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Journal
Notes on properties, ships, and places I've come to know well. A luxury travel blog written by someone who books these trips, not just writes about them.


London and Paris in 10 Days: How to Split Your Time
For ten days in London and Paris, give Paris one more night than London. Here's how I split the time, where my clients stay, and how to plan around the Changing of the Guard.
Alex Ziselman
Oct 65 min read


River Cruise or Ocean Cruise: Which One Actually Fits How You Travel
Almost every week, someone tells me they've been thinking about a river cruise. They've usually seen an ad, or a friend came back from the Danube and hasn't stopped talking about it. Then they ask me the question I always get: is it better than what I already do? That's the wrong question. River cruising and ocean cruising are two different kinds of vacations that happen to both involve a ship. Neither one is the upgrade. The right one for you depends on how you actually want
Alex Ziselman
Jul 305 min read


Space Tourism Is (Really!) Near – Here’s What Travelers Can Expect
The countdown is on for a new era of suborbital adventure. Few places on Earth are out of reach for intrepid travelers with the motivation and the means, whether it’s the ice floes of Antarctica or the steppe of Mongolia. But for many, one idea has remained purely a dream: space tourism. If Richard Branson has anything to do with it, that’s all about to change. Virtuoso recently partnered with Branson’s space travel company, Virgin Galactic, to make a limited number of spacef
Alex Ziselman
Sep 8, 20224 min read


5 Reasons Curacao Needs To Be On Your Caribbean Radar
When it comes to planning a trip where the fun in the sun and beaches you only see on television are concerned, the Caribbean is one of the premier destinations in the world. It is an area that people flock from all over to admire the beauty and fun the Caribbean delivers. Often when people think about going to the Caribbean, they look into visiting St. Kitts, Grand Cayman, Saint Martin, or Antigua. These are amazing places that have so much to offer visitors, but they are no
Alex Ziselman
Aug 25, 20223 min read


Why the Celebrity Retreat is a must do experience!
We just came back from a 10 night sailing on the Celebrity Summit living the suite life in The Retreat(The suite only areas on the ship). We stayed in a Sky Suite and got really lucky to get a suite with an extended balcony. Having a larger, nicer room was actually the least important benefit of staying in a suite. See below for details on why the Celebrity Retreat is a MUST DO experience! The VIP Experience From the moment you arrive at the pier the VIP experience starts.
Alex Ziselman
Jun 16, 20223 min read


Rocky Mountain Trip Planning: What to Do in Canada’s Rockies
Canada’s Rocky Mountains are magnificent, imposing, and the turquoise waters and towering peaks are often thought of when considering a trip to Canada. From horseback riding in Jasper to paddling the still waters of Banff’s Moraine Lake, let’s dive into some of the best things to see and do in Canada’s Rockies! Banff National Park Gracing countless postcards for the Rockies is the crystal clear, aquamarine Moraine Lake, bordered by the Ten Peaks mountain range. An alpine lake
Alex Ziselman
Apr 21, 20222 min read


Top 4 Bucket List Moments in Alaska
With staggering mountain peaks, enormous wildlife, and remote wilderness lodges – Alaska offers jaw-dropping experiences that every traveler should have on their bucket list. Read on for some of the most quintessential (and mind-blowing) Alaskan experiences. A Stay at Sheldon Chalet Accessible only by helicopter, Sheldon Chalet is the only five-star hotel inside of Denali, resting on the magnificent Ruth Glacier, having been grandfathered into the spot by Don Sheldon, who bui
Alex Ziselman
Jan 31, 20222 min read


15 Reasons to Use a Professional Travel Advisor to book your next vacation
1. You already hire experts to get a better result We are all quick to call an expert when we are in a jam or out of our skillset; mechanic, accountant, attorney, dentist, or plumber. From cutting our hair to preparing our taxes, there are just some tasks that are better left for the pros. Travel is one of the biggest three purchases you’ll make in your life after a home and car (or college tuition if that’s in the cards for you). You use experts to save yourself time and s
Alex Ziselman
Jan 5, 20228 min read


Top 5 Luxury Trains in the World
With a large variety of trains available to explore the world, the choices may seem overwhelming. Although some people choose to focus solely on the destination, the train can play an essential role in the journey. No matter if you are looking for something vintage or something a little more modern, keep reading to discover some of the top luxury trains located around the world. The Belmond Andean ExplorerLocated in the beautiful country of Peru, The Belmond Andean Explorer i
Alex Ziselman
Dec 14, 20212 min read


Top 10 Destinations for Adventure Travel for Everyone
Adventure travel destinations aren't for thrill-seekers alone. They're an excellent opportunity for exploration, embracing the outdoors, seeing wildlife, and more. Check out this top 10 list of destinations for travel adventure for everyone! 1: India Beyond that of navigating a different culture, the country gives adventure travelers many opportunities to go on wildlife safaris in the heart of India's tiger country to trekking the Himalayan foothills. You'll find snow-capped
Alex Ziselman
Nov 29, 20212 min read


