Travel Horizons: England

Showing posts with label England. Show all posts

5.19.2021

JetBlue Mint across the Pond

Exciting news, thanks to my friend Ben at One Mile at a Time... JetBlue has announced its Mint service from JFK to London. One daily flight starts 12AUG to Heathrow, and a second daily flight starts 30AUG to Gatwick.

Here's the outbound schedule to London:

dep JFK at 9:48 p.m., arr. LHR at 10:10 a.m.
dep JFK at 7:48 p.m., arr. LGW at 7:55 a.m.

Here's the return flight back to New York:

dep. LHR at 6:10 pm., arr. JFK 9:35 p.m.
dep. LGW at 12:10 p.m., arr JFK 3:43 p.m.

Round-trip in JetBlue's lie-flat Mint class seat starts at $1,979, per the airline's website. Combined with a comfortable lie-flat seat and JetBlue's great catering, this is quite a value.

When you're ready to plan luxury travel to London, we can accessorize your flights with stays in five star luxury hotels ... with Virtuoso amenities including daily complimentary breakfast for two + a $100 hotel credit towards F&B or spa, all at the same price you'll find on hotel websites.

London has some of the world's best hotels. Have you been thinking about a trip to England in this fall?

11.08.2018

postcards from England | Lucknam Park

We've stayed at many beautiful hotels in the course of our travels, but this is the most impressive entrance in my experience. Guests at Lucknam Park arrive on a mile long avenue of Beech and Lime trees, finally approaching this 18th century country house with 42 bedrooms including 13 suites.

Lucknam Park is six miles outside Bath at the southwestern tip of the Cotswolds, and it's stunningly beautiful. Two hours from London, Lucknam Park offers an equestrian center, Cookery School, ESPA spa with indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and exercise facilities. Collectors of Michelin stars will enjoy dining at Restaurant Hywel Jones, while an informal Brasserie is available for more casual dining.

Room choice does matter here, and I definitely recommend splurging on the Camelia Suite (or, at the very least, staying in the Main House). In the Grand Suite category, the Camellia Suite is located directly above the lobby with a commanding view down the middle of the row of trees (view pictured below). Grand Master Suites are located at the front corners of the house and can be arranged with a connecting room, perfect for families.

Virtuoso amenities include daily full English Breakfasts for two guests and one Champagne Afternoon Tea for two, an incredible value add for this most luxurious of resorts. Click here to book Lucknam Park on Virtuoso.com.

copyright (c) 2018 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

10.24.2018

postcards from England | Dartmoor ponies

Looking for undiscovered places? When I was planning our trip to England, I turned to my friends at #CelebratedExperiences to help plan my time in the English countryside. I wanted to experience rural England, enjoy natural beauty, see historical artifacts, and avoid crowds of tourists. We developed an itinerary that included Devon county and Dartmoor National Park. Celebrated connected us with an expert guide, Alex, who knew Dartmoor like the back of his hand and showed us so much of this little known corner of the world.

Wild ponies, anyone? Herds of wild ponies have grazed Dartmoor for at least 3,500 years, and we frequently came across sights like the one pictured above, a pony right by the side of the road.

Alex took us to the tor pictured here. Tors are massive granite outcroppings that can be seen throughout the county. Unlike Stonehenge, you'll never see a tour bus, and you'll never be separated from the tors by ropes.

If you're seeking a less traveled corner of the world, unmarred by overtourism, ask me about Devon County and Dartmoor National Park.

10.22.2018

postcards from England | Castle Combe

Another postcard from England, Castle Combe is a storybook village. On checking out of Lucknam Park, we stopped in this incredibly cute village at the southern edge of the Cotswolds. It has been named "the prettiest village in England," and if you're in the area, it's worth stopping by to enjoy the beauty.

