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 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 | 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 | Mar 5, 2018 | Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, South Pacific Tahiti, Travel Adventures, Travel Tips
Ever feel yourself stuck in a vacationing rut? Maybe you try out different places, but they all kind of seem the same. Maybe you find the planning exhausting. Maybe you stress out over small things so that your energy gets sapped. Maybe you cram too many things into too little time, and you come back more tired than when you left. Maybe you bring work with you, even when you say you’re not going to, so that you wind up giving away precious vacationing hours to your job. I’m going to be bold and say: This is not what a vacation should feel like. Here are five tips for a stress-free, relaxing vacation. Trust me — you’ll never regret taking these on. Pick something to do every day that gives you a burst of activity. 1. Move a little bit every day you’re on holiday, especially if your job is the kind that has you sitting at a desk all day long. This isn’t about working out; it’s just about doing what your body and brain want you to do, which is move around a little. Lounging is great — there should definitely be time for lounging — but only lounging for days on end has an ironic de-energizing effect on the body. (It’s part of why desk work can be insanely exhausting, even though you technically didn’t do anything physical all day long.) Whatever your level of mobility or fitness, pick something to do every day that gives you a burst of activity: walking, swimming in the ocean, going for a bike ride, playing with your kids, doing... by Jan Mauer | Feb 23, 2018 | Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Tips
Nobody loves standing in long security lines, and I don’t know one person who is thrilled by the fact that most airline seats only recline about four inches, if you’re lucky. But what’s the best mindset to have when traveling, so that the issues you encounter don’t ruin your trip? I know people who love to travel, door to door — not just when they arrive at their resort. They are the people who almost always have a great flight, no matter what. I’ve talked to people whose trips got rained out, or who missed connecting flights, or who got lost, or who even had passports stolen — and when I ask them how their trip was, they smile and say, “It was great!” and proceed to tell me the full, exciting tale. The best mindset to have when traveling is one of adventure! So what’s their secret? What’s the best mindset to have when traveling? I’ll tell you: They’ve let go of the Perfectionist Mindset and adopted the Adventure Mindset. The difference between these two paradigms changes everything. The Perfectionist sets unrealistically high expectations for themselves, others, and situations — and when things don’t go well, they often fall into self-blame or blaming others. The Adventurer makes a plan and is prepared, but is willing to roll with whatever comes along that might not fit with “The Plan.” The Perfectionist often avoids risk and only goes with the obvious path in an attempt to avoid “failure.” The Adventurer is less concerned with control, and more interested in creative approaches and critical thinking when it comes to problem solving.... by Jan Mauer | Jan 12, 2018 | African Safari, European Travel, International Flights, Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, Ocean Cruises, River Cruises, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Small Group Tours, South Pacific Tahiti, Travel Adventures, Travel Tips
Historically, January is a great time to plan a trip. In fact, it’s typically the busiest month of the year for travel professionals. This is because families and friends get together over the holidays and discuss their travel dreams for the upcoming year. Have you thought about your travel plans for the year yet? I’m here to help you weed through your choices and save you hours of time researching on the Internet. If I haven’t been there myself, I know someone who has. Further, I have direct lines to people who can add value and extra amenities, thereby elevating your trip from something special to something truly extraordinary. We are trained to cut through the slick advertising and fake reviews so that your dream vacation doesn’t descend into a nightmare. After all, there is a good reason why the people in those Booking.com commercials always look so relieved when they walk into a nice hotel room! Don’t leave something so important to chance. With my family on a dive trip in Cozumel in 2013. It is proven that travel builds and strengthens family bonds in ways that nothing else can. I can tell you first-hand that experiencing a foreign country with your children, whether they are adults or still in primary school, is worth more than any lessons they’ll glean from school. My son and I still reminisce about our amazing family ski vacations in Crested Butte, Colorado and scuba dive trips in Cozumel, Mexico that have made lasting memories. The most important thing is my child will remember those stories and hopefully share them with his own... 
