Five Easy Ways to Boost the Joy and Pleasure of Every Trip You Take

Five Easy Ways to Boost the Joy and Pleasure of Every Trip You Take

Move a little bit every day you’re on holiday, especially if your job is the kind that has you sitting at a desk all day long like mine is.  This isn’t about working out; it’s just about doing what your body and brain want you to do, which is move around a little. Lounging is great — there should definitely be time for lounging — but only lounging for days on end has an ironic de-energizing effect on the body. (It’s part of why desk work can be insanely exhausting, even though you technically didn’t do anything physical all day long.) 

Read More

Dear Mom, A Letter to My Mother (Revisited)

Dear Mom, A Letter to My Mother (Revisited)

Dear Mom,

From you, I've learned the value of a strong work ethic, tenacity, and the importance of leading with a warm smile.  From you, I've learned the value of cultivating lifelong friendships and nurturing those friendships with love and care. From you, I've learned when to let things go that aren't important in the scheme of life and thatyou can never please everyone.

From you, I've learned to enjoy the indulgence of a Belgian chocolate, a fine pair of Italian leather shoes, freshly cut flowers, and a strong cup of coffee, with cream, in the morning. From you, I have seen the life-altering power of faith, generosity, living with integrity, having a signature perfume and 'keeping it classy'.

Read More

How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days on a Luxury trip to Italy

How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days on a Luxury trip to Italy

After carefully curating my packing list, constructing outfits and meticulously organizing my accessories for the most import trip of my travel advisor career, a luxury travel event in Italy, the unthinkable happened. My luggage filled with 9 days of outfits, shoes, accessories, makeup and hair tools, did not arrive with me in Nice, France. It didn't arrive while I was traveling on the Italian Riviera, and it didn't arrive until my last few moments at Lake Como!

Read More

An Italian Spa Getaway in Abano (Part Four)

An Italian Spa Getaway in Abano (Part Four)

After being reunited with my luggage, just as we left the hotel in Lake Como, our driver headed to the Abano Grand  Hotel in Abano. It was a cold and rainy day but our welcome at the Abano Grand Hotel could not have been more warm and welcoming. As I was introduced to my spacious 'Panorama View' suite I was captivated by the view.

Read More

Villa Views from the Waterside at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como (Part Three)

Villa Views from the Waterside at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como (Part Three)

While preparing for my trip to Travelux 2018, I was given several options for excursions during my time at Lake Como. Despite flirting with the option of driving a red Ferrari, or a cooking class with a famed chef at Villa d'este, I chose the boat ride around the shores of Lake Como. My decision was easy when I thought about capturing images of the stunning views of villages, villas and the natural beauty around Lago di Como.  This classically beautiful Villa Balbiano, above, is where our final event for Travelux 2018 was held. 

Read More

A Luxury Travel Event at Lake Como (Part Two)

A Luxury Travel Event at Lake Como (Part Two)

I feel extremely fortunate to have received an invitation to the hosted luxury travel event, Travelux 2018, in Italy last month. This 3-day event was held at Villa Erba as well as several esteemed venues on the shores of Lake Como. Travelux 2018 was the perfect blend of luxury travel brand exposure, elevated travel experiences with an elegant Italian flair and fun relationship building with fellow travel professionals from around the world. It never hurts to toss in historic villas, sparkling chandeliers, vibrant bouquets of flowers, delectable dishes,  waiters in tuxedos, prosecco toasts, dance parties, Ferraris and fireworks.  Living La Dolce Vita!

Read More

A Sunny Visit to San Remo, the 'City of Flowers', on the Italian Riviera (Part One)

A Sunny Visit to San Remo, the 'City of Flowers', on the Italian Riviera (Part One)

The first stop on my trip to Italy was an invitation to the Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera, just 10 miles east of the French border in west Liguria.  Following a red-eye flight from San Francisco, I arrived at the airport in Nice, France, and was driven to the elegant and classic  Royal Hotel San Remo. I was introduced to my luxurious suite and joined the formal dinner in progress where I met a wonderful group of fellow travelers from the luxury travel industry.

Read More

A Postcard from Italy! xx, Curated Travel

A Postcard from Italy! xx, Curated Travel

 Ciao!! I have just arrived home from my 10-day luxury travel event in Northern Italy. My jet-lagged brain is a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors, scintillating views, the sparkle of chandeliers, prosecco toasts, and the delectable flavors of Northern Italian cuisine.  Here is a peek of just a few of the experiences I enjoyed during this memorable experience Italian style. 

Read More

An Invitation to a Hosted Luxury Travel Event in Italy (Bonus: Sneak Peek)

An Invitation to a Hosted Luxury Travel Event in Italy (Bonus: Sneak Peek)

On Tuesday I will touch down in Nice, France, and be whisked away to the elegant and luxurious Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera. I will receive a 2-night stay, a foodie tour of San Remo and a range of spa treatments at the hotel. This sounds like the perfect way to relax and adjust to the time difference in Italy before I head to Lake Como for the luxury travel event. I feel  honored to attend as a hosted travel buyer for my Curated Travel business.

Read More

Cruising the Caribbean (Plus the Biggest Surprise!)

Cruising the Caribbean (Plus the Biggest Surprise!)

Last month Mr. C.T. and I cruised the Eastern Caribbean on the Crown Princess with my best friend from 4th grade, Deb, and her husband, Bruce. I chose this itinerary since it included several islands we had not visited on previous destination trips to the Caribbean. We set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for Antigua, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Thomas/St. John, Turks and Caicos on this 8-day cruise.

Read More