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As the world slowly reopens, it’s only natural to ask yourself, “Where to next?” But as soon as your destination is chosen, the next question in line is, “But where will we stay?” With social distancing regulations still in place and an endless amount of contradicting information on what’s considered “safe,” the last thing you want for your long-awaited vacation is to feel anxious the entire time you’re away.

The solution? Go boutique.

Here’s why:

1.  You’ll enjoy a smaller, more intimate, and personalized experience.

From the moment you check-in at a boutique hotel, you’ll feel as if you’re the only people on the property. From the doorman knowing you by name, a personal tour to get acquainted with the property, luggage was delivered to your room accompanied by drinks, snacks, and a welcome note, and being greeted by every staff member you pass with a cheery hello – they leave no detail overlooked.

Insight on where to visit? The concierge will know where you should go based on your preferences. Recommendations on where to eat? They will know all the tastiest local joints. Advice on the best option for getting back to the airport? They knew the answer. It didn’t matter how busy they are, you are a priority. 

It’s conducive to social distancing.

Choosing to stay at a smaller boutique property means you’ll naturally interact with fewer people. Less rooms means less guests, and less guests means less staff which, in turn, means you’ll come into contact with far less people than at a resort or larger chain hotel. It’s the next best option to renting out a private vacation home.

However, one perk to choosing a boutique hotel versus a private vacation home is that you can guarantee proper sanitation, health and safety requirements are being met. Every hotel brand, both large and small, are implementing new rollouts to ensure your visit to their property is as safe as possible. From curbside or online check-in and hand sanitizing stations, to branded PPE (personal protective equipment) and limited capacities, business as usual has a new “norm,” but it’s all for the safety of you, their guests and priority.

You’ll have access to unique wellness amenities unavailable to the masses.

After months of quarantine, you’re most likely looking for one of two things: adventure or relaxation. If an escape from the recent increase of stress and anxiety is the route you’re interested in, a boutique hotel stay is the vacation you should book next.

“Boutique” and “wellness” typically go hand in hand. “Boutique” isn’t for everyone which means boutique brands focus on specialized experiences, such as wellness. As health and wellness popularized over recent years, larger brands have attempted to capitalize on the movement. But what might be seen as a trend to those brands, is seen as second nature to boutique properties who embraced the wellness shift years ago.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=””]

Have you ever stayed at a boutique hotel? Let me know what your experience was.

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content courtesy of Ensemble Travel

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As I head plan my next trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico.  I started thinking about the reasons clients would be skeptical to travel to Mexico.    They would always ask about “safety” and with so much sensationalism of any type crime of in the media, there is a common misconception that traveling to the Riviera Maya is unsafe. While other parts of Mexico may be dangerous, The Riviera Maya and the neighboring town of Cancun aren’t nearly as bad as the media makes them out to be.

To put it, The Riviera Maya is a tourist spot, which means the locals are eager for your business and are pretty serious about keeping some of the dangerous elements of Mexico out. The Riviera Maya is a breathtaking place that is just begging to be explored.

That said, there some things you should know to make the most out of a Riviera Maya experience.

Watch Out for the Heat

While the Riviera Maya offers truly stunning natural landscapes, the whole region can become overwhelmingly hot and humid from June on through till October. The summer months may be peak vacation time, but they can also put the unprepared tourist at risk for heatstroke. On the subject of heat and summer, mosquitos are out in full swing during this season, which means an increased chance of contracting conditions like the Zika Virus, Chikungunya, and Dengue Fever. So, if you’re planning to visit The Riviera Maya during summer, pack some bug repellent.

Rules on Food and Water

The subject of food and water is a hot-button issue for first-time travelers to The Riviera Maya. For one, you shouldn’t drink the tap water in Mexico, as in some instances it will make you sick. Instead, you should also ask for bottled water while in restaurants, since they’ll likely serve unfiltered tap water by default. Street food is a potential danger as well, as there is no telling whether or not a street vendor properly prepared the meal or adequately cleaned their cooking space. In these instances, it helps to have the ‘golden cage’ of a hotel or resort to escape to from time to time.

