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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.


Pros of Traveling with Your Partner
Traveling with my Wife has led to some of the best times in my life. I will never forget seeing the Vatican together for the first time, eating the most amazing amarone risotto in a Valpolicella winery, or the private celebration dinner I arranged for her at the Chanler at Cliff Walk. Traveling with that special someone is a whole new way of getting to know them and yourself. Spontaneous adventures, mishaps, and language barriers provide the ultimate opportunity to learn mor
Alex Ziselman
May 12, 20222 min read


Why You Should Visit a Spa Resort
There are many reasons why someone would want to visit a spa. Especially while traveling. We're living in a face-paced society, and, over time, keeping up with everything takes its toll. We are all looking for an escape. Many people travel to escape the trials and tribulations of everyday life. You can enhance those vacations by visiting a spa resort. Let's look at how! Reduction of Stress Levels After enjoying scenic views or a stunning sunset, you can cap off the day by rec
Alex Ziselman
May 4, 20222 min read


Cruise only or Cruise and Land Tour in Alaska?
Are you ready an Alaska showdown?! We're going to be looking at the world of Alaska cruises and comparing them to a cruise tour. Ready to see which wins? Alaskan Cruises are just that--cruises around the state of Alaska with a stop in Canada. These can be one-way or roundtrip cruise from Seattle, Victoria, or Anchorage, as some of the major ports of embarkation/debarkation. Best for: 1. Contemporary Cruisers- As these are shorter journeys compared to a cruise tour. 2. Alaska
Alex Ziselman
Apr 28, 20222 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


How to NOT Look Like a Tourist in Paris – The Do’s and Don’ts
It’s one of the most romantic cities in the world, full of chic locals living their best lives. While France is one of the most-visited countries in Europe, this doesn’t mean you want to stick out like a sore (foreign) thumb! Here are a few ways you can combat the tacky tourist labels North Americans are often labeled with. Wardrobe It’s no secret that Parisians are stylish, and the city itself is a hub for fashion and creatives alike. Before you go out and buy a whole new w
Alex Ziselman
Apr 14, 20223 min read
Eat Like a Local: France Edition
Food is one of the best ways to learn about a different culture, and in France, this couldn’t be more true. After all, cuisine, menu, and dessert are all French words! Try eating like a local for every meal to get a true taste (pun intended) of the French lifestyle. Breakfast / Le Petit-déjeuner While the traditions and customs vary somewhat in different regions of France, it's safe to say that breakfast will be the same wherever you go. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea,
Alex Ziselman
Apr 6, 20223 min read


A Food Lover's Guide Through A Traditional Greek Menu
With the magnificent climate and stunning scenery, it is easy to see why Greece is a top global destination, but the Greek cuisine raises a visitor’s experience to the next level. This delectable cuisine is influenced by Eastern and Western cultures with the 3 key ingredients are olive oil, wine, and wheat, often combined with fish, meat, yogurt, and vegetables to create a mouth-watering meal. Many herbs and spices are blended into Greek recipes, mostly including basil, thyme
Alex Ziselman
Mar 29, 20222 min read


The Best Travel Apps
Let’s face it, technology has changed the way we live, work, and travel. While there’s an app for just about anything, for every useful app there are a dozen or more not-so-useful ones, simply taking up space on your phone for no good reason. Before you embark on your next trip, consider downloading these (actually useful!) travel apps to help make your planning and the journey itself run smoothly. Packpoint Travelers who hate packing, rejoice! Packpoint takes the guesswork
Alex Ziselman
Mar 16, 20222 min read


