by Jan Mauer | Jul 11, 2011 | Romance Travel and Honeymoons, South Pacific Tahiti, Travel Adventures
With each photo I take of Tahiti in French Polynesia, I fall more in love with the landscape. No matter how many times I’ve traveled myself, I still feel drawn to the South Pacific — my next visit will be this fall! On every tour, I’ve been struck by the tranquil, stunningly beautiful paradise that is so perfect for honeymooners. I want nothing more than to share this deep beauty with as many newlyweds as possible. Imagine, for a moment, the place where you’ll want to build early memories of romance and companionship. A honeymoon in the South Pacific combines relaxation with the adventures of cultural immersion. After a short eight hour flight from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia creates a destination that still feels distant and exotic. Honeymooners will enjoy bragging rights that say “you’ve been there” and have returned with stories. As soon as you step off the plane, you’ll notice the friendliness of the Tahitians, whose warm hospitality infuses a kind, safe travel environment. On land, enjoy the breathtaking, unspoiled beauty of islands filled with so many shades of green to capture on film. For adventurers, consider fantastic water sports like snorkeling, diving, and swimming with dolphins. For couples in search of a more relaxed honeymoon, the warm sands and crystal blue waters are perfect for peaceful lounging on the beach. I always suggest that my clients include breakfast with their hotel for an excellent value and infusion of local culture. While still saving money, imagine starting the day with an indulgent French baguette, a plate of fresh guava and passion fruit, and the... by Jan Mauer | Jan 18, 2011 | European Travel, Travel Adventures
If you live in the northeast U.S. like I do you definitely experience four distinct seasons. Each season has pros and cons, but people around here seem to complain mostly about winter. It’s cold, it can be dreary (if you let it) and that pretty white stuff can cause havoc when driving. I say the best way to get through winter is to get moving! Take up a winter sport, get outdoors and enjoy your winter wonderland! Growing up in the Rockies, I had the wonderful opportunity to learn how to ski when I was young and have been skiing ever since. Of course that means ski trips to incredible ski destinations not only in our country, but to the Alps in Europe as well. One of the most awesome ski trips I ever took was to Davos, Switzerland. Davos is one of Europe’s most celebrated resorts. It’s linked to neighboring Klosters and especially popular with snow boarders. You fly into Zurich Airport to get there. It is a municipality in the district of Prättigau/Davos in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It is located on the Landwasser River, in the Swiss Alps, between the Plessur and Albula Range. At 1,560 meters (5,118 ft), it is the highest city in Europe. Davos is also host to the World Economic Forum (WEF), an annual meeting of global political and business elites (often referred to simply as Davos) as well as the home of a huge ski resort. We arrived in Zurich after a short flight from the East Coast and took a motor coach to Davos. Arriving in Davos we saw... by Jan Mauer | Jan 11, 2011 | European Travel, Travel Adventures
Have you ever visited a city and felt so comfortable there you wished you lived there? That’s how I feel about Paris, France. As a young adult, I lived in Avignon in Provence, France for several months and spent many week-ends visiting Paris. Every trip to Paris was like visiting an old friend. Since I speak French – enough to get by – I find the people and ambiance of Paris exhilarating! Each person I meet there has a clear purpose. They savor every morsel of food they eat. They cherish every sip of wine they taste. Their love of fashion is engrained in the French. It is not uncommon for men and women to be dressed to the nines simply walking to the boulangerie to purchase their daily baguette. Most French men and women are very mindful of Parisian fashion! I love this city so much that I visit as often as I am able! My most recent trip was a long week-end in early December, 2010. It was just as beautiful then as it was the last time I visited with all the bright holiday lights and decorations, the crisp, cool weather with the smell of chestnuts roasting in the air. Paris is the capital and largest city in France and many think it is one of the most influential cities in Europe. With many attractions, museums and art galleries with beautiful parks and magnificent gardens, Paris offers so much to see and do year round. The architecture is incredible. The scenery is beautiful. The food is phenomenal! Paris emits an air of romance! It is one... 
