A Postcard from Sunny Los Cabos!
Hola! It's been a whirlwind week in Los Cabos. Four days of exploring luxury resorts with my travel agency team from CADENCE and 4 more celebrating my 18th wedding anniversary with Mr. C.T. who joined me for the last phase of my trip. As you can see, I've had made the most of my time in Los Cabos.
Hola! It's been a whirlwind week in Los Cabos. Four days of exploring luxury resorts with my travel agency team from CADENCE and 4 more celebrating my 18th wedding anniversary with Mr. C.T. who joined me for the last phase of my trip. As you can see, I've had made the most of my time in Los Cabos.
I'm looking forward to sharing more on the luxury resorts I visited and my experiences in sunny Los Cabos. I always love to learn about new options for my travel clients. For now it's a colorful postcard but there is more to come!
If you are considering a beach getaway for your upcoming travels? I have some wonderful recommendations for you as well as perks and upgrades. Contact me and let's make your travel dreams come true!
Contact Curated Travel
A "Year of Yes" to Travel + My First Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas!
I'm not one to make new year's resolutions but this year I did come up with a theme for 2018. Welcome to my "Year of Yes" for Curated Travel.
I'm not one to make new year's resolutions but this year I did come up with a theme for 2018. Welcome to my "Year of Yes" for Curated Travel.
I said yes to a Princess cruise to the Eastern Caribbean with my husband and dear friends.
Yes to a hosted luxury event with Nebe Club at Lake Como, Italy.
Yes to a family vacation in Maui. Yes to getaways to Walla Walla, Washington, Portland and Bend, Oregon.
Yes to a birthday weekend away in Napa Valley.
Yes to writing my first feature article in Upgraded Living Magazine.
Up Next:
Yes to Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas for a week.
Yes to a hosted luxury travel event in Los Cabos to check out the latest in luxury hotels with my wonderful travel agency, CADENCE.
Yes to another hosted travel event at the Phoenician in Scottsdale.
Yes to a CADENCE event at Lowe's in Hollywood. Most definitely this travel schedule ought to keep me busy for the next 7 weeks!
The only event I had to say no to, due to a prior commitment, was a hosted Ferrari/Pavoratti Gala Event in Italy. That one hurt just a bit, I must admit. Jet lag would have been tough combined with all the other travel commitments this month but I do love how the Italians celebrate.
As I pack for my first Virtuoso Travel Week at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, I'm feeling a bit nervous. These events are jam-packed with luxury travel brand meetings, events, networking, cocktail parties, dinners and galas that sometimes last into the wee hours of the morning. This is a far cry from the rare travel I did in the field of education and I want to keep up the pace. The more I learn about the latest in the travel industry the better for my clients. So wish me luck!
If my luggage shows up this time, rather than the 6 day delay when I flew to Italy, I should be in good shape to enjoy this jam packed travel week in Vegas.
On another note: I'll be meeting with travel brands from all over the world. If you have questions about certain destinations, hotel brands, cruise lines or experiences let me know. I'm here to do the research for you!
Follow along with my travels to Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas on Instagram:
Vegas Baby!!
An Elegant Party at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como in Italy (Part Five)
It was a chilly day at Lake Como but that didn't stop our Travelux 2018 group from feeling warm and celebratory for our final party of this truly memorable luxury travel event. Villa Balbiano, with roots in the mid 16th century, has recently been renovated by the famous French designer Jacques Garcia. An invitation to a party in this splendor was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy and it took my breath away.
It was a chilly day at Lake Como, but that didn't stop our Travelux 2018 group from feeling warm and celebratory for our final party of this memorable luxury travel event. Villa Balbiano, with roots in the mid-16th century, has recently been renovated by the famous French designer Jacques Garcia. An invitation to a party in this splendor was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy and it took my breath away.
We arrived at the famed Villa Balbiano by boat from Villa d'Este. Crossing gravel paths lined with picturesque gardens and grand statuary, there was an early spring mist, an ethereal beauty in the air, that set the stage for this elegant event. Once we entered the Villa Balbiano we were greeted with warm smiles, sparkling glasses of prosecco and opulent decor. The architectural details are embellished by the exquisite frescoed ceilings, luxurious fabrics in jewel-toned colors, handcarved furniture, extravagant floral arrangements and jaw-dropping views of Lake Como from every vantage.
“Situated between Il Dosso di Lavedo and the Comacine Island, Villa Balbiano is one of the most important historical properties on the shores of Lake Como. The history of Villa Balbiano can be traced back to mid 16th century and is strongly linked to the noble Giovio family who used it as their residence. At the end of 16th century, the Villa was sold to Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who redesigned the original palazzo after the drawings of Pellegrino Tibaldi. A century later, in 1787, Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, politician and patron of the arts, acquired the Villa. Enlarged and embellished, Villa Balbiano was used to host a gallant and frivolous society where festivals, banquets and dances followed one by another relentlessly.”
A number of the interior shots for the Gwen Stefani video, "Cool", were filmed at Villa Balbiano. See if you can spot them!