Right in the center of Castle Combe is the old 13th-century St. Andrews Church. We dropped in to take a look ... very pretty! In front of the church, at the intersection where three small roads converge, is the 14th-century market cross. The film Doctor Doolittle was filmed in Castle Combe in 1966, and the village has been the filming location for other films as well as some episodes of Downton Abbey. If you're a guest at Lucknam Park, definitely drive through Castle Combe, but otherwise I wouldn't go far out of my way to visit. Very cute, but not much else...

10.18.2018

postcards from England | Windsor Castle

The first of a series of postcards from my recent trip to England that I'll be posting over the next several weeks. On what was supposed to be our final day in England, October 10th, one of my clients met us at Cliveden and took us on a delightful driving tour through some of the nearby picturesque villages. Of special note was the village of Cookham and its old Anglican church.

After enjoying tea with our host at her club, Stoke Park, she drove us to Windsor. One of the royal palacesm Windsor was the setting for the recent royal marriage of Andrew and Meaghan. A somewhat touristy town, but it was fun walking through its streets and seeing the palace.

Windsor is quite close to Heathrow airport. I spotted this Etihad Airbus 380 plane on its final approach. The jet wasn't as close as it seems in the photograph, but you can sense the size of this 380 double-deck aircraft. We finished our day with an enjoyable pub dinner at The Crown at Bray.

9.21.2018

going on a trip — 6 ideas to make travel easier

Packing is the least fun part of traveling. I'm leaving for England in just three days — I'm literally counting down the days — and I've had stuff sitting on our guestroom bed for a week or so. But putting it all into a suitcase? That feels like work.

Here's how I get ready for a trip — six things you might do (or bring) to make your travels as easy and pleasurable as possible:

#1 — create a laminated packing list. Before I had a packing list, I had to re-invent the wheel each time I travelled. I had to remember all the clothes to bring, all the toiletries I'd need, and all the various gadgets I'd want. How many times have you forgotten a belt, a tie, a hat, a tube of toothpaste, or forgotten to cancel the newspaper?

So I created my own customized packing list, printed it in a column on both sides of a sheet of paper, and had the friendly folks at Staples laminate it (about $5). Every time I get ready to travel, I consult my check list. It reminds me of all the things I need to do: fully charge my electronics; put my passport and foreign currency into my carryon; pack power adapters if I'm visiting Europe or Asia; etc.

#2 — save your business class amenity kits. They are the perfect size to store electronics items you always need. One for my MacBook holds the computer's power plug and cord, a multiport adapter, and a USB-to-lightening cable. Another for my various iDevices always has a Dual USB wall charger and two USB-to-lightening cables.

#3 — Bose noise-cancelling airbuds; click here to see the item. I find in-ear headphones preferable to over-the-ear when traveling because they take up so much less space in a carryon. Expensive but worth it if you fly a lot, my Bose eliminates most jet noise. With my earbuds, I can hear clearly the audio from the flight's entertainment system or my iPad. They also serve as headphones for my iPhone.

#4 — Cree LED mini flashlight; click here for a photo. Light and tiny, this item takes up no space in my toiletries bag. A flashlight on your side table is very handy if you need to use the WC in the middle of the night — no need to turn on the room lights which tends to wake you up ... or stumble your way into the bathroom in the darkness. A flashlight also comes in handy when you need to get ready while your partner is still sleeping.

#5 — LL Bean travel pillow; click here to see the item. This isn't for the plane; it's for my hotel bed. I'm very picky about pillows. I prefer soft, thin feather pillows, cushy with just enough support for my neck. If a pillow is too thick, it pushes my neck and head forward all night and I wake up with a neck ache. When packing, the pillow compresses and takes virtually no space — and I only use it if the hotel pillows are too thick.

#6 — check in online 24 hours in advance, print your boarding pass, confirm your limo, and track your flight on the morning of your departure. If you're flying over the pond (as I'm doing on Monday on British Airways), I'll also check the incoming flight. If you know ahead of time if an incoming flight is going to be very late, you'll be able to make alternate plans.

