Culture Traveler

11/30/2024

Hi it’s Suzanne here. I have now sailed on Explora I 75 days in 16 months. I was on her inaugural where she was the newbie in the ultra- luxury cruise ship model - and have watched her grow and get her sea legs. She has won many awards in these last 16 months among them Best for WellBeing, Overall Best Cuisine and Best Ocean Luxury Cruise Line. From day 1 to day 75 Explora started at a high water mark and has improved since on each and every journey. The hosts are as engaged as ever, the food is sublime and the atmosphere warm and inviting. They have upped their game with more onboard activities, lectures and passenger engagement and I heard wondeful reviews of the “experiences” (or excursions) this trip.

I thoroughly enjoyed spending Thanksgiving aboard the ship where they honored that age old tradition of classic
dishes mixed with a little innovation.

Thanks to Alex for always making sure the food and beverages are impeccably presented, to Nicole who makes me feel at home and who manages to create wonderful new dishes all the while maintaining five star service.

Enjoy the photos of our dinner!

Explora Journeys Franck Garanger

11/29/2024

Kareem George here with answers to several of your logistical questions based on my recent experience: flight routing, duration, visa, customs, etc. I hope you find the information useful and apologies for the background noise of the Balinese breeze ;)

11/29/2024

All best wishes from the Culture Traveler Team :)

11/26/2024

Kareem George here with a travel tip for those that like to mix and mingle with the locals…Should you find yourself in Jakarta on a Sunday morning you will experience the closure of Sudirman and Thamrin streets for residents to run and walk. So, why not join and get your steps in early for the day?!

11/23/2024

Kareem George here, learning loads on my first visit to Indonesia and looking forward to sharing with our Culture Travelers 🙂

11/18/2024

Many thanks to our supportive community of Culture Travelers for trusting us with their travel planning. It is a great privilege to play a part in creating lasting memories.

Why plan your travels alone when you can have a pro by your side? 🌍✈️

Here are 5 of the many reasons you should use a travel advisor for your next vacation ⤵️

1. Personalized Expertise ➡ From hidden gems to must-visit landmarks, a Travel Advisor's insider knowledge ensures your itinerary is tailor-made to suit YOUR travel dreams.

2. Save Time & Stress ➡ Leave the overwhelming details to the pros! Your advisor handles the logistics, reservations, and any unexpected hiccups, so you can focus on making memories.

3. Exclusive Access & Perks ➡ Gain access to exclusive deals, VIP upgrades, and special amenities that aren't available to the average traveler. Your advisor's industry connections open doors to a world of extras!

4. Budget Optimization ➡ Travel Advisors work magic on your budget! They can find the best value for your investment, ensuring a fabulous experience.

5. Peace of Mind ➡ In an ever-changing world, having a Travel Advisor means having a reliable advocate. They keep an eye on travel alerts, help with cancellations or unexpected changes, and many agencies have after hours support.

11/17/2024

11/17/2024

Kareem George here to share another highlight of my recent stay at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, a lovely dinner at Woodend by Curtis Stone. Centered around exceptional, wood-fired grill cuisine, this restaurant feature seasonal dishes that celebrate the connection between sea and land. Recognized by the Michelin guide, Woodend takes inspiration from the farmers and fisherman who ingredients are the heart and soul of local gastronomy.
A few tips: the cheese bread is definitely worth the calories and the wine pairing is lovely as well. Buen provecho 🙂

11/16/2024

The Passport Predicament

Renewing your passport feels like a rite of passage every decade, but why does it always feel like you’re preparing for a life-or-death mission? First, there’s the photo—oh, the photo. You walk in, feeling semi-confident, and walk out looking like a sleep-deprived fugitive. They say, “No smiles,” but do they have to actively steal your soul too?

Then there’s the paperwork. Filling out the form is like solving an ancient riddle: “What is your birthplace? (But make it match exactly as written 10 years ago, or else!)” And don’t forget the fee—nothing says “freedom to travel” like an impromptu wallet cleanse.

And of course, there’s the wait. Six to eight weeks? More like six to eight years in emotional time. You obsessively check the mail, like a kid awaiting a birthday card from grandma. Meanwhile, your friends are off to exotic locations, and you’re stuck with a “passport pending” status and a Groupon for the local aquarium.

But when that shiny little booklet finally arrives, suddenly it’s all worth it. Until you realize...you just used all your vacation money to renew it. Bon voyage! Or maybe next year.

Fear no more qualified candidates can renew their passport online https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html

This page includes information about our online passport renewal system, and instructions to complete your application.

11/09/2024

Did you know that wine was the first product of the nation of Mexico and that its first wines date back to 1529! Kareem George here, feeling very impressed and relaxed following an incredibly informative (and fun!) wine tasting with Maroma, A Belmond Hotel Sommelier, Edward Sanchez.

This intimate experience is available for solo travelers, couples or groups and was a highlight of my visit to the resort. I was previously unfamiliar with the large scope of the Mexican wine industry, which consists of 16 unique geographic regions throughout the country.

Most important to note is that the wines were delicious! I was most fond of a delicious, buttery Chardonnay from Enchillas, Chihuahua and a lighter, yet still well-balanced Nebbiolo from Cananea, Sonora.

How might this evening get any better? Well, I am now off to the chic, beachside restaurant, Woodend, by Australian culinary pioneer, Curtis Stone…

11/06/2024

Kareem George here with 5 reasons you should add the exquisite Maroma, A Belmond Hotel to your travel wish list:

- Incredible Sense of Place
- Sincere, Friendly and Attentive Service
- Stunning, White Sand Beach
- Delectable Cuisine
- Exquisite Spa and Extensive Wellness Offerings

This beautiful resort is perfect for a Thanksgiving break or holiday retreat. I am already planning my return 🙂 Message me for more details and information on the special amenities for Culture Travelers…