Top Travel Trends for 2022 and Beyond
For some of us, the last two years have greatly impacted how we live, work, and travel. With restrictions around the globe easing, and travel making a BIG comeback, let’s take a look at a few major trends we are seeing in 2022 and beyond! Epic Trips Revenge travel has never been hotter, and big, bucket-list trips are taking travelers (and travel advisors) by storm. With all of the time spent at home, in lockdown, teaching your kids through remote schooling, or simply saving m
Alex Ziselman
Mar 10, 20222 min read
7 Ways to Improve Your In-Flight Experience
From foot-kicking neighbors to an overly-talkative seatmate, it’s always a gamble when you step aboard an aircraft. Flying can be exhilarating, stressful, boring, and downright scary at times. I’m here to give you a few simple tips to ease the burden when you take to the skies and possibly even make your travels downright enjoyable! Prioritize Comfort Sure, you may want to step off the plane in New York looking fabulous in your jeans or new dress – but you don’t want to sit
Alex Ziselman
Mar 3, 20222 min read


Preparing Your Home For Travel
I know one of the big concerns when we vacation is making sure our homes stay safe. While I can’t make any guarantees that any of these methods will work for you, I know these are popular methods that many people look to when preparing their home before traveling abroad. 1. Home Monitoring System- These systems will typically sound an alarm and alert you if something should happen. Most also do run through a phone list of people to alert, should you not answer due to being ou
Alex Ziselman
Feb 24, 20222 min read


The Benefits of River Cruises
When you think of cruises, do you think of tiny cabins, lukewarm buffets, and crowded pool decks? Think again. Cruising itself may sometimes get a bad rap, but it’s not all bad food and tacky tour bus excursions. In the last ten years, river cruise bookings have increased a whopping 250%. Whether you’re new to a vacation on the high seas, or a long-time cruising aficionado, here’s why you should consider a river cruise for your next holiday. Access Having unfettered access to
Alex Ziselman
Feb 17, 20222 min read


Dishes that are Unique to Venice Italy
Italy is abundant in eclectic dishes. No matter where you choose to go throughout the country, you'll get an entirely new dining experience. For instance, when you head towards the lagoon, you'll get to enjoy Venetian cuisine, and if you head towards the shores of the Adriatic Sea, you’ll get to experience traditional seafood dishes. Dishes That Are Unique to Venice Of course, upon visiting Venice, you must try some of their most authentic, delicious dishes. So, in case you’r
Alex Ziselman
Feb 13, 20222 min read


How to Plan a Surprise Romantic Trip
No matter if it's to reconnect or reawaken your senses, planning a surprise romantic trip is an excellent way of enjoying travel experiences without distractions. If your sweetheart is the adventurous type, then you can't go wrong with planning a surprise romantic escape. In this guide, we're showing you how to pull this off without your significant other knowing about it until you both arrive! Make Sure Your Schedules are ClearIf the trip is longer than one weekend, then you
Alex Ziselman
Feb 8, 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


Which Caribbean Destination is Right For You?
You may think sun, sand, tropical drinks – the Caribbean is all the same right? Wrong! There are countless unique islands, different cultures, food, and activities on offer in the Caribbean, from the legendary Mayan ruins to the flashy lights of Nassau’s Atlantis. Let’s examine a few of these stunning and sunny locales, so you can better determine which is the best fit for you! Aruba Affectionately coined One Happy Island, Aruba is a great vacation option for the entire famil
Alex Ziselman
Jan 25, 20224 min read


How to best work with a Travel Advisor
Everyone with a camera thinks they are a photographer and everyone with a blog thinks they are a journalist. Likewise, everyone with a computer thinks they are their own travel agent. The difference in each instance is years of training, experience, intuition, and connections. January is typically the busiest month of the year for travel professionals. I guess families get together over the holidays and discuss their travel plans for the next year...then when the kids go bac
Alex Ziselman
Jan 17, 20224 min read


8 Amazing Benefits to Going on an Outdoor Adventure
How often do you find yourself feeling tired, worn out, or even frustrated with day to day life? Maybe you’re putting in too many hours at work, or perhaps your work-life balance is so skewed you don’t know where one begins and the other one ends. The past two years have been a long stretch, and if you feel like you’re on the edge of burnout and need a drastic change of scenery, we’ve got a great idea; head out on a grand outdoor adventure. Here are a few amazing benefits to
Alex Ziselman
Jan 11, 20224 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
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