Villa Balbiano is available to rent and is perfect for a destination wedding, family reunion, girlfriends getaway, or incentive trip for business professionals.
Learn more about Villa Balbiano and the Heritage Collection
Contact me to book Villa Balbiano or to find the perfect villa for your next getaway.
Here is a list of additional villas (and specials!) found in the menu above at Curated Villas.
For more on my visit to Italy last spring:
A Sunny Visit to San Remo, A Luxury Travel Event at Lake Como, Villa Views, An Italian Spa Getaway
Many thanks to Nebe Club/Travelux 2018 and the Heritage Collection for the invitation to this extraordinary event in Italy.
Curated Hotel: A VIP Visit to the Luxurious Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui
During our recent getaway to Maui, we had the pleasure of spending the day at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. It was impressive to be greeted with, "Mrs. Lindstrom, we've been expecting you" as we drove up to the stately entrance lined with pots of fresh orchids, swaying palms, breezy island furnishings and the sound of softly falling water.
During our recent getaway to Maui, we had the pleasure of spending the day at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. It was impressive to be greeted with, "Mrs. Lindstrom, we've been expecting you" as we drove up to the stately entrance lined with pots of fresh orchids, swaying palms, breezy island furnishings and the sound of softly falling water.
I was fortunate to be meeting with Tori Tenorio, general sales manager, who gave Scott and me an insider's tour of the expansive property and luxurious suites. The entire decor scheme has recently been refreshed with a luxurious, tropical vibe of natural woods, richly textured furnishings and art pieces. The flower arrangements, as usual for the Ritz-Carlton brand, are extraordinary.
When the hotel was in the pre-construction phase, an ancient burial ground was discovered near the beach. Rather than relocate the sacred grounds, as is often the practice, the brand chose to change the plans for the beachfront resort and left the burial grounds intact to honor those who came before. This was a highly respected choice by locals and travelers alike for this luxury brand.
"Immerse yourself in a true Hawaiian experience at The AAA Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, which boasts 54 stunning acres in the midst of the luxurious Kapalua Resort on the northwestern tip of the island of Maui. The hotel proudly maintains the Honokahua Preservation Site, a recognized “wahi pana” (sacred site) that lies adjacent to the property and serves as a destination where Native Hawaiians can gather to conduct ceremonies and protocol. This oceanfront hotel introduces visitors to the culture and natural beauty of Maui while pampering them with luxury amenities to meet every need and desire." Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Maui
Following our tour of this luxury resort, on a most stunningly beautiful day in paradise, we dined at the poolside cafe, "Ai Ono", with Tori. The fresh bowls and specialty fries are favorites and the poolside location makes you feel as though you are on a luxury vacation.
Enjoy this glimpse of paradise as captured on my iPhone.
To book a VIP stay at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua contact me or book online here and we will upgrade you.
Thank you to the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and Tori Tenorio for the personalized behind the scenes tour, poolside lunch and time to enjoy the Ritz-Carlton in real time. We will definitely be back for a longer stay. Maholo!
“A day without Aloha is just another mainland day.”
A few of my favorite glimpses from our time in Maui
Maui Style
Until Further Notice... Celebrate Everything!
At the risk of sounding downright sappy, I must confess I have romance on my mind today. With several of my client couples traveling to Italy this summer we are feeling the love la dolce vita style around here. This image above was sent to me by a a dear client couple enjoying a fabulous three weeks in Italia.
Clearly, it's a trip of a lifetime and just what I hoped for them. Can you tell I LOVE my career in travel?
Image Credit: Deb G.
At the risk of sounding downright sappy, I must confess I have romance on my mind today. With several of my client couples traveling to Italy this summer we are feeling the love la dolce vita style around here. This image above was sent to me by a a dear client couple enjoying a fabulous three weeks in Italia.
Clearly, it's a trip of a lifetime and just what I hoped for them. Can you tell I LOVE my career in travel?
I emailed one of my travel clients today to see if they were celebrating a birthday, an anniversary or a special occasion on their upcoming trip to Italy. She responded, "Just celebrating love." She embellished her sentence with a red hot, red heart emoji. Her response made me smile. I know they have so much to look forward to on this very first trip to Italy and with that mindset, it will be celebratory indeed!
One of my favorite things about travel is the ability to leave our cares behind, have a bold adventure, shake up our reality, focus on each other more than real life often allows and let the romance flow.
Until Further Notice Celebrate Everything....
especially LOVE!
A few of my favorite travel moments with Mr. C.T.!
Are you ready? Contact me to get started on your next getaway!
Tips for Preparing for International Travel - What You Need to Know
Planning for your dream vacation can be so exciting — you are already daydreaming of where you’re going to stay, what you’ll see, the shows you’ll take in, and all the amazing food you’ll eat. But what about prepping, packing and organizing all your travel documents? Are they all in order? It can be overwhelming. Here’s a list of everything you need, plus practical tips on how to keep everything organized, safe, and accessible.
