Gabrielle Estel Travel Agent

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United States
Coralville, IA
Gabrielle Estel Travel Agent

I'm a well-travelled travel advisor excited to help you explore the world.

09/10/2024

All I want after a long plane ride is fruit. Everything else is a bonus.
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09/09/2024

Luxury is the perpetual absence of stress - like having a representative meet you right at your plane and then showing you to the front of every customs line.

I'm excited to share my travels to Vietnam and Cambodia with you! This familiarization trip was super eye-opening. I learned so much about these amazing countries, Kensington Tours, and trends in luxury travel.

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09/05/2024

Soiree en Blanc + Venice Masked Gala was opulent. I loved how all the changing lights reflected on everyone's white outfits.

This was truly unlike any party I've danced at. The dance floor was lit beautifully. Every corner had an aerial silk artist or a champagne pourer or an opera singer or a violinist all dressed up with masks. No to mention fireworks and dance numbers.

From the costumed actors welcoming us in to the firecrackers bursting goodbye, what a send off after a wonderful conference of travel industry expertise.

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09/04/2024

I’m thrilled to announce that I was selected to attend the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat in the Dominican Republic from August 25-28. This is a highly selective event only inviting thoroughly vetted travel professionals between the ages of 22 and 40.

While there, I expanded my book of business by meeting in focus groups, attending personal and professional development sessions, and building lifelong relationships with other attendees. Feel free to reach out to me with questions about this award-winning event!

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09/03/2024

Slowpoke is the official national tourism ambassador of the Kagawa Prefecture, and Takamatsu Airport had them everywhere! I adore this kinds of little quirky culture niches. I picked up some last-minute Slowpoke cookies in the airport to add to my collection of cute and delicious souvenirs. (Including a new phone because I broke mine at a sake brewery.) I also stocked up on my favorite sunscreen.

With all my goodies safe in my luggage, I gave Mt Fuji a wave goodbye for now and headed home. At home, my husband and I had a great time taste testing all of the treats and sake! The cookies DID NOT last long.

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09/02/2024

I love helping clients experience their dream honeymoon in Italy. It's extra special for me because I also went to Italy for my honeymoon, and it was the first time I worked with a travel advisor! How the world turns.

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08/30/2024

~ a view of and on the the Geishun-kyo Bridge in Ritsurin Garden ~

I tried my best, but no photo can do it justice.

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08/29/2024

Imagine you're a feudal lord and this is your view.

Kikugetsu-tei Teahouse has perfect views of Nanko Pond and the bridge (you can see the bridge in the second photo). It was held by lords of the Takamatsu domain for generations. The name “Kikugetsu” comes from a line a Tang Dynasty, “When I scoop up the water, I hold the moon in my hands.”

The final photo is the tea house from across the pond.

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08/28/2024

Me, my koi friends, and small moments in Ritsurin Garden.

Ritsurin Garden has been maintained for nearly 400 years. It was originally created for a daimyo in the Edo period. One thousand trees and innumerable seasonal flowers create a gorgeous strolling path that changes every season. The garden is the largest Cultural Property Garden in all of Japan and encompassed six ponds and thirteen landscaped hills.

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08/27/2024

~ a ryokan morning ~

Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns with tatami matts, onsens, and futons. Travelers can often wear "nemaki" (provided Japanese sleepwear) around the hotel. Traditional food made with local fresh produce is often provided within the room at the low table.

After an amazing night of food and drink, I found some time for the onsen before heading to bed. The natural hot spring waters (and dinner sake) gave me the best night of rest on the trip! I chose to leave my curtains open, and I loved being waken by the sunrise to this view of Takamatsu.

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08/26/2024

Our final meal was 15 courses. FIFTEEN. COURSES.

I ordered a local sake, and they gave me an ENTIRE BOTTLE. And cooling pitcher.

The grilled Japanese mackerel with miso and Shodoshima island olive was my favorite - followed closely by the hot pot dish. I savored the sashimi yellowtail slowly; there's nowhere to get sushi of this quality anywhere else. I was sorry to say goodbye.

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08/23/2024

I loved working with travelers who are reaching out to a travel advisor for the first time. When they return, they always marvel why they didn't reach out to me sooner!

Who wouldn't want
- ease of planning, choice, and logistics
- unexpected winning recommendations
- a personal connection with someone you trust

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08/22/2024

Just a staircase to nowhere. . .

at the Benesse House Museum.