9.08.2018

England ... 16 days from today

In a little more than two weeks, Claire and I will be headed to England for our Fall trip. While I've visited the English countryside on several occasions, I've never spent in-depth time out in the country. This trip, we're spending just four nights in London. We have planned twelve nights to discover what I anticipate will be some gorgeous scenery. Our itinerary includes Hampshire, the Jurassic Coast, Derry, Bath ... and four full nights in the central Cotswolds.

Landscape photography is my passion, and I'm eagerly anticipating the chance to explore the beautiful towns and landscapes of the English coast and the Cotswolds. Travel is my excuse for taking photographs, and I'll be sharing them on Facebook as well as on Travel Horizons. For those of my readers interested in photography, I highly recommend Thomas Heaton's YouTube channel. I've found it interesting to see how a real professional works. His videos have been both instructive and inspirational.

Looking forward to sharing my next trip with you!

copyright (c) 2018 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

8.27.2018

Downton Abbey | with or without the crowds?

I was privileged to enjoy an exclusive private visit to Highclere Castle in April, 2016. Arranged by our fabulous UK travel partner Noteworthy Events, we were granted entry to the famous estate a full half hour before opening. The picture above shows members of our group as we walked up the drive toward the entrance made famous by Downton Abbey.

We had the castle to ourselves. While we had to keep on the regular pathway through the house, we were able to take our time. We enjoyed a delightful few minutes in the living room, the setting of so many of Downton Abbey's best scenes. We walked up the grand staircase to the living quarters and peered into the bedrooms. We were never rushed nor crowded.

While it's possible to visit Highclere Castle during the public opening times, the experience would be quite different. I've quoted below the photo a few remarks posted on Trip Advisor.

https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/community/heroes-at-highclere-2018/

One visitor was "disappointed" by the crowding.

Although we booked our tickets last February, with a timed slot, I was disappointed at the amount of people trying to view the house at the same time.... The bedroom corridor was narrow and there was nobody in control to monitor the amount of people trying to look at the bedrooms or the pictures. Lots of mumbling complaints about the number of people stuck in a queue to view the rooms.

Another visitor uses descriptors like "achingly slow" and "frustration," and her visit was spoiled by the bored children in queue.

As soon as we were through the door, it was single file, step by achingly slow step around the house. It wasn't a pleasant experience, people behind were trying to get ahead, those in front wanted to stand and discuss. Children were becoming bored, all adding to the frustration of the visit.

Less is more when it comes to crowds. Our Virtuoso travel partners have the connections to offer you an exclusive experience of England ... or most anyplace you'd like to visit. So even if you're not a lord or lady, you can still experience Downton Abbey like Mr. Molesley or Mrs. Patmore!

7.23.2018

traveling soon? check your passport...

Traveling out of the country? Here's something you should do immediately: check the date of expiration for every passport of your traveling party. Ensure each passport is valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your trip. Most countries will deny entry — and many airlines will refuse boarding — if your passports do not meet this criterion.

Do any of the countries you're visiting require visas? Note that US citizens traveling to England, France, Italy, Canada, Mexico, and many other countries do not need to obtain a visa... but other countries require visitors to apply in advance. You can apply online for visas for many (but not all) destinations. Use the CIBT website to verify visa requirements for your trip.

In a hurry to apply for (or renew) your passport? Google "passport expedited service" for companies that can assist. If you live near a major US metropolitan area, you may be able apply in person. Make an online appointment at one of 27 U.S. passport agencies where you'll be able to submit your application on the spot. A traveler I know could not find her passport just prior to her trip to Mexico; she was able to obtain a new one with same-day service at the Chicago passport office. Note that there is a $60 expedite fee for this service.

But don't wait! If you're planning to travel internationally in the next year, check your passport NOW! Luxury travel is all about traveling stress-free, so plan ahead so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

from Ourisman Travel's Terms and Conditions: It is Customer’s responsibility to verify that all the visas required for your trip have been obtained, that the visas for each country are valid for the entry and exit dates of your visit, that your personal details are accurately reflected and that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your trip.

