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Luxury Hotels in South Africa
There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in South Africa. More important: it isn’t impossible to find authentic lodging – properties that reflect the local culture. Here are two of my favorites: In Johannesburg, I recommend that you book one of the 24 suites at Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa - one of the great luxury hotels in […]
Your Travel Expert in Costa Rica
Trip planning is much easier if you have a friend living in the destination you’re going to visit. In the case of Costa Rica, we all have an amigo in the person of Michael Kaye. Michael was the first to run Costa Rica’s whitewater rivers and – in 1978 – he started Costa Rica Expeditions as […]
Airport/Cruise Port Stay-Park-Shuttle Deals
I’ve already touted the advantages of hotels that are actually at airports when you have an early-morning flight, but I also want to suggest that if you have a car, the wisest solution may be to drive to a hotel near the airport, leave your car, and take their shuttle to the terminal. ParkSleepFly, Stay123, […]
Vacation Rentals: Homes Away From Home
What could be more authentic than staying in a real home instead of a hotel on your next vacation? Imagine getting to know the neighbors and feeling like a local without having to sacrifice luxurious surroundings. Rental homes are also great for families or groups of friends traveling together who pay considerably less than […]
Best Italian Restaurant in India
One of the great joys of Authentic Luxury Travel is wandering off the beaten path and discovering hidden gems. Actually, I have to confess I didn’t really discover Diva, the best Italian restaurant in India. A friend in London told me about this jewel in Delhi – but if I hadn’t been traveling independently, I […]
Qantas International Business Now On Sale
If you act fast, you can get a great deal on Business Class tickets to Australia. Qantas has a special offer that you must book by February 23, 2010. For the details, go to http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/visit-australia-business-class/us/en?gclid=CNi6rNyfnZ8CFQJaagodg0r9Ug Flights depart from Los Angeles or San Francisco and the sale price is up to 55% off regular Business Class […]
United Airlines’ Suite Dreams
If you read my earlier post, you’ll notice that United Airlines didn’t win any of the OAG’s Best Airline awards. This fact reflects the opinion of many First- and Business-class travelers who consider this legacy airline more of a work horse than a thoroughbred. However, UAL appears to be trying to step up to the plate […]
The Inside Scoop on the Burj Dubai
The world’s tallest skyscraper opened in Dubai a couple of days ago. Already flocks of tour buses are carrying loads of lookey-loos to the 2,717-foot tall building – renamed Burj Khalifa in honor of the president of neighboring Abu Dhabi. However, authentic luxury travelers will avoid those crowds and view the remarkable landmark from a […]
One-Day United Airfare Sale
On December 18 – yes, that’s tomorrow – United is having a one-day sale on airfares to some of their popular ski destinations. These include Denver, Jackson Hole, and Steamboat Springs – among others. While tickets must be purchased on December 18, they are good for travel between January 6, and March 11, 2010. This […]
Oh my aching bones…
So we’re traveling in Africa and my husband bangs up his knee and his shin. “Oh my aching bones…” he wails. “Here goes our trip,” I thought to myself. “There’s no way we can continue with one of us limping and moaning.” Enter ARNICA the hero. On the banks of the Zambezi River, a fellow […]
Real Airfare Deals
There’s a silver lining to the financial cloud hanging over Dubai these days. Award-winning Emirates airline, based in the UAE, announces a new airfare deal every Tuesday at www.emirates.com/spotlight. They also are offering discounted fares on various destinations within their extensive route network. Some of the promotions include lodging with their partner Starwood Hotels. Check […]
December 10 – One-Day Luxury Travel Auction
“ONCE IN A LIFETIME AUCTION” FROM ABERCROMBIE & KENT As I’ve mentioned before, I’m deluged with press releases on travel bargains, and most of them aren’t all that exciting, but this one-day auction could prove to be quite a good deal. A&K is a luxury tour operator with a great reputation. I included them in […]
Best Airlines. Do you agree?
Known as the “Oscars of the Airline Industry,” the OAG (Official Airline Guide) Awards carry a lot of clout. Since you have choices when you fly, I thought you might like to see the just-announced list of best airline winners: Airline of the Year: Singapore Airlines Best Transatlantic Airline: Virgin Atlantic Best Business Class: Continental […]
Business and First Class Bargains
Every traveler has their own idea about what constitutes a luxury experience – and yours might be quite different from mine. However, I bet we agree on one thing: traveling in Economy class is not luxurious. To deal with the high cost of Business and First, I have learned to watch for discounted fares (Johnny […]
