by Jan Mauer | Oct 18, 2018 | European Travel, Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, Ocean Cruises, River Cruises, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Small Group Tours, South Pacific Tahiti, Travel Adventures, Travel Tips
There are, of course, thousands of possible trips out there. There are plenty of great trips to choose from — and then there are trips that are great for you and your fellow travelers. Being honest about what you want and need, and getting to know your own personal travel profile can save you from the but-it-looked-great-on-paper trip disappointment. Here are a few simple things that can help you better understand your unique and personal travel profile. Find Out What Is Your Ideal Getaway Matsumoto Castle in Japan is a stunning and exotic travel destination. 1. Make a quick list of the twenty most fun memories you have of trips you’ve taken in your lifetime. Notice if there are any themes. While you don’t necessarily need (or even want) each vacation to be a carbon copy of things you’ve already done, you can use those larger themes to guide your planning of future trips. That way, if you decide to step out a little from your comfort zone, you’ll at least have a solid idea of what makes the most meaningful moments for you. Is it time with friends or family? A certain type of weather or geography? Certain activities? Quiet time? When you can build some of these elements into your travel, you’re more likely to come home energized and restored. Do stunning views help you to relax? 2. What do you like to do to relax, unwind, have fun, or re-energize when you’re not on vacation? Do you like to be still or active? Quiet or surrounded by crowds? Scheduled or free-form and spontaneous? Simplicity or luxury?... by Jan Mauer | Sep 19, 2018 | Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Travel Tips
Ahhh…Maui: Almost everybody’s favorite island! It always lands at the top of travel polls in magazines like Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast. The beaches are pristine, the restaurants world-class, and some of the most luxurious resorts in the world are located there. While I will be the first person to take you up on an invitation to lounge poolside at the Four Seasons, or dine at Mama’s Fish House, my favorite way to spend the day on Maui has nothing to do with sand, surf or incredible dining. I always recommend that my clients and friends spend a day exploring Upcountry Maui. Its charms are sure to surprise and beguile. Upcountry Maui is located on the high elevations around the dormant volcano, Mt. Haleakala. The fertile slopes are home to ranches, botanical gardens, organic farms and liquor distilleries that boast soaring views of the sea. It is an easy drive in your rental car from either the Ka’anapali or Kihei/Wailea resort areas. The coastal town of Pa’ia, with its surfer-dude population and “anything goes” mentality marks the start of the drive uphill. If you get an early start, pause in Pa’ia for a cup of coffee and delicious bakery treat, but you will definitely want to stop back through on your return trip in the afternoon when everyone wakes up! Here are some of the best sights in Upcountry Maui: 1. Makawao Town Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Max Wanger Makawao is one of Hawaii’s last paniolo (cowboy) towns. There is a very popular rodeo held here each 4th of July. Makawao retains much of that... by Jan Mauer | Sep 5, 2018 | European Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Travel Adventures
A view over Il Vecchio Maneggio, a working farm in Tuscany. Photo credit: IlVecchioManeggio.com The word “Tuscany” conjures a serene world of rolling, cypress-lined hills, fecund grapevines, and golden sunlight. It signifies an escape from modernity, back to a simpler time of peaceful afternoons on a quiet terrace with a good book, and plentiful wine. In short, to many of us, Tuscany is a place of magic. Tuscan Agriturismos In recent years, one of the most exciting developments in Tuscany has been the proliferation of agriturismos. These working farmhouses offer visitors the unique opportunity to escape into the allure of quintessential Tuscan life with a traditional family dining experience, or to sleep in luxurious accommodations on their farms. During our last visit to Tuscany, my husband and I stayed near the famous medieval hill town of San Gimignano. We read excellent reviews about a nearby agriturismo called Il Vecchio Maneggio, and decided to reserve two spots for dinner. The medieval towers of San Gimignano Il Vecchio Maneggio – The Old Riding School When we arrived a little before 8pm on the night of our dinner, I was pleased to see that we would be eating in the garden, with a stunning view of San Gimignano’s ancient towers in the distance. Tiziana, the big-hearted matron of the farm, greeted us warmly. She met us in her apron, inviting us to explore the farm grounds while she finalized dinner preparations. Her friendly, gregarious manner immediately made my husband and I feel at ease, as though we were enjoying an evening with family in a picturesque pastoral setting. A view of San... by Jan Mauer | Aug 23, 2018 | European Travel, Luxury Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Travel Tips
Let me start by saying that I recommend taking a minimum of three days in Rome. This much-loved Italian city boasts nearly 3,000 years of incredible history, art, religion and philosophy that have heavily influenced the world. All of this translates into a wealth of inspiring sights that draw millions of visitors every year. With that said, there are times when your schedule simply cannot accommodate a longer visit to this vibrant city. When that’s the case, here are my top sights to see with one day in Rome. Before You Go Please note that I recommend scheduling a Colosseum tour in advance of your visit, ideally for the mid-to-late morning. In addition, if you choose to follow my suggestion for lunch at Divin Ostilia Wine Bar, make a reservation for 2pm the day of your visit to Rome, as this desirable restaurant has limited seating. If you are working with a travel agent, these are bookings that your agent can easily take care of for you. Now, prepare for a jam-packed day! Rise and Shine Get lots of sleep the night before you tour Rome. Set your alarm clock to 6:30am, giving yourself plenty of time to get ready. You’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring along a bottle of water. In the summer months, be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat. Cappuccino and a Pastry – The Breakfast of Champions A quick and delicious breakfast to start your day. Ask your travel agent or hotel concierge to call you a taxi for a 7:30am pick-up, and then take it to the quaint Caffe dei... 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 | 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,... 