Feel Safe to Explore

While it helps to use a resort as a home base during your trip, you shouldn’t rely on it. Resorts and tour operators tend to try to convince you that you need to use their expensive tour guides to explore The Riviera Maya safely.  While this is true for certain things, I find that it is super easy to explore on your own. Mexico is one of the few places where I feel comfortable going out on my own.  So instead of pre-packaged tours, consider taking a taxi and go off of resort property to get a genuine taste of Mexico. The Riviera Maya is not the dangerous, crime-ridden place the news reports it to be. If you take a chance and explore the Riviera Maya on your own, you’ll quickly discover all the raw natural beauty this fantastic place has to offer.

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Have you ever been to Mexico? If so? Where did you go and what did you enjoy? If not, what is stopping you from going?

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As countries start their slow reopenings, our wanderlust and desire to venture beyond our immediate neighborhoods will grow, too. Yet, we still must be hyper-conscious of the current situation.

With enhanced safety and health measures, thoroughly trained cleaning staff, distanced group arrivals, sanitization packages and more, renting a villa is an ideal option to enjoy an intimate vacation with your family, safely away from the crowds. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Here are 10 luxurious villas in Mexico and the Caribbean where you’ll enjoy not only the sun and the beach, but also relaxation and peace of mind.

[/vc_column_text][vc_images_carousel images=”2162,2163,2164,2165,2166,2167,2168,2169,2170,2171″ img_size=”full” speed=”7500″ autoplay=”yes”][vc_cta h2=”Interested in renting a villa for your next trip?” txt_align=”center” shape=”square” color=”peacoc”]

Contact us @ 1.800.817.8310 for more information about the processes to book a stay at one of these or the many other villas in our collection.

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After months of quarantine, we’re anxiously awaiting the moment we can get back out there, and more than anything, we’re yearning for immersive experiences that allow us to truly appreciate the destinations we’ve missed. But is it possible?

In the era of social distancing, here are five tips to consider when planning immersive travel:

Take a road trip.

Taking a road trip allows you to explore areas you typically wouldn’t. While driving, you’ll immerse yourself into remote places and smaller towns you’d normally bypass when traveling by plane. Road trips are also great for social distancing given there are less people around than in those big city destinations. Trust me, I miss cities like New York City and London, too, but road-tripping cross country, or even within your own state, is the perfect option for immersive travel while remaining much further than six feet apart.

Things to consider:

• The shorter the road trip, the better because less stops mean less exposure (whether considering bathroom breaks, hotel stays, or anything in between).
• Limit the number of people in your car (if possible). The less people traveling, the more space you’ll have, and you’ll be less likely to come into contact with germs.

Explore the outdoors.

Piggybacking on #1, exploring the outdoors comes naturally on a road trip. But, if a long road trip isn’t ideal, consider flying to a smaller destination with day-long road trip opportunities. And, don’t worry, if being in the “middle of nowhere” isn’t exactly your style, many smaller cities offer amazing outdoorsy options just minutes away from the city’s center, allowing you to immerse yourself into the destination by exploring all that nature has to offer … and staying away from crowds.

Try out the local food.

It may sound counter intuitive to social distancing, but contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to sacrifice this part of your experience — you just have to get creative.

Food is the heart and soul of nearly every place and every culture, and to truly immerse yourself in any destination, it’s imperative to satisfy your taste buds. Plan ahead and do your research to find out which local restaurants are offering take out or curbside pickup options. Then, pack a picnic tablecloth, lay down the back seats in your car, and enjoy a picnic from the parking lot. It may not be ideal, but it’ll create fun memories nonetheless!

Things to consider:

• Support local businesses! Choosing to eat at local joints not only supports family-owned-and-operated businesses, but it allows you to experience the destination from a local’s perspective.
• If you aren’t on a road trip, you can also plan a picnic in your hotel room. For al fresco dining, utilize your balcony or the hotel’s outdoor patio area.

Choose a destination you’re comfortable with.

Who would’ve thought that the most immersive experiences may actually come by traveling to a destination you’ve already visited? You’ve done the touristy things, you’ve seen the popular sites, and with social distancing in place, now is the perfect time to experience your favorite places on a more local scale. Go for walks without a specific end point in mind, meander into random hole-in-the-wall shops, and order from restaurants that are off the beaten path. Doing so will not only allow you to stay away from the crowds, it’ll help you get to know the destination on a more intimate level. Not to mention, you’re already familiar with the area, so there will be less stress. Navigating all the new rules and regulations is stressful enough, why not return to a place you already know you love?

