With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping our globe, it is hard to imagine life getting back to “normal” anytime soon. We’ve all been so deeply affected by this tragic time. And with so much uncertainty surrounding the plan for getting back on track, you can’t help but wonder… what if this is just the new normal? 

Travel has certainly changed drastically since the beginning of 2020. Shelter-at-home protocols have caused many folks to cancel or postpone their travel plans. And while having to miss out on your long-awaited and much-needed vacation might not be devastating in the grand scheme of things, it is a bummer nonetheless. 

However, as the rest of the country proceeds cautiously through its reopening phases, the travel industry has resumed business as...err... not so usual. In other words, you don’t have to put off your travel plans any further, but you should expect some significant changes from your typical travel experience.

The following is a list of the changes you can expect for travel during COVID-19! 

1. Health and Safety protocols 
We’re probably all used to it at this point, but it’s important to note that you will be required to follow strict health and safety protocols when traveling by plane. These will include wearing a face covering at all times and keeping at least 6 feet between you and the nearest stranger. 

Be aware when traveling to make sure to wear a tight fitted mask that is breathable yet effective in filtering particles. It is also very handy to have sanitizer wipes to clean surfaces you may touch or surfaces that have been touched before you! 

Also remember, you may be required to quarantine for 14 days once you return, depending on where you live and where you’re coming from!

2. People are choosing road trips over flying
Another way that travel has been altered by the pandemic is in the type of vacations people are taking. Many folks are still too nervous to hop on a flight, so they’ve been getting extra creative with their domestic travel ideas. This has led to many people choosing alternative travel plans that are closer to home or a drive-able distance. 

3.  Fewer passengers due to social distancing
Some airlines were limiting the amount of passengers on their flights by blocking off the middle seat. If you prefer a less congested flight – let’s be honest, who doesn’t? – Southwest and Delta are two of the airlines that are implementing this safety measure. That may change in early 2021. 

It’s crucial to remember that even if you are choosing a flight with seat restrictions, be aware that airports may be crowded and you’ll want to be sure to take precautions when it comes to security checks and overcrowded restrooms. 

4. Cheaper flights and hotel rooms 
Because fewer people are traveling, some airlines and hotels have lowered their prices in an attempt to bounce back from a three month standstill. However, some are claiming that prices might start to rise again as people become less nervous to travel. We’ll see how the next couple of months pan out. 

Keep in mind, although the cost of travel might be more affordable, it is still important to take the utmost precautions to protect you and others around you! 

5. Extensive sanitation regulations 
When booking luxury travel, you can always expect tip-top cleanliness! ;) But now even without luxury travel planning, you can rest assured that your hotel rooms, public restrooms, car rentals and airport areas will be extra squeaky clean due to the extra requirements for sanitation regulations. 

6. Limited traveling abroad 
While travel within the US is a go, there are still certain countries that are not allowing American tourists to visit. For the ones that are, they may require for you to be tested upon arrival. Be sure to check the requirements for the place you are visiting so that you can be prepared! 

Adventure still awaits…
When I find my mind lingering a little too long on all of the “what ifs” (and the WTFs), I try to remind myself of the positives that have come out of this crazy year! Communities have come together in some amazing ways to support one another. Families have had the chance to spend more time with each other. And we have all shown just how strong we can be! 

While travel isn’t entirely back to how it was pre-pandemic, it is well on its way! If you do plan to travel anytime soon, remember to stay safe, wear a mask and do what you can to help flatten the curve.
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If you need to plan a special getaway after several months of quarantining, do it in luxury! We’re happy to help you plan a relaxing, fun and safe travel experience. 

Wedding canceled because of COVID-19? Plan your destination elopement with us :)

Romance travel is the perfect way to reconnect with the one you love, visit new places and check some things off your bucket list all at the same time! By far, one of my favorite parts about being a travel curation specialist is when I get the opportunity to plan a dreamy couples travel experience and help my clients create memories that they will never forget. In my opinion, there is no better way to grow closer together than seeing the world and indulging in the luxurious side of life with one another! 

Whether you’re traveling together for the very first time or you’ve been together for decades, the secret to planning the ultimate romantic getaway is in the little details. Sure, a tropical beach-front paradise or cozy, secluded cabin in the woods can make for the perfect backdrop to set the scene for your trip, but it’s the thoughtful gestures that lead to those special romantic moments and create the most memorable experiences!

If you and your partner are planning your next vacation, here are some surprises you can bring along to really enhance the romance! 