6.01.2017

lavender fields forever

photo credit: Original Travel UK, used by permission

The lavender fields are one reason so many travelers visit Provence, but did you know you can also see blossoming lavender in the Cotswolds? The fields normally start to flower from mid-June, with mid-July being the best time to see them. Less crowded than Provence, you can plan a driving or biking tour in the Cotswolds.

Scenic drives abound throughout the United Kingdom, and Original Travel UK (who provided the photo — thank you!) can assist with car rentals, maps, and recommendations on where to stop along the day... as well as theatre tickets, restaurant reservations, and transfers. They have planned thousands of itineraries, no trips alike, throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Update: if you'd like to see the lavender fields, Annie from Original Travel UK recommends a day trip to Mayfield Lavender, followed by Afternoon Tea.

The United Kingdom is a favored summer destination as you'll be spared the heat, humidity, and crowds of southern Europe. Want to see the lavender fields blooming in the Cotswolds this summer? Get in touch, and we'll set up the rest!

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

5.30.2017

a bucket list for United Methodist tourism

Interior of the New Room, the first Methodist Chapel - released to the public domain

United Methodist Communications has published a bucket list for Methodists, seven sites every United Methodist should see. I have listed those seven attractions as well as the closest hotels where we can offer extra value amenities.

1. England — The New Room (pictured above), located in Bristol, England, is Methodism's first meeting house. Stay at the Royal Crescent Hotel in the city center of Bath where we can provide Virtuoso amenities.

In London, make plans to see Wesley's Chapel and House, and in Epworth you can tour the Epworth Old Rectory where John and Charles Wesley grew up. Our closest partner hotel to Wesley's Chapel is Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square where you can enjoy Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities.

2. Philadelphia — St. George's United Methodist Church is the oldest house of Methodist worship in continuous use in America. Its congregation has been meeting at that location since 1767, the church building itself dating from 1769. Francis Asbury preached his first American sermon here in 1771. The closest Virtuoso hotel is the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, just six miles distant.

3. Ocean Grove— God's Square Mile at the Jersey Shore. A camp meeting was founded here in 1869, and thousands come during the summer to worship at the 6,000 seat Great Auditorium whose pipe organ has 11,000 pipes. Though no luxury hotels are found in Ocean Grove, consider the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in neighboring Asbury Park.

4. Washington, DC — the United Methodist Center is the only building on Capitol Hill not belonging to the government. Visitors can take self-guided weekday tours and attend worship each Wednesday at noon. The Mandarin Oriental Washington DC is less than two miles away.

5. Nashville — the Upper Room Chapel attracts visitors to the global home of United Methodist ministries focused on spiritual development. Worship is held each Wednesday morning, and admission to the museum is free. The Hutton Hotel is just a half mile away.

6. Zimbabwe - Africa University, in operation since 1992, the university's mission is to mold students from dozens of African nations into educated leaders for the church and for the world. The closest Virtuoso hotel is a safari lodge, Singita Pamushana Lodge.

7. Baldwin, Louisiana - Sager Brown Depot is the distribution center for relief supplies and the hub for UMCOR missions. Tours are available by appointment, and you can see and touch relief kits that are on their way to aid disaster victims around the world. There are four Virtuoso hotels in New Orleans, about two hours to the east. Best months to visit are between November and April.

4.07.2017

tour the English countryside

While I don't normally sell group tours, this one caught my eye! Fully five star, this 10-day, 9-night escorted tour of the countryside of England is limited to 24 guests (it will go with as few as two guests!), features a fabulous itinerary, and you can now save $500 off the price for two guests. The map says it all:

Starting with two nights in London, you'll also enjoy guided tours of Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Shakespeare's birthplace in Coventry (Wales), and the Queen's castle at Windsor. Breakfasts are included throughout, as are many lunches and dinners. Available departure dates are 15JUN, 13JUL, 21SEP, and 5OCT.

The best part of an escorted tour is that you literally don't need to think about logistics. Your job is simply to relax, enjoy the sights you'll see and stories you'll hear, and have the pleasure of making new like-minded friends along the way.

