Ariana Grinblat - Your Luxury Travel Advisor

07/03/2021

Why fight for availability in the national parks this summer when Iceland is open and ready to satisfy your outdoorsy needs? 🏕

Check out this video from my amazing clients’ helicopter tour of the Fagradalsfjall Volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula from a few hours ago. 🌋 Immediately after, they checked into the iconic The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland for a relaxing private lagoon dip. These are bucket list kinds of experiences and it was a joy to help curate this trip!

06/26/2021

This is an excellent glimpse into what it feels like to be a travel advisor right now. The amount of research required for what seems like an uncomplicated request has become outlandish, and when the client pulls the plug, we ultimately have nothing to show for all that time spent.

Sticker shock. Safety concerns. Sold-out resorts.

06/20/2021

As the world continues to open up, the demand and desire to travel is growing at an exponential rate — and the members of our industry couldn’t be more excited and grateful. But the reality is, keeping up with the intricacies of entry and exit requirements in each destination can be overwhelming. Let your travel advisor guide you from start to finish, regardless of whether you’re considering a low maintenance weekend getaway or a multi-country bucket list trip.

In the last month, I’ve had the privilege of visiting the Bahamas twice. Interestingly enough, the entry requirements actually changed between the two trips, so I was able to have two different experiences. The good news is, both were very manageable and great! Currently, vaccinated travelers do not need to provide a negative COVID-19 test to enter the Bahamas. Simply apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa by creating an account on the incredibly user-friendly portal, upload your vaccination card, pay the nominal entrance fee ($40 - $60 depending on your trip’s duration) and you will receive your QR code within 24 hours (both times I applied I received mine within hours, but best not to postpone just in case). For many cities in the U.S., this tropical paradise is only a few hours on a nonstop flight away. And let me tell you — the warmth and kindness from the innately hospitable Bahamians makes you wonder why you waited so long to visit.

I had the opportunity to stay at the gorgeous Rosewood Baha Mar as well as the SLS Baha Mar, but also took the time to tour the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and the stunning The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas. Navigating the structure of the Baha Mar complex can be a bit challenging until you actually arrive and see it in person. But the combination of the 3 beachfront resorts, casino, nightlife and world-class dining (think Katsuya and Carna Restaurant) all at your feet is pretty special. Send me a private message if I can answer any questions or help you plan your next trip!

04/08/2020

I know it's hard to think about travel during these unsettling times, but rest assured, as soon as we get the green light, I know my bags will be packed to go! If you're like me, I suggest reading this article about why you should take this time to renew your passport.

https://thepointsguy.com/news/you-cant-renew-your-passport-right-now-without-a-life-or-death-emergency/

As of March 20, the U.S. Department of State is no longer accepting standard passport applications. In an effort to minimize non-essential operations and to enforce its Level 4: Do Not Travel global advisory, the department will only process applications for customers with qualified life-or-death em...

02/06/2020

**New Yorkers -- Global Entry has been suspended! Details at link below.

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/politics/new-york-residents-can-no-longer-sign-up-for-global-entry-dhs-chief-says/2280045/

The Trump administration official said that in response to the state’s sanctuary and Green Light laws, all New York residents “can’t enroll or re-enroll” in the Trusted Traveler Programs

10/01/2019

This just skyrocketed to the top of my travel list! 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️ Who else is now dying to go to Bologna to check out the new FICO Eataly World?

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/a-sneak-peek-of-eataly-world-italys-106-million-food-theme-park

From truffle hunts to 1,000 iterations of the Negroni, here’s a sneak peek of what’s on offer at Italy’s impending foodie wonderland.

09/26/2019

How about that? No more grimacing when the middle 💺 is the only option!

It’s true, the Federal Aviation Administration recently approved a seat design, called the “S1” by Molon Labe Seating, that would actually make middle airline seats three inches wider than window and aisle seats.

08/20/2019

Traveling to Istanbul? I don't know about you, but planning a checklist for the best eats is a top priority. Below are some bites you won't want to miss. What are your favorites?

https://www.frosch.com/2019/08/16/where-to-eat-in-istanbul/

Having served as an iconic city throughout history, Istanbul has been a central component of the global food and spice trade for thousands of years, and nothing makes that more obvious than stepping inside a food market or restaurant in Istanbul.

08/12/2019

Great news for the major United hubs!
AND travelers who participate in United’s MileagePlus program will receive discounted memberships in the Clear program, and it will be complimentary for MileagePlus’s top tier members.

https://www.frosch.com/2019/07/31/united-airlines-partners-with-clear/

United Airlines (UA) recently purchased a stake in Clear, a biometric screening company currently serving nearly 4 million passengers in over 30 US airports.

08/08/2019

I love it when I can surprise my valued clients with brand new openings that are just SO them.

Case in point, the stunning La Maison d'Estournel was a perfect fit for a journey through the Bordeaux wine region, particularly since this happens to be one of their favorite bottles of Bordeaux. Can't wait to hear what goodies are in store for my client because he booked through me! 😉

Let's talk about what your priorities and special interests are for your next trip, so that I can surprise you as well! 🍷

https://www.lamaison-estournel.com

Nestling in the Bordeaux vineyard region, La Maison d’Estournel is a country home where the living is easy. It offers an experience all its own ensuring a simple and authentic stay in the heart of nature.

08/07/2019

As we grasp to the last weeks of summer, it doesn't hurt to fantasize about what your next beach getaway could look like. Let's talk about the newly opened Nobu Los Cabos.

Sumptuous rooms and suites echo both Nobu’s sophisticated Japanese aesthetic and Cabo’s laid-back style. And foodies (like myself) will be pleased that Nobu's world-famous dining can be experienced on the beach.

Book with me and enjoy free daily breakfast for two, $50 resort credit, and upgrade at check-in based on availability.

https://loscabos.nobuhotels.com/

08/05/2019

One of my FAVORITE combos: wine, cruising and Europe!

AmaWaterways wine cruises add a unique epicurean dimension to a variety of itineraries.

Contact me for information on these special sailings and receive a BONUS Amenity of up to $300 Shipboard Credit per couple.

https://sigtn.com/u/MsPK75qv

Basel/Nuremberg

08/05/2019

A question I'm asked daily -- are travel agents still a thing?! If you're silently nodding in agreement, this article breaks down perfectly why the word "agent" has been replaced with "advisor." In the simplest of explanations:

1. PERKS - I have the ability to leverage our relationships with hotels, cruise lines and airlines to get my clients added value, whether it be through guaranteed upgrades at the time of booking, hotel or shipboard credit, or other goodies.

2. HELP - No amount of planning can prevent the unexpected. Let me handle it behind the scenes while everyone else is stress-dialing a 1-800 number.

3. TIME - Time is money and I'm here so you can go back to focusing on what's important in your life, and not figuring out the logistics of a multi-city bucket-list journey through East Africa.

The article is still very much worth the read if you're curious about concrete examples of when these points come in to play. Which, trust me, is daily. :)

The internet has made planning and booking your own trip so easy. But travel advisors are still in the game. Discover the advantages in paying one.