by Jan Mauer | Sep 27, 2017 | European Travel, International Flights, Luxury Travel, Ocean Cruises, River Cruises, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Travel Tips
In my 30-plus years as a travel professional, I’ve been asked many questions about passports. The most common question is, “Do I need a passport for my trip?” Personally, I think every US Citizen should have a passport. I have seen too many people miss out on an amazing last-minute travel opportunity because they aren’t prepared. If you are over 16 years old, your passport book is good for 10 years from the time you get it, so the pro-rated cost is only about $15 per year. This is certainly an excellent value considering the authentic adventures that it makes available to you. While it can be somewhat laborious applying for your first passport, you can simply renew by mail every 10 years. How is a passport different from a passport card, and do I need a passport to travel to Canada or Mexico? Passport card example – from the website for US Passports and International Travel A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies your identity and your citizenship. Only the US Department of State and US Embassies and Consulates have the authority to issue or verify US passports. Most foreign countries require a valid passport to enter and leave their borders. All US citizens traveling internationally by air must present a valid passport to reenter the US. To cross by land only into Canada or Mexico, you may use a less expensive passport card, but if you plan to get a passport card, why not go ahead and get the real thing? For more information on how to apply, read: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/apply.html Do I need a... by Jan Mauer | Sep 21, 2017 | International Flights, Luxury Travel, Ocean Cruises, River Cruises, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Travel Tips
These last several weeks, it has been heartbreaking to witness the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria across the Caribbean, southern Texas, and Florida. This hurricane season more than any other, I’ve been feeling prompted to write a post about whether you should purchase travel insurance for your next trip. People often ask me, Should I buy travel insurance for my vacation? My answer is almost always yes. Travel insurance protects the investment you have made for your luxury vacation or honeymoon from the unexpected. And trust me, after more than 30 years in the industry, I’ve been witness to a surprising array of difficult situations that my clients could not have foreseen. During an international trip, there are plenty of things that can go wrong, from severe weather or lost luggage, to an unexpected illness in the family or a missed airline connection. With so many variables and a handsome investment on the line, it is prudent to arrange for the convenience that travel protection provides. Damage caused by Hurricane Matthew in 2016 Fortunately, the majority of the time, you won’t have to use it. But here’s the thing: Emergencies happen when you least expect them. My clients who planned to honeymoon in the US Virgin Islands certainly did not plan for category 5 Hurricane Irma to play a part in their marriage celebrations. Thankfully, however, they were fully covered, so paying for a lavish, bespoke honeymoon in the Virgin Islands that they didn’t get to enjoy was NOT in the cards! In fact, as long as you purchase the insurance before a hurricane or tropical... by Jan Mauer | Sep 8, 2017 | European Travel, Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons
When I was a kid, the picture that came to mind when I heard “bed and breakfast” was of a well-lived-in house filled with antiques, overly-soft four-poster beds, a resident cat or an old sleepy dog, all likely run by a sweet elderly couple. While this image certainly has its own kind of charm, the bed and breakfast scene has evolved significantly over the last few decades. In fact, many B&Bs today provide all of the plush luxury of a hotel, with the added bonus of greater privacy, more personal attention, and indulgent homemade meals, often in the tradition of the country or region where you’re staying. Locanda dell’ Artista in Tuscany, Italy, invites visitors to experience authentic Tuscan life in lovingly-wrought luxury One such B&B at which I’ve stayed was a stunning home in the Tuscan countryside. Run by an agrarian family, the property was nestled amidst rolling hills covered with grape vines, spruce, and olive groves, and sprinkled here and there with bee boxes. My room itself was furnished with a plush bed that was cloaked in luxurious linens. The color palette was bright and airy, and the furnishings highlighted the quintessential Tuscan charm conveyed by the gorgeous wooden beams that spanned the ceiling, and which were authentic to the original farm home. I could have spent many inspired days strolling along the paths that surrounded the property, soaking up the expansive views, or just reading quietly beside the fire. But what will stay with me forever was the extraordinary traditional Tuscan dinner that I had one evening during my stay. Bindon Bottom in Dorset, England, offers... by Jan Mauer | Sep 5, 2017 | European Travel, International Flights, Luxury Travel, Travel Tips
Sleeping well on a long-distance flight is a skill that has taken me years to perfect, and only after much trial and error have I found a system that consistently works for me. Here are a few ways that my clients and I have shared with one another to make red-eye flights more conducive to productive rest. With a bit of extra planning, these tips can mean the difference between starting your next vacation abroad with vitality and eagerness, or lumbering through the early days after your arrival in a sleepy fog. ONE) Choose the latest departure times and the most direct flights. While crossing many time zones always poses its own sleep challenges, do your best to pick a flight time and schedule that will sync up most naturally with your sleeping and waking times. Leaving in the evening will work better than trying to get REM sleep at three in the afternoon. Air New Zealand Business Premier is available on 777-300 and 777-200 aircraft TWO) Dress in soft, warm clothing, and enclosed shoes. Even if you’re traveling to a tropical destination, the flight itself is often brisk. While the airline provides thin blankets to its clients, it’s wise to wear a light sweater over a short-sleeved shirt (so that you can easily add or remove layers, depending on the temperature), long, comfortable pants that reach to your ankles, and enclosed shoes. I’ve seen far too many travelers futilely attempt to cover both their arms and feet with the provided blankets. So plan ahead: The more comfortable you are, the more easily you’ll be able to slip into... 