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08/21/2024

Nature | Man-Made - Outdoor | Indoor

The Benesse House Museum focuses on the integration and juxtaposition of nature and art.

Image 1: me and artwork of the yellow and black boats

Image 2: the yellow and black boats on the beach

Image 3: ant paths tunneling through flags of sand

Image 4: the circles of shore line and a circle of things found on the shoreline

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08/20/2024

lights, texture, angle

Chichu Art Museum (not pictured, camera not allowed) was my favorite place on Naoshima Island. The unique experience of lights and perspective pulled me out of this world and into another.

The name translates to "Art Museum in the Earth." The museum is a near maze of concrete that wanders inside and outside with treasures around each corner. Think fake walls, slivers of light, the only naturally lit Monet pieces in the world, and more.

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08/19/2024

Naoshima Island greeted us with a giant red pumpkin! There are art sculptures all around the island, and I loved how each one was interactive. Is that black circle just a spot on a pumpkin or a place to climb inside?

The pumpkins are a hallmark of artist Yayoi Kusama's work. She and other artists have slowly re-invented Naoshima island into an art island of installations, light effects, and traditional pieces.

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08/16/2024

Japan isn't just one island: it's a chain of islands. Traveling from Uno Port to Naoshima Island showcased the beautiful landscape of climbing mountains and dipping beaches. The ferry ride was relaxing with comfortable seating and vending machines. We explore the ship and then found a spot to rest and watch the islands pass by.

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06/19/2024

Another review with all the exclamation points I love!

Sorrento is one of my favorite spots for clients looking for a smaller town feel that still has lots to do on the Amalfi Coast. It's a great home base for places like Pompeii, Capri, and the smaller Amalfi coast villages while still have it's own unique vibe of lemon groves and beaches.

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06/17/2024

Shopping with temples and shrines in the background? Sign me up.

I try to purchase one quality item to bring home from each country. I found that item here in Sannenzaka. There are lots of lovely chopstick, pottery, clothing, and craft shops. (The first Japanese Starbucks is also here.) I opted for a tokkuri (sake flask) and two matching cups. The set is white with a golden phoenix flying by.

A word of caution though: the slopes here are a little steep! I would recommend coming earlier in the morning right when shops open to avoid the crowd and take your time.

06/13/2024

Is there a better place to mix work and fun than France? I loved helping these clients attend a conference in Paris and then see the best of Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille. Their stories tasting wine across the most wonderful vineyards are amazing!

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06/12/2024

Can you image jumping from this to make your wish come true???

It's 43 feet straight down to the hillside if you're interested. Over 200 jumps were recorded in the Edo period with a ~85% survival rate.

I loved walking the ups and downs of Kiyomizu Temple. There's everything one could want to see in a temple: mountain cliffs, luminescent red towers; rambling paths with miniature statues; Kyoto city views; and fortune telling stations. This is a place to get lost.

06/11/2024

Kinkakuji Temple is the golden highlight (physically and metaphorically) of Kyoto's Buddhist temples. The top two levels are covered in pure gold leaf.

The Golden Pavilion is set in a Japanese strolling garden. I loved the different views of the temple the ambling path gave me. I could feel the concept of "borrowed scenery" or shakkei that focuses on the integration of inside and outside. For example, the temple is reflected in the pond. The pond and temple together complete the scene.

05/05/2024

Bamboo as far as the eye can see...and then a tea house or a temple here and there.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was lovely. I wish I had time to walk the entire bamboo trail. I nearly got there. I went as far as I dared and then RAN back down the trail to our meeting point. I recommend giving yourself plenty of time in this area. The farther you walk, the less people are around and then you can hear the bamboo's sounds.

The Arashiyama district is also a fun area with lots of great shops and people dressed in traditional clothing for photos. I grabbed some cute cookies with cats on them.

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05/04/2024

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine was truly a mesmerizing experience. I could walk through the vermillion torii gates for hours (and did! - It takes 2.5 hours to get to the uppermost Inari gate.) I knew to expect the beautiful path, but I didn't know that there are so many wonderful areas that branch out at different spots up the mountain to explore.

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05/03/2024

~the one easy step to make the most from yur Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine visit~

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05/02/2024

I'm a stickler for details, and that's why I shine with luxury travel itineraries. It's a treat to really dive into the small details of the room's layout, a specific guide's background expertise, gift baskets of regional items waiting in each hotel room, and more.