7.29.2016

a very VIP England Tour

If you followed the live blogs of my April trip to England, you already know about some of these exclusive experience. I've just learned of an opportunity to buy into a very exclusive small group travel experience with some of the most WOW possibilities in the UK.

Exclusive Luxury Tour Itinerary

16SEP — arrive London in style

VIP airport meet & greet for for 2 guests
Luxury car transfer to Rubens Hotel, mid-category room
Afternoon walking tour of London
Welcome reception

17SEP — Changing of the Guard and Buckingham Palace

Behind the scenes during the Changing of the Guard
Two course Pub Lunch
Buckingham Palace and Queen Dress Exhibition, self-guided
Evening at leisure

18SEP — Churchill War Rooms

Elite Guide walking tour and shopping
Two course lunch at Fortnum and Masons
Private Tour of the Churchill War Rooms with the Director
Evening at leisure

19SEP — Highclere Castle

Exclusive Highclere Castle private visit
Private three course lunch in the dining room (as on Downton Abbey)
Private tour of Highclere Castle — no ropes, no lines, and a possible hello from Lady Carnavon

20SEP — depart London

Luxury car transfer

Price - 4,300£ per person. Email me for exclusive information and thought on how to extend this VIP tour.

Not included: air fare or meals where not advised
Based on 2 people sharing mid-category room at Rubens at the Palace
Based on a minimum of 10 people
Single supplements for meet & greet, car transfer and hotel available

copyright (c) 2016 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

6.25.2016

Europe on sale | how to lock in your savings

While I was personally disappointed by the result of the Brexit referendum, that is not the point of this article. Citizens of the United Kingdom voted and made their decision, and the consequences are largely unknown.

One outcome is clear. The value of the Euro and the Pound Sterling has dropped significantly, at least in the short term. The Euro currently costs only $1.11 and the Pound is currently worth $1.37. Exchange rates may rebound, once the fog of uncertainty surrounding Brexit begins to clear, but for the moment Europe is on sale. This makes life more expensive for my European clients — but it means unparalleled values for the rest of the world.

Even if you don't want to go to Europe right now (and I believe that the Fall is a better time to travel), you might want to lock in the favorable exchange rate. Here's how to do it:

Make and pre-pay your hotel reservations now in Europe and in London and the UK. This will lock in the current discount. Even if the pound and euro rise in value before your trip begins, you will have taken advantage of the currently advantageous exchange rate. Should you decide to change your dates, your prepayment will still be applicable to the new booking.

4.16.2016

still lovin' London

Only eight days ago, I was in London, enjoying a final breakfast at The Goring Hotel before heading off to Heathrow for my Virgin Atlantic flight back to San Francisco. I'm pretty much over my jet lag, but memories of the trip are still strong.

What a fabulous destination, my enjoyment made better by the fact that Noteworthy Events (one of our Virtuoso tour companies in England) planned so many extraordinary experiences for us. But I did have a few free hours to myself one afternoon during which I did what I enjoy most about traveling — just wandering about the city.

I started at Westminster Abbey, still a Benedictine monastery and the scene of so many historical events including the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. England's monarchs are coronated in the Abbey, and many historical figures in British history are buried and memorialized here. Photography is not permitted inside the church, which policy I respected. I rather appreciate the fact that priests assertively enforce the photography ban, helping keep an atmosphere of prayer despite the fact that the church is filled with tourists having paid the 20£ admission fee.

I then wandered through Westminster back to my hotel, The Corinthia, going by the Houses of Parliament along the way. The perimeter of the park is filled with statues of historic figures such as Gandhi and Nelson Mandela ... but what most caught my eye was the statue of above of an elderly Winston Churchill, supporting himself with his cane, and gazing perpetually towards Big Ben. (One thing I learned: Big Ben refers to the tower, not to the clock).

A trip to London is surely in your future! Contact us if you want to plan an extraordinary travel experience you'll treasure for a lifetime.