Preparing for International Travel
Prepping, packing, paperwork...What you need to know
Planning for your dream vacation can be so exciting — you are already daydreaming of where you’re going to stay, what you’ll see, the shows you’ll take in, and all the amazing food you’ll eat. But what about prepping, packing and organizing all your travel documents? Are they all in order? It can be overwhelming. Here’s a list of everything you need, plus practical tips on how to keep everything organized, safe, and accessible.
What to PACK:
*Carry on bag: I always include a swimsuit, coverup (if headed to a beach vacation), thongs, beauty essentials like the Nars Mulitple Stick, toothbrush/paste, deoderant, moisturizer, a brush and at least a couple pair of undies. I hope you never understand the importance of this but just in case your luggage is delayed or lost as mine was for 6 days in Italy. Medications as needed. I pack a sleeping mask and a few melatonin tablets to help me sleep on a red-eye flight. I always take a wrap or pashmina to double as a scarf or a pillow on the plane. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! I use disinfectant wipes to wipe down the tray table, armrests, buttons, etc.
*A crossbody bag or document carrier to wear under clothing. The last thing you want to have happen is a stolen bag or wallet on vacation. Pick pockets are a real thing so never leave your wallet in your back pocket, gents!
*Technology: Phone charge booster, ear buds, phone (check with your carrier for international plans), kindle app for reading, entertainment app recommended by my flight carrier. Download music, movies, TV shows and a splitter for earbuds if you plan to watch with a fellow traveler.
FOR YOUR DESTINATION:
Download a language translation app like TripLingo for communicating with the locals on your vacation. This will make your ease of travel much improved and you will likely impress the locals, even make some new friends.
Adapters for electrical plugs as needed based on the country of your destination. Guide with details. To buy universal adapters.
DO take business cards, or, at the very least, plan to share your Facebook profile with travelers and locals you meet along the way. Our travels are often greatly enriched by the friends we make along the journey. With the dawn of Facebook, it is super easy to keep in touch upon your return home. Follow Curated Travel here.
International travel documents: what to bring and how to keep them safe
• Your passport. This is the big one. Make sure it hasn't expired and is within six months of being expired. And don’t forget passports for your kid(s)!
• Any visas that can be acquired in advance, including those for countries you’ll only be traveling through. If you can’t get a visa in advance, bring the letter from the consulate stating that your visa will be granted upon your arrival (the UAE and Oman are two countries that don’t issue visas outside their countries, for example).
• A copy of the picture page of your passport, and extra passport photos.
• Your airline miles card
• A copy of your itinerary and any e-docs or e-tickets
• Originals and paper copies of your tickets (plane, train, bus, etc.) and confirmation numbers (hotel reservations, car rental, etc.) and all contact info for these companies. • Travel insurance card and accompanying information
• Guidebook for the countries you are visiting and maps of your driving route — plus discreet city maps if you’ll be exploring a new city
• Your international driver’s license if you plan to drive. Italy requires an International Driving Permit in addition to home country license. Can be picked up at AAA for $20. Good for one year Link to the app is here. The document also lists countries that require this. Or you can order your International Driving permit online here.
• If you use traveler’s checks, bring a copy of your check register. (Tip: Ask your bank if you can use your US debit card at cash machines in the country you are visiting. In some cases, withdrawing cash may be easier and less expensive than cashing traveler’s checks.)
• Contact info for all the people you would want/need to contact in case of an emergency (including me!). Don’t forget the numbers of the consulates where you’ll be staying. All these numbers can be stored in your phone, as well — simply designate a consistent label for them (like “France 2017”) for easy access, and they can be easily deleted when your trip is done.
• Copies — front and back — of any credit cards you’ll be taking with you.
When you’ve assembled all the essential documents/copies, the first thing you should do is check to make sure your name appears the same on all documents. This may seem like a small thing, but it can be a big hassle during travel if your names don’t match. Next, scan the papers and send them in an email to yourself and to your emergency contact(s). In addition, you can carry a USB card with encrypted copies of all these images — so even if it gets stolen, no one could access the documents without the master password. You can keep this USB card in a tiny, discreet pocket, along with some extra cash — an absolute last resort in the extremely rare event that you lose everything. Choose a family member or close friend who will be your representative while you’re away and who can have access to major accounts if needed. This way, you have a trustworthy contact available any time, and there is someone who always knows where you are. Store copies of your major travel documents (passports, tickets, reservations, etc.) in a waterproof plastic zip bag and in a separate piece of luggage from the originals. It’s stressful enough to have your passport stolen — but having it stolen from the same bag where all the copies are is even worse. When you’re out sightseeing, always carry the essential documents on your person, ideally in a waterproof carrier that can be worn under your clothing. Once you get all this info in order, you can travel with confidence, knowing you’re covered in the event of the unexpected. And — bonus! — you’ll have laid the groundwork for future trips.
Trip Details - Use an app to gather all of your information in one place. I like the Tripit app for storing trip info - flights, hotels, transportation. For my travel clients I use a sophisticated, highly detailed Umapped app to organize their travel information at every step of the way.
