by Jan Mauer | Aug 9, 2018 | European Travel, Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons
The Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg is a captivating – and delicious – occasion. Photo credit: Mozart-Dinner-Concert-Salzburg.com Ever since watching the Academy Award-winning movie, Amadeus, I have been fascinated by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The film shines with Mozart’s brilliant music, and tells the sometimes humorous, sometimes sordid, and, in the end, tragic tale of the composer’s too-brief life. So when my husband and I visited Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace and part-time residence of Mozart, I wanted to see all of the sites that could lay claim to a piece of Mozart’s history. First, we toured Mozart’s childhood home, where he was born in 1756. Next, we visited the residence on Makartplatz where the Mozart family lived after outgrowing their previous home. Here we saw the original pianoforte on which Mozart played during some of his concerts in Vienna. Dinner and Mozart Concert in Salzburg, Austria My absolute favorite experience in Salzburg, however, was the Mozart Dinner Concert that we attended. I had heard rave reviews about the concert, which features songs from some of Mozart’s most famous operas. In addition to music, the event includes a three-course meal based on 18th-century recipes, and it all takes place amidst candlelight in an authentic Baroque Hall. It sounded too good to miss! The Mozart Dinner Concert was scheduled to begin at 7:30pm, but we were told to arrive an hour early for the best seats. At 6:30 that evening, a formally-dressed maître d’ who spoke perfect English invited us into the Baroque Hall, and we were led to our front-row table. The Baroque Hall of St. Peter The Baroque Hall of... by Jan Mauer | Aug 2, 2018 | European Travel, Luxury Travel, Travel Tips
Vacations, even simple weekend getaways, can be full of adventure — that’s part of the great appeal, after all. If you’re a foodie who values a delicious, high-quality meal to go with your adventure, you may find yourself asking how to find the best food when you travel. Check out these four apps that can direct you to the ideal spots for savoring the most delectable food around. Each app serves a different purpose, so take a look through the list below, and select the option that best meets your own travel needs. GateGuru: Find the best food when you’re stuck at the airport. Enjoy delicious food while you wait for your flight. Usually, airports are not known for their culinary quality, although that’s changing in some places. GateGuru is an app developed by TripAdvisor that is a full-on airport genie for your phone. With this app, you can get lists of restaurants in the airport and see reviews from fellow travelers. In addition, GateGuru helps you check in, check your flight status, get a rental car and see maps of individual airports. (Available for iOS and Android) OpenTable: Let technology choose the best food option for you. Get great eating options based on previous dishes you’ve enjoyed. App developers have a knack for creating complex algorithms that essentially “get to know you” by analyzing your previous food choices. OpenTable delivers up choices based on specific dishes you’ve previously indicated you loved (or hated). (Available for iOS and Android) ChefsFeed: Let the experts help you find the best food around. Get recommendations from top chefs. If you’re searching for... by Jan Mauer | Jul 25, 2018 | European Travel, Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons
A view over Innsbruck, Austria from atop the Innsbruck City Tower On a recent vacation in Austria, my family had the unforgettable pleasure of staying in Innsbruck, host to two Olympic Winter Games. A winning combination of picturesque mountain views, quaint streets lined with popular cafes, and historical influence, Innsbruck is surrounded by dramatic, high mountains that are verdantly green in the mild summer months, and cloaked in rich coats of powdery, white snow during the winter. It is impossible not to be moved by the breathtaking sight of medieval and Baroque buildings rising against a clear blue sky, with the majestic Alps framing your view in nearly every direction. Based on our two full days exploring this gem of a city, below I’ve compiled my list of 5 must-see sights in Innsbruck, Austria. Things to Note: Before we dive into the details of Innsbruck sights, first a few notes. You will find that many people speak a bit of English in Innsbruck, which is very helpful in shops and restaurants. Begin a conversation with, “Guten tag. Sprechen Sie englisch?” (Pronunciation: GOO-ten talk. SHPRAY-hen zee AIN-glish?) to politely wish a person “good day,” and ask them if they speak English. Such niceties go a long way with many locals. Even during the summer, weather in Innsbruck can vary greatly. In warmer months, plan to dress in layers, and bring along a thin, waterproof jacket with a hood for surprise thunderstorms (I travel with this jacket made by Columbia: It’s stylish, works as an excellent windbreaker or raincoat, and packs quite small). While public transport in Innsbruck is well managed,... by Jan Mauer | Jun 8, 2018 | Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, South Pacific Tahiti
Tahiti is a truly special place: Yes, it is an island paradise, but it is also a fascinating cultural enclave; a treasure-trove of some of the most resplendent dive-sites that beckon even the world’s most seasoned divers; an escape from the hectic pace of everyday life. More than 30 years in the travel industry have made it clear to me that a given destination is not the right match for EVERY traveler. Each location has its own character that, when coupled with a particular visitor, can either make or break a vacation experience. This is why it is so crucial for me to learn about my clients’ personalities and travel preferences BEFORE we begin planning their dream holidays. If you’re considering a Tahiti get-away, then before you commit, ask yourself, “Is a Tahiti vacation right for me?” OR if you’d be better off visiting a different destination. 1) Which statement best describes you? A) I dream of waking early in the morning with a full schedule of daily sightseeing all the iconic architecture in some of the world’s most famous cities such as Rome, London or Madrid. B) I prefer to visit locations that are off the beaten path with incredible, stunning, natural beauty and interesting culture. A couple snorkeling in the pristine waters of a Tahitian island. 2) If you close your eyes to picture your dream vacation, which of the following descriptions most closely matches what you see? A) I picture myself filling every moment of my hard-earned vacation visiting the attractions of famous cities round the globe. B) I imagine myself snorkeling in crystal-clear water, learning... 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... 