1. Bring candles to set a romantic atmosphere. ​
I highly recommend the Diptyque Votive Candle Trio if you really want to impress your partner. This candle set comes with 3 mini-sized candles that are easy to hide in your suitcase until the perfect moment. Each candle is sensually decadent. It’s such a simple, but incredibly thoughtful way to create a romantic atmosphere and add a touch of luxury to your night.

2. Champagne. Chocolate. Nuff said. 
My second suggestion is truly a winning combination. There is nothing wrong with going the classic route and prearranging a nice bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries or other special treat for you two to enjoy when you settle in to your hotel room. Whatever your S.O. would enjoy - you know best!

3. Massage upon arrival? Yes please!
This one is what I would call the over-achiever move – a surprise massage after a long flight! Absolutely. This is a sure fire way to set the mood for relaxation from the very moment you arrive at your destination. 

4. Get creative!
One of my clients surprised their special someone by arranging for their first-dance wedding song to be playing as they entered their hotel room! It’s thoughtful moments like these that evoke that true romantic feeling and set the tone for you to fall in love all over again. 

Have a romantic trip...
Whether you’re planning a destination elopement, honeymoon, babymoon, anniversary or just a romantic getaway for you and the one you love, I hope these tips come in handy. A little surprise goes a long way! If you and your partner are looking to travel in luxury, there are plenty more tips where these came from. The ultimate romantic getaway is just a phone call away. :)

When you’re exploring a new city or country, you want to be able to gallivant around without a care in the world feeling comfortable, safe and relaxed – eat, pray, love style. We all have plenty of cares to worry about back at home in our day to day lives… work, children, mortgages. Adults only travel is all about getting away and getting a little well-deserved self care. 

Probably the most common concern I’ve heard from my clients when booking their travel experience is a matter of safety. While certain clients of mine are seeking an adventurous, off-the-grid expedition, many of my clients are certainly not. It’s important to them to be sure that the excursions or tours I plan for them are not too far off the beaten path or potentially dangerous. 

Luxury travel starts from the moment you begin planning your trip and as your travel agent, I like to prepare my clients with everything they’ll need to ensure that they are always traveling in comfort. If safety is one of your top concerns, I like to recommend the following tips.

1. Do your research or hire someone to do it for you!

The key is to do your research so that you understand your destination in-depth before you arrive. That’s why working with a travel curation specialist like myself is ideal. I listen to all of your wants, needs and concerns so that I can put together your dream vacation with each itinerary detail carefully planned out to meet your preferences. 

2. Buy the right travel bag. 

Traveling in comfort and with safety in mind is all about the bag. I highly recommend crossbody bags for excursion days. Crossbody bags are perfect for travel because they're harder for pick-pockets to pick and tougher for purse snatchers to snatch off of you. The Frye Leather Crossbody Bag is my go-to choice due to it’s flap design and the high quality. You can be sure it will last as long as your passport – maybe even longer!

3. Bring what you will need, not what you might need. 

This is something I’ve learned from my own traveling experiences. Don’t overthink and don’t overpack. Stressing before you’ve even left for the airport is no way to start off a relaxing vacation. Make sure you bring all of the essential items that you’ll definitely need, such as your necessary medications, enough toiletries, or basic first aid utensils, but don’t over-do it. 

Have a safe, comfortable and relaxing trip…
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Bob Marley said it best… don’t worry, be happy. The first step is to let us handle the luxury travel planning for you. 

We hope with these helpful tips you can leave all of your concerns for safety back at home with the rest of your worries! Happy traveling! 

I don’t know about you, but the closer and closer that first day of my long-awaited vacation gets, the harder it is to concentrate on anything else. As soon as the week before the trip rolls around (or sometimes two), I start the countdown. 

As a travel curation specialist, I’m an expert at making sure I’ve gone over every detail with a fine-tooth comb. However, that doesn’t keep the pre-trip jitters away entirely. I blame the excitement and anticipation for the excessive amount of times I check my packing list or remind all of my friends and colleagues that I’ll be out of town… (Sorry to rub it in!)

Despite all of the nervous excitement and giddy anticipation, I like to make sure that the moment I step foot onto the plane and find my seat it is time to sit back, relax, and let the good times roll. Just a short snooze and I’ll be waking up in paradise…

But we all know that isn’t always the case. Plane rides can be noisy, stuffy, bumpy, and far from relaxing. 

As a seasoned traveler, I’ve found a few ways to avoid the more unpleasant plane ride experiences that we’ve all encountered at least once before. And I’m happy to share! 

Here are my 3 tips for a relaxing plane ride.
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