5.23.2013

top 10 gardens in Europe

The Chelsea Flower Show is celebrating its 100th Anniversary, and in commemoration of this event, Abercrombie & Kent has just published this list of the top 10 gardens in Europe. In fact, A&K has four itineraries featuring gardens — two in England, one in The Netherlands and Belgium, and on in Italy.

Here's the top 10 list:

1.   Monet's Garden, Giverny, France
2.   Generalife, Alhambra, Granada, Spain
3.   Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore, Italy
4.   Gardens of Versailles, île-de-France, France
5.   Powerscourt, Dublin, Ireland
6.   Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, France
7.   Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, The Netherlands
8.   Highgrove, Tetbury, UK
9.   Villa D'Este, Tivoli, Italy
10. Hidcote Manor Garden, Chipping Campden, UK

Interested in a garden tour with all the arrangements made, or prefer me to book your Virtuoso hotels (with the exclusive value-added amenities I can offer as a Virtuoso travel consultant — upgrades, free daily breakfast for two, and other perks) while you plan your own tour? Just drop me an email.

top 10 gardens in Europe (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2013 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

3.04.2010

barging on the River Thames

While I am not into cruises, I thoroughly enjoyed a barge trip I took several years ago in the south of France. So when I received news of this special offer on the Magna Carta for selected sailings this spring, I wanted to pass it along. This cruise is on my own wish list; it glides down the River Thames through some of the most beautiful English countryside you'll ever see.

A barge cruise is nothing like an ocean cruise. You're not on a big ship with hundreds or thousands of other passengers; you'll be one of eight exclusive guests. No extra charges for drinks or shore excursions; everything is included. You won't be having your meals in a large dining room in which hundreds of meals are being prepared simultaneously; every night is like a wonderful dinner party, thrown by the crew, with exquisite meals elegantly served.

Carrying just eight passengers and ideal for groups of friends or families, a Magna Carta barge cruise is an intimate and exclusive experience. The barge boasts two decks with four luxurious, spacious staterooms on the lower deck, each with beautiful hardwood floors, under-floor heating, independent air conditioning and en-suite facilities complete with oversized showers and basins, heated towel rail, independent under-floor heating and other fine guest amenities.

On the upper deck, guests will find the saloon with picture windows offering panoramic views of the charming English countryside. Here, passengers can relax on Italian leather sofas and enjoy a fully stocked bar, library complete with reference books, a selection of games and a comprehensive CD collection. Exquisite dishes are delivered from the professional galley and are enjoyed in the adjacent fine dining area. Leading from the saloon are split-level sun decks offering a sun umbrella and chairs. Sunk within the upper level is a large, bubbling Jacuzzi, providing passengers with an oasis for complete relaxation.

Save $2,000 per cabin on cruises departing March 21, March 28, April 3, April 18, April 27, and May 30, 2010. Guests can save $1,000 per cabin on dates outside those listed above. Contact me to book your cruise and to make your pre- and post-cruises arrangements.

Magna Carta barge cruise (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
.

7.18.2008

travel and the weak dollar | three tips

The weak dollar is distressing to those of us who want travel to London, Paris, or Rome and explore the beautiful villages of England, France, and Italy. At one point this week, one Euro was worth $1.60. Many of us remember the days, not too long ago, when a Euro cost only 90¢. The dollar has been devalued, and it hurts!

So what can you do if foreign travel is in your blood? Here are three tips.

1. Visit places where the exchange rate is not so disadvantageous.

South America is relatively undis-covered by most of us in North America, and there is so much to explore. The cities of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Machu Picchu, Patagonia, the Amazon, and the Galapagos Islands are all high on my own to-do list.

Southeast Asia is also an affordable destination. My visit to Thailand was one of the most interesting vacations I've ever taken. Bangkok is a fascinating city, and there are luxurious and affordable resorts in the north (Chiang Mai or the Golden Triangle) and on the beach in Phuket and Koh Samui. Cambodia's Angkor Wat is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and well worth the visit.

