Recession or not, experiential travel continues to thrive because the true rewards of travel are intangible: discovering a new destination at its most intimate and authentic, expanding your view of the world, and returning with memories that last a lifetime.
If time is your ultimate luxury, I recommend you check out these four new itineraries for fall 2010 from Abercrombie & Kent.
1. Thailand in Depth (November 17-29, 2010)
An introduction to the rich history and culture of Thailand with value-pricing at some of the world’s finest hotels. Participate in the celebration of the Loy Krathong Festival in Sukhothai where the festival originated. Venture off the beaten path to Lampang in a traditional horse carriage. Be blessed by monks in remote Mae Hong Son. Visit the hill tribes in the Golden Triangle and learn about their distinct cultures. Paint with elephants in Chiang Mai and relax at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, one of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best.” Thirteen days from $4,885.
2. Magnificent Asia (November 6-18, 2010)
Illuminate your understanding of the cultures of Southeast Asia, from Thailand and Laos to Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. Participate in an alms offering in Bangkok. Enjoy a private baci (welcome) ceremony in Luang Prabang. Learn about Vietnamese art from Suzanne Lecht at her private gallery in Hanoi. Bike along peaceful roads, passing small villages en route to Preah Khan. Learn about Khmer history from an expert before visiting Angkor Wat. Explore the pagodas, temples and stupas that dot the plains surrounding Bagan. See how sustainable tourism is making a difference by supporting Sam’s Brothers Clean Water Project. Thirteen days from $7,995.
3. Discover Australia (September 4-14, 2010)
A carefully-planned introduction to this diverse continent at an exceptional price. Explore Melbourne’s hidden corners on a walking tour led by a local historian. Enjoy lunch at the renowned TarraWarra Winery. Get a close-up view of some of Australia’s indigenous wildlife at Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. Cruise along the Great Barrier Reef to Agincourt Reef, which offers some of the best snorkelling in the world. Privately tour the Sydney Opera House. Eleven days from $4,995.
4. Australia: Land of Contrasts (October 16-30, 2010)
Combine cosmopolitan Melbourne and Sydney with the remote Australian Outback, Ayer’s Rock (Uluru) and the Great Barrier Reef. Learn the workings of a private sheep station established nearly 100 years ago. Observe the extraordinary wildlife on Kangaroo Island. Dine and sleep under the stars at a desert camp with views of Uluru. Cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the ribbon reefs on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, some of the most pristine eco-systems in the world. Go behind the scenes for a private tour of Sydney Opera House. Accommodations include Longitude 131°, a Conde Nast Traveler Gold List and Travel + Leisure World’s Best winner, and Southern Ocean Lodge, with spectacular ocean, beach and wilderness views. Fifteen days from $11,295.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
This Spring discover the thrill of one of my favorite travel experiences, sailing on board one of Star Clippers’ three tall ships: the four masted Star Clipper, its twin ship Star Flyer or Royal Clipper, the tallest full sail ship in the world. Beginning in April, Star Clippers’ full fleet will sail the hidden harbors, secluded beaches and secret hideaways of the Mediterranean.
© Ellen Barone. Royal Clipper in the Atlantic
Spring sailings range from four-night escapes to 12-night Grand Mediterranean voyages, providing an in-depth exploration of the easter and western Mediterranean - without the crowds and the summer heat.
Seven departures are scheduled between April and May and cover the very best ports across the French and Italian rivieras and into the Greek Isles.
Each new season cruise offerings are enhanced by changing itineraries and adding new ports of call. This year, two new calls include: Sansury-sur Mer, France and Lerici, Italy - both picturesque seaside villages with specitacular views.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
courtesy of the Kiwi Collection
Do your 2010 resolutions include…
Dancing the nights away in Paris?
A romantic island getaway?
Sampling the best wines in Australia?
Dining al fresco in Italy?
A safari in South Africa?
Skiing the slopes of Switzerland?
Seeing the sights of New York City?
Learn more: www.kiwicollection.com
*sponsored listing.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The world’s most famous train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, continues to evoke the style of the Golden Age of Travel with beautifully restored 1920s and 1930s carriages and itineraries that are more exciting than ever. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the legendary train travelers imagine when they hear the evocative words “Orient-Express.”
Today the train still represents timeless elegance as it criss-crosses the frontiers of Europe from Paris and Venice to Prague, Krakow and Istanbul. Very much alive and well, with all of its history and glamour intact and uninterrupted, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is not to be confused with an unrelated overnight train that ceased operation in December 2009.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Binoculars? Check! Camera? Check! Sunblock? Check! Passport? Not required!
AmanganiAmangani, on the edge of Grand Teton National Park and just 60 miles from Yellowstone National Park, makes it possible to go on safari this summer without even leaving the US.
Amangani’s new Wildlife Experience, a nature safari through some of the West’s most glorious scenery, introduces guests to the array of wildlife that runs free in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. More than 300 species of birds (bald eagles, mountain bluebirds, trumpeter swans and sand hill cranes among them) and big game, such as moose, elk, bison, wolves and bears, come into view with the help of an experienced guide.
Available through August 31, 2009, the Wildlife Experience includes four nights in one of Amangani’s Superior Suites, continental breakfast each morning, airport transfers, a full-day guided expedition through the Jackson Hole Valley and onward to Yellowstone National Park (maximum four participants per vehicle) for $1,700 per person based on double occupancy. Two children under the age of twelve can stay with their parents at no charge (breakfast additional).
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Aficionados of Scottish Whisky can spend their days visiting and touring several of Scotland’s most popular distilleries and themed events while enjoying their evenings (and off days) at one of Connoisseurs Scotland’s 23 distinctive upscale hotel properties. Three of Scotland’s most popular distillery attractions are conveniently located near one or more Connoisseur Scotland property, offering their own reasons to visit:• The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is located close to the Malt Whisky Trail — a 68-mile route through the picturesque glens of Speyside, connecting several of the country’s finest distilleries. The five-star country hotel is offering a “Partner Stay Free” package, allowing a second guest to stay for free when a single rate Executive or Deluxe room is booked Monday-Thursday; the offer includes a full Scottish breakfast and runs through the year. Amenities include world class salmon fishing, championship golf, nearby historic castles, chefs specializing in the best of Grampian produce and a selection of more than 400 wines and 100 malt whiskies.
• “Whisky Live” is a world-wide celebration taking place in cities from Glasgow to Tokyo, bringing together hundreds of different whiskies for tasting by both industry professionals and novices. Hotel du Vin (at One Devonshire Gardens) is the perfect host for those partaking, conveniently located in the fashionable West End of Glasgow. The boutique hotel has walled-in gardens, impeccable service and a new bistro and bar and is offering a free half or whole bottle of Macallan to those booking Standard/Club or Superior rooms, respectively, and a complimentary in-house whisky tasting to those booking suites.
• The Glasshouse, Edinburgh’s five-star boutique hotel - voted by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 50 hottest hotels - is ideal for those wishing to visit the popular Glenkinchie — the 19th-century distillery known for its highly regarded single malt whisky. The Glasshouse is currently offering three nights for the price of two, with regular prices starting at £185 ($250) per room per night. Built behind the facade of the 150-year-old Lady Glenorchy church, the hotel features a two-acre, lilac-scented roof garden, in-room massages and an impressive whisky selection. The special three-night offer, valid through July, includes full Scottish breakfast for two, a luxury fruit plate, noon checkout and VAT.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".