons. “The responsibility of taking over such as irreplaceable asset within the Serengeti National Park is one that we take very seriously. This is an extremely rare opportunity for Four Seasons in that no other property of this size or scale exists, or is likely to ever be developed again in the park. With the future development of a luxury tented safari camp in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and an exclusive beach resort on the island of Zanzibar, Four Seasons will offer some of the finest holiday experiences in Tanzania.” (Source: TravelPulse.com)
This venture is a great opportunity for the Four Seasons to build their brand and reputation to an even higher level. The safari lodge in the Serengeti is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, which not many major chain hotels get the opportunity to expand onto such protected areas. The property has 60 rooms, 12 suites and five villas – all of which have views over the Serengeti.
