by Jan Mauer | Apr 27, 2018 | European Travel, Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, Travel Adventures
One of the fastest growing travel specialties is the “Girlfriend Getaway,” and it is easy to understand why. After all the stresses of everyday life, there is nothing quite as enjoyable and relaxing as getting away from reality with those true friends who allow – and even encourage – you to be yourself without fear of judgement. Here are a few suggestions for upscale Girlfriend Getaways that some of my other clients have enjoyed: Spend a week shopping with your girlfriends in chic Milan How about a little retail therapy? Most women love to shop, so why not combine a week in Milan with great shopping, dining and entertainment options? Paris’ Champs-Élysées and London’s Oxford Street also come to mind, but there are many amazing options out there that are centrally located and served by convenient airports. Why not check into a luxurious spa or rejuvenating yoga retreat for a wellness getaway? A little pampering never hurt anyone, and you might even come home with some new healthy habits! For a truly decadent experience, check out the Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps, or I can help you book a once-in-a-lifetime yoga retreat in the Tahitian islands. Girls only luxury spa breaks at Schloss Elmau A week spent wine tasting, or possibly signing up for a cooking vacation, can be fantastic options for Girlfriend Getaways. Try something a little different, and take a wine tour through the beautiful Yarra Valley in Victoria, Australia. Or combine the two activities into a sumptuous vacation by traveling to Tuscany, Italy, where you can taste some of the world’s best wines, while enjoying... by Jan Mauer | Apr 13, 2018 | European Travel, International Flights, Ocean Cruises, River Cruises, Travel Tips
Planning for your dream vacation can be so exciting—choosing where you’re going to stay, what you’ll see, which shows you’ll take in, and imagining the amazing food you’ll eat. But what about all your travel documents? Are they in order? When you find yourself asking, “Which travel documents do I need for my international trip,” here’s the complete list of items, plus practical tips on how to keep these documents organized, safe, and accessible. Your passport is the most important travel document you possess. Your passport. This is the big one. Make sure it hasn’t expired and is will not expire within 6 months of your travel period. And don’t forget passports for your kid(s)! Any visas that can be acquired in advance, including those for countries you’ll only be traveling through. If you can’t get a visa in advance, bring the letter from the consulate stating that your visa will be granted upon your arrival (the UAE and Oman are two countries that don’t issue visas outside their countries, for example). A copy of the picture page of your passport, and extra passport photos. Your airline miles card A copy of your itinerary Originals and paper copies of your tickets (plane, train, bus, etc.) and confirmation numbers (hotel reservations, car rental, etc.) and all contact info for these companies. Travel insurance card and accompanying information Bring physical guidebooks, or save them to your Kindle. Guidebooks for the countries you are visiting and maps of your driving route — plus discreet city maps if you’ll be exploring a new city. Your international driver’s license if you plan to drive... by Jan Mauer | Apr 4, 2018 | Travel Tips
Traveling can make it hard to keep up with your exercise routine, so here’s a 20 minute travel workout that will help you stay fit when you can’t get to the gym. Whether you’re hauling bags through terminals, sitting for hours and hours on a plane or bus, or sleeping in different (and sometimes uncomfortable) beds – the toll that traveling can take on your body is significant. It’s not uncommon for frequent travelers to experience back and neck pain, or to return home carrying a few extra pounds with which to contend. Some hotels have gym areas, but not all do. Further, quality and availability of equipment can vary greatly. Add to that the fact that you’re usually away from a kitchen, are probably eating (delicious) calorie-packed foods, and are totally out of your normal routine, and it’s easy to see why so many travelers return from trips feeling a little sore, and maybe a lot less healthy. So how do you stay healthy and pain-free while away from home? The thing is, we tend to make working out an event. If you belong to a gym or studio, you pack your bag, drive there, find your locker, get dressed, go to a class or do your workout. You might shower afterwards if you have somewhere to go directly. All of this takes time. Our workouts start to feel like a 2-hour commitment, because that’s what we do when we’re at home and have that time available. The truth? You can work out your whole body in about 20 minutes, anywhere, with zero exercise equipment. You don’t need... 