Top 10 Adventure Travel Destinations
If you know where to look, adventure is everywhere. The adventures you and your family take are an excellent way to bring your family closer together, expand your worldview, and help you feel young and vibrant. 1: Antarctica Traveling to Antarctica is the pinnacle of exploration, from crossing the world's most treacherous sea to seeing pristine ecosystems. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, trekking across glaciers or the polar plunge is considered a right of passage
Alex Ziselman
Nov 4, 20212 min read


Romantic Insta-Worthy Vacation Ideas for Couples
Planning a picturesque romantic getaway is so easy when the right vacation ideas are in front of you. You and your partner can't go wrong when adding any of these ideas to your travel plans. No matter if it's a relaxing beach getaway or escapades in a sophisticated city, we have ideas to create the most romantic travel experiences! Australian GlampingVisiting Cape Range National Park near the picturesque Ningaloo Reef gives couples an opportunity for romantic glamping. Dine o
Alex Ziselman
Oct 11, 20212 min read


Discover the Next Evolution of Galápagos Cruises - Silver Origin
Guests on the new Silver Origin explore the islands with a team of Ecuadorian guides and the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the islands. Snorkeling tops the list of popular activities on many expedition cruises. But snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands – whether from a Zodiac or a deserted beach – will have you hooting through your snorkel. “Sea lion pups want to play with you, penguins sometimes cruise by underwater, and sea turtles aren’t even bothered by our presence,” says
Alex Ziselman
Sep 27, 20213 min read


My Review of Cliff House Maine
Cliff House Maine Property Overview Perched on the panoramic Cape of Neddick, this place began its life as an simple seaside inn in 1872, but these days it aims to fill the area's luxury void with stunning decor that will turn city folks into immediate fans. This hotel never rests on its laurels despite being on the heels of a major expansion that has to date included a stunning 9,000-sq-ft spa, two new dining rooms and a comprehensive recreational roster (not to mention add
Alex Ziselman
Sep 20, 20214 min read


Planning a St. Lucia Vacation? Choose Sugar Beach for an amazing Experience!
Sugar Beach is a Viceroy Resort located in St. Lucia. This iconic and luxurious resort has been a mainstay on this Caribbean Island for many years, dating all the way back to when it was originally a sugar plantation. However, the resort has recently embarked on a few upgrades to make your stay better than ever! From the day Sugar Beach originally opened, guests have been able to walk along the soft pristine sand of St. Lucia’s infamous Sugar Beach. In the distance, the twin
Alex Ziselman
Aug 23, 20213 min read


Sugar Beach in St Lucia
ISLAND SECLUSION, MAJESTIC VIEWS It’s clear from your first walk on the soft white sand: This luxury St. Lucia resort is here to renew you. Enjoy the privacy and beauty of 100 acres of pristine rainforest on the Caribbean Sea. It’s all at the site of an 18th-century sugar plantation and in the embrace of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pitons. Seek seclusion in private accommodations amid vibrant gardens and soaring trees. Take the opportunity to reconnect and reflect as you
Alex Ziselman
Jun 14, 20211 min read


Daios Cove - Luxury Resort and Villas on Crete, Greece
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is in the Mediterranean Sea between the Sea of Crete and the Libyan Sea, south of the Peloponnese. Crete is approximately 160 miles long and 37 miles wide. If there was a beauty contest for Greek islands, Crete would surely be among the favorites. Indeed, some say there is no place on earth like Crete. Crete is well known for its seas and beaches but it has a very contrasting landscape. The island goes from fertile coastal plain
Alex Ziselman
May 30, 20214 min read


Would you like to stay in an underwater villa?
You can at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island...Or you can dine underwater! The Muraka Experience Above water, enjoy living and dining areas fitting of one of the world’s most exclusive residences. * Two bedrooms and a bathroom with ocean-facing tub * Outdoor deck with infinity pool * Private 24-hour butler and private chef * On-call fitness trainer and spa treatments * Private jet skis Make your way down the spiral staircase or elevator to your private underwater aquarium an
Alex Ziselman
May 9, 20212 min read


Cruise to Alaska Expedition Style
Alaska is the largest state in the United States in terms of area. It has the most glaciers in the nation, including the Hubbard glacier – the largest tidewater glacier in North America. If Manhattan had the same population density as Alaska, only 28 people would inhabit the island. But there would be a whole lot of bears! Almost everywhere the backdrop is composed of spectacular mountains with waterfalls, creeks and rivers, and the occasional volcano. The coastline is scatte
Alex Ziselman
May 3, 20214 min read


Bigger is definitely better! - Villa Rentals
Imagine enjoying a Hawaiian beach day with several of your closest friends or family and then returning to your temporary “home” at the end of the day to shower, rest and share a “Pau Hana” (Happy Hour) Mai Tai on the lanai while your own chef prepares an amazing dinner with fish that was caught that very day. Or, imagine spending the day touring some wineries in the Tuscany or Chianti region of Italy with several of your buddies and getting “home” in time to take an afternoo
Alex Ziselman
Apr 26, 20212 min read
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