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.

what color would you like your tulips?

photo from wikimedia.org, used under the Creative Commons license

This is a story about great, over-the-top customer care offered by the ladies and gentlemen of Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain.

I recently booked a weekend stay for a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary. One of the perks I can offer my clients as a Ritz-Carlton STARS travel consultant is a customized welcome amenity or service. I asked the husband what could make their stay extra special. His wife loves tulips, he said, and he would love to surprise her with a vase of tulips in the room upon arrival.

Ritz-Carlton loves doing special things to make their guests feel special, so I passed this request on to my Guardian Angel. Her response was that she would love to have tulips delivered to their room ... and what special color would she prefer? (Answer: lavender)

It brings a smile to my face to anticipate the pleasure that this simple welcome amenity will provide my clients on their stay at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain.

UPDATE: the hotel also placed lavender tulips throughout the lobby and restaurant for their stay!

copyright (c) 2015 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.