Canada offers scenic beauty (from Vancouver Island in the west, to the rugged Canadian Rockies, to Nova Scotia in the east) and cultural diversity. Vancouver is a beautiful, world-class city. Quebec gives you a taste of Europe right in North America.

2. Take advantage of Guaranteed U.S. Dollar Rates.

Many luxury hotels in London and Paris offer these, and Starwood offers a Welcome to Italy package with a deeply discounted U.S. dollar rate (including breakfast and taxes) if you spend a total of seven nights at their properties in Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice. Because many casual tourists don't know about these deals, a foreign travel consultant can save you time and money in planning a trip.

3. Consider a tour or cruise.

I know the reasons people resist tours. On many mass market tours, you get the feeling you are being hurried through the places you're visiting, and upscale vacationers don't want this. The good news: there are great tour companies that pamper you and do everything possible to help you have the vacation of your dreams. Many tour companies can even put together a private tour for you. You take advantage of great rates available to them because of the volume of rooms they book, and you pre-pay everything in U.S. dollars.

Cruises can also be a bargain, especially if you're willing to take an inside cabin (keep repeating, you only sleep there). I got an email this morning about a 12-day Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Barcelona with rates beginning at $1,199 per person. That's $2,400 for a couple. You get twelve days in Europe with your room, meals, and entertainment included. There are extras, of course, but tours and cruises are good options, if you are concerned about the weak dollar, because the costs are predictable ... and you pay in U.S. dollars before you leave home.

foreign travel consultant (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2007 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
.

5.11.2007

off to Wales

As I wrote in my post of April 26, tomorrow I am off to Wales for a walking holiday.

It's a long journey from the west coast (I live in the San Francisco Bay Area). Tomorrow morning I will fly Continental Airlines from SFO to their Newark hub. There I will meet up with my son Josh who is flying down from Boston, and we will continue together on our nonstop flight to Manchester, England.

Our accommodations for this trip will be in B&Bs -- three nights in Llangollen and three nights in Dolgellau. We have a packet of maps with suggested tours already marked for each day. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to photograph some gorgeous scenery! Be watching Travel Horizons for some updates from Wales with some thoughts (and some original photographs).

If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
.

4.26.2007

walking in Wales

In today's column, I want to write about a destination, the United Kingdom (specifically Wales), and about my favorite way to explore any destination ... walking. The UK is an ideal destination for Americans for several reasons.

We speak the language. There's none of the insecurity that many experience when realizing they speak very little French, Italian, or Spanish (not to mention Chinese or Thai). While there's no need to brush up on a Berlitz list of travel phrases, visitors to the British Isles can look forward to hearing their own mother tongue spoken with a delightfully different accent. You definitely get the experience of being in a different culture.

The weather is moderate year-round. Italy is a hot destination in more ways than one. As crowded and warm as Rome was this past September when I visited, it will be even hotter, more humid, and more crowded come July and August. Many people don't mind heat, but I do, so when I think of a summer destination, my mind thinks of places like England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.

There are fascinating things to see and do in the British Isles. Golfers can enjoy links golf in Scotland, the very place the game began. History buffs can spend endless hours exploring the British Museum or visiting Roman ruins. The anthropologically minded can marvel at Stonehenge and Avebury.

Me? I am attracted to beautiful landscapes -- shady woods and colorful fields, country paths and stone fences, craggy mountains and glassy smooth lakes, rocky shorelines and dramatic cloud formations. I love being alone with nature, taking in its beauty one step at a time. Nature nourishes me. Walking is a way of slowing down, contemplating the gift of life, and being filled with the wonder of this planet that nurtures life.

There are many ways of doing a walking trip, from a luxurious, meticulously planned trip with Backroads or Butterfield & Robinson ... to an economical do-it-yourself walking holiday based in strategically located bed-and-breakfasts (which I will be doing next month in Wales). This is my favorite kind of travel to plan, so feel free to call on me.

Links