Consider traveling solo.

Traveling solo isn’t for everyone, but if you’re not completely opposed, consider giving it a try. For starters, it’s the perfect solution for socially distanced travel, but it’s also one of the easiest ways to immerse yourself into a destination. How? Because you naturally have to pay more attention to your surroundings. And by doing so, you begin to notice the little things, you look up from your phone, you actually speak to people, and you step outside your comfort zone.

Things to consider:

• If completing a full vacation alone seems daunting, consider doing a day trip alone instead. A friend and I once traveled to London together, and I did a solo day trip to Bath on the same day she did a solo day trip to Paris. Although we loved having a friend to return to, we both agreed it was our favorite part of the trip.

Content courtesy of Ensemble Travel Consortia

So, like you, I am extremely ready to travel but one big key to that decision is whether the countries or states you want to fly to want to let you in and also the protocol for them allowing you in.  We are still under Level 4 travel advisory and with cases rising daily, there are countries that have begun restricting our access.

Trends are reflecting that destinations and hotels are still making frequent changes as many are also still trying to figure out how to deal with the “new normal”.  The situation is monitored daily and processes and procedures are being reviewed and updated on a regular basis.  The protocols that are in place today may not be in place when you arrive.  It is something that must be monitored on a regular basis, possibly daily

But there are still a lot of people traveling so I wanted to talk about a few things to consider before booking a trip that has travel dates within the next 60-90 days.

• Safety First – Do you want to be part of the problem by continuing to spread or possibly contaminate other countries more since the Americans traveling to the Caribbean will be the reason that they are harder hit after spring break? (essentially can you do your part as a good global citizen)
• Your Destination – First you must determine if you can travel to the country or state of your choice. It is not as simple as your state lifting the shelter in place order. What about the state you desire to travel to? Yes, hotels have open dates, and airlines have listed flights but ultimately it is up the government of each country Can you spend 2-4 weeks outside the US on your own dime if the borders were closed down suddenly?
• The Experience – Is there a quarantine period for new arrivals. Will you be placed in quarantine for any number of days upon arrival? Can you afford to have those extra days tacked on? What type of precautions has the resort put in place? How will this change your vacation experience?
• Getting Home- Based on the US Travel Ban 4, can you get back home and back into the country or your state? And if there are no restrictions can you self-quarantine for 14 days upon your return (government imposed or employer imposed quarantine)

Also, do your research – know reschedule, cancellation, and refund policies of the vendors you book with.  And please buy a comprehensive trip insurance policy – and be very clear on what your policy covers – as most agencies have revised policies during this pandemic.

Travel life is going to be a bit different my friends. We just have to be patient!

Imagine standing on top of 1/5 of the world’s fresh water supply, hearing the roar of 600 gallons per second, while taking in the beauty of one of the world’s natural wonders and simultaneously looking across the way at another country.

Sound far-fetched? Luckily, it’s not! Located in northwest New York State straddling the Canadian border, Niagara Falls is the perfect domestic destination for Americans and Canadians alike. And, no matter which side you visit (it’s recommended to visit both if possible), you won’t be disappointed.

THE AMERICAN SIDE

The American side of Niagara Falls often gets overlooked and underrated. But, given that the actual Falls are on the American side, nowhere else in the world can get you closer. Consider exploring Niagara from the American side first to fully experience the sheer power of the Falls, followed by a trip to the Canadian side to appreciate its size and majestic beauty.

Getting There

By car, train or bus – it’s easily accessible from most states.

What to Do at Niagara Falls

You’ll want to arrive at Niagara Falls as soon as it opens to try and beat the lines. And, if possible, try to purchase tickets beforehand so you don’t miss out on any of your preferred activities. On the American side, these main attractions are recommended:

• Observation Deck
• Maid of the Mist
• Cave of the Winds

But, do make sure to allow for spare time as the park on the American side offers several walking trails with exceptional lookout points.