For this itinerary, I also got to work with a destination close to my heart: Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona was the first city I got to explore on a high school Spanish trip as a young teenager. That trip solidified my desire to live abroad and eventually led to my planning of this trip. I can't wait to return someday!

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05/01/2024

Today I'm flying out to Vietnam and Cambodia to travel with ! But don't worry, my assistant is manning my desk while I'm gone.

I'm most excited to sail overnight around Vietnam's Halong Bay and expore Cambodia's Angkor.

I'll be posting about my trip in my stories! This is your invitation to come along for the ride.

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04/30/2024

04/29/2024

Quick Nagoya fit check.

With all the amazing historical temples and shrines, it's easy to forget making time for the Japan's contemporary scene. Spend some time at the department stores for the makeup. Find a thrifting area for clothing. And then GO TO A PHARMANCY for skincare.

My favorite Japanese skincare item is Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+. The formula is just different and better than anything I can get in the US. I burn so easily. Trust me, I know my sunscreen. I bought out each pharmacy I saw and grabbed a few more at random 7/11s.

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04/28/2024

~just a quick love note to Hida Wagyu Beef's sizzle~

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Address

708 5th Street Suite 5
Coralville, IA
52241

Telephone

+13198935304

Website

https://www.travelleaders.com/agent/247270?ref=search&txtAgentName=Gabrielle+Estel

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All I want after a long plane ride is fruit. Everything else is a bonus. ~~~ #travelagentgabrielle #gabrielletravelsvietnam @kensingtontours #kensingtontours #luxurytravelagent #luxurytraveller #luxurytraveladvisor #luxurytravels #kensingtontours #luxurytravel #luxurytravelagency #travelvietnam #luxurytraveler #luxurytravelexpert #hanoitravel #vietnam #hanoi #vietnamtravel #vietnamtravelers #luxurytraveltips #vietnamtraveltips #hanoivietnam

Uncork the champagne and pull out all the stops! @hiltonlaromana truly outdid themselves with the Future Leaders in Travel final dinner. #futureleadersretreat #northstartravelgroup #hiltonlaromana #travelagewest

~one of my favorite moments from Japan~ #travelagentgabrielle #gabrielletravelsjapan #japantravelagent #travelagentjapan #japantravel #traveljapan #japantraveltips #traveltojapan2023 #jnto #japannationaltourismorganisation #VisitJapanUS #maiko #geiko #geisha #konpira #kyotogeisha #gion #giondistrict

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~the one easy step to make the most from yur Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine visit~ ~~~~ #GabrielleTravelsJapan #TravelAgentGabrielle #japantravelagent #travelagentjapan #japantravel #traveljapan #japantraveltips #traveltojapan2023 #jnto #japannationaltourismorganisation #VisitJapanUS #fushimiinari #fushimiinarikyoto #fushimiinarishrine #fushimiinaritemple #fushimiinarishrine #fushimiinaritaishashrine #fushimiinaritorii #toriigate #toriigates #toriigates⛩

~making kumihimo~ What better way to keep traditions alive than teaching! The Hida Takayama Activity and Exchange Hall promotes traditional culture, local industry, and cultural exchange between citizens and travellers. The hall holds demonstrations and lessons about various crafts, such as Itto-bori carving and Hida Shunkei. My kumihimo is now tied around my winter coat zipper. ~~~~ #GabrielleTravelsJapan #TravelAgentGabrielke #japantravelagent #travekagentjapan #japantravel #traveljapan #japantraveltips #jnto #visitjapanus #traditionaljapanesecrafts #hidatakayama #kumihimo #kumihimobraiding #kumihimojewelry

~just a quick love note to Hida Wagyu Beef's sizzle~ ~~~~ #GabrielleTravelsJapan #travelagentgabrielle #japantravelagent #travekagentjapan #japantravel #traveljapan #japantraveltips #jnto #visitjapanus #wagyubeef #hidabeef #wagyulover #wagyuribeye #WagyuPerfection #wagyu #foodietravel #FoodieFinds

If at first you don't succeed, try try again. The escargot is worth it. My clients receive a packet of my personal travel tips so they always know how to stab their escargot, plug in their laptops, tip their helpers, and have the best travel experience! ~~~~ #GabrielleTravelsJapan #TravelAgentGabrielle #japantravelagent #travelagentjapan #japantravel #traveljapan #japantraveltips #traveltojapan2023 #traveltojapan #bucketlisttravel #travelleaders #escargot #traveltips #traveltipster #travelagenttips #travelhacks