Where to Visit in the Area

Whether you explore the surrounding area before or after your trip to Niagara Falls, there’s plenty to do nearby. Consider spending a day in Buffalo and exploring Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Darwin Martin House, and Anchor Bar on Main Street, home to the original Buffalo Chicken Wing. You could also take a 1.5-hour drive to Rochester, New York, spend a day relaxing at a public beach on Lake Ontario or Lake Erie, or explore the beautiful countryside of the Niagara Wine Trail, USA.

THE CANADIAN SIDE

If getting up close and personal with 600 gallons of rushing water per minute isn’t the adrenaline rush you’re looking for, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls will be more your speed. Tourists flock to the Canadian side of Niagara, and it’s easy to understand why once you experience its full view of the entire Falls (typically with a rainbow in sight) and beautifully landscaped Falls-side pathway.

Getting There

If you don’t feel like driving, consider other scenic options such as the GO train or bus, or the VIA Rail train. There are plenty of transportation modes available, including tour operators offering small-group private tours around the Niagara region.

What to Do at Niagara Falls

If you’ve already experienced the rush of the Falls from the American side, it’s recommended to spend lunch on the Canadian side (Queen Victoria Place restaurant offers Fall-side views and casual dining in a historic setting), then let your meal settle with a nice pathway stroll. But, if you’re experiencing the Falls fully from the Canadian side, these main attractions are recommended:

• Journey Behind the Falls
• Hornblower Niagara Cruises
• Skylon Tower

And, if you want an outdoor bird’s eye view of the Falls and aren’t afraid of heights, you can also soar from a 220-feet high vantage point for more than 2,000 feet on the WildPlay Zipline. Take flight if you dare!

Where to Visit in the Area

If you have the time, you should consider exploring Toronto – the capital of the province of Ontario, Canada’s largest city, and the fourth largest city in North America. But the true gem of Canada’s Niagara region is Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Niagara-on-the-Lake sits just 30 minutes north of Niagara Falls on the shore of Lake Ontario. This quintessential town boasts 19^th century buildings, a picturesque old town and waterfront, and a wine country that has taken a backseat to its neighbor, Niagara Falls. Although underappreciated, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a destination that should be on everyone’s radar. Home to rolling vineyards with chateaus, iconic ice wine, and more than 20 wineries in a five-mile radius (with nearly 100 wineries in the entire Niagara region), Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect relaxing getaway that rivals California – but without the crowds.

RECOMMENDED ITINERARY

For the perfect four-day trip to Niagara Falls, here is a “tried and tested” itinerary:

DAY 1

• Arrive to Buffalo, New York in the evening.
• Rent a car from the airport and stay at a hotel nearby.

DAY 2

• Embark on your Niagara Falls adventure early in the morning.
• Visit the American side: Start with the Observation Deck followed by a Maid of the Mist boat ride and the Cave of the Winds (it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance). End your time on the American side with a stroll through the surrounding park.
• Next, head to the Canadian side for lunch and a scenic stroll along the Falls-side pathway.
• Then, drive north to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy an afternoon drive around town stopping along the lake or at a winery (most of the downtown shops will be closed by this point).
• Finally, end your adventurous day with a quaint dinner in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Notes:

• Recommended hotel: Woodbourne Inn
• Recommended dinner: Treadwell Cuisine

DAY 3

• Start your day off with breakfast at your hotel (especially if you stay at Woodbourne Inn).
• Then, spend your day exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake’s wineries.

Notes:

• Recommended wineries: Inniskillin (for ice wine), Ravine Vineyard, and Two Sisters Vineyards
• Recommended lunch: Ravine Vineyard Winery Restaurant (request to eat outside if weather permits)
• Recommended dinner: Kitchen 76 at Two Sisters Vineyards (request to eat on the patio if weather permits)
• Pro Tip: If visiting in the summer, consider not exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake’s wineries on a Saturday, as many wineries close early for weddings.

DAY 4

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in the morning.
• Then, drive back across the border to catch your flight home from the Buffalo, New York airport.

Note: If you’re starting your trip on the Canadian side, or if you can’t visit both the American and Canadian sides, this itinerary can easily be adjusted.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or simply needing a relaxing weekend getaway, Niagara Falls and its surrounding area is the perfect North American vacation. Get soaked, sip on wine, explore two countries, and take in the beauty of one of the world’s natural wonders – all within one iconic destination that attracts visitors from around the world