White Lotus Travel Design

06/22/2024

New travel opportunity just dropped! 🪻

We are THRILLED to invite you to join us aboard AmaWaterways on a luxurious 7-night river cruise through Provence, sailing from Lyon to Arles 🇫🇷

Join us from October 9-16, 2025, on an all-inclusive vacation (fabulous food, excursions, tours, wellness activities and more) where you only have to unpack one time ✨

Seven nights not enough? Join us pre-cruise in Paris or post cruise in Barcelona. Or both 🇪🇸

Bonus: Book your river cruise by June 30 and receive a complimentary hotel stay in Paris or Barcelona pre- or post cruise (your choice) 🛎️

Visit our website for complete details (link: https://tinyurl.com/26qztmqp).

We look forward to seeing you in France 🥖

06/17/2024

Warning: Paris food content ahead (may cause hunger) 🥖

In my newest blog post, I take you on a culinary tour of Paris, sharing some of the best foodie experiences I’ve had in Paris over the years 🇫🇷

These are just a few of my favorites; they barely scratch the surface of all the culinary treasures that Paris has to offer foodies from around the world 🍷

We’ve got some delicious eats ahead, so buckle up (actually, maybe unbuckle, there’s a lot of food involved) 🥐

Link to blog: https://whitelotustraveldesign.com/travel-inspiration/eating-your-way-through-paris/

06/01/2024

Visiting three countries in Europe but only unpacking one time?! 🤯

That was exactly the experience I had last fall sailing on my first river cruise, which was aboard .

Curious whether or not river cruising is for you? Read my latest blog post and find out 🏰

https://whitelotustraveldesign.com/travel-inspiration/discover-europes-gems-on-a-luxury-river-cruise/

05/08/2024

Sure, you could see North America on a cross-continent road trip. Or you can truly sea it from coast to coast, without all the traffic 🛟

Cue Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyages' brand-new luxury ship 🚢

Starting Fall 2025, she’s touring North America on four unique MerMaiden voyages — one out of New York City, one through the Panama Canal, one along Cali’s coast, and one up to Alaska 🗽

New York, Miami, and LA sailings are now open for booking, so get yourself on board! ⚓

Visit https://tinyurl.com/4kn3b3ne to be among the first onboard

05/04/2024

I’m going to let you in on a secret 🤫

There’s an Italian island destination in the Bay of Naples that is almost hidden in plain sight offering fabulous food, the Mediterranean Sea, natural hot springs, and a rich history unlike anyplace else in Italy 🏖️

I’m talking about Ischia (locals call it “The Green Island”) and you can read all about it in my most recent blog post: https://tinyurl.com/2uxcx8ne 🤍🪷🏰

04/19/2024

Rome if you want to (and we know you want to) 🍝

The Eternal City is ancient and modern at the same time and is a mecca of culture, fantastic cuisine, history, and home to some of the world’s most iconic sites 🏛

My latest blog post is about my recent day trip to Rome (link: https://tinyurl.com/3dusj6k5) and is the second in the series on my March 2024 trip to Italy, where I visited Naples, Rome, and Ischia 🤍🪷🇮🇹

Have you been to Rome before? What was your favorite thing about it?

04/04/2024

If you are someone who loves Italian food and travels to eat, Naples should probably be high on your list of cities to visit 🇮🇹🤌🏼

So whether you’re in your pizza in its birthplace era, 🍕 your going to the opera in Italy era, 🎶 or just want some great food and a good base for day trips (Pompeii, Ischia, The Amalfi Coast, and Capri are all a quick drive or boat ride away), 🏖️ Naples is probably for you.

Check out some highlights from our recent trip to Naples, and read about it in our recent blog post (link: https://tinyurl.com/3zvj3ubn) 🤍🪷✏️

03/21/2024

Venice can’t be seen in one day 🕌

Many travelers hear the name and think of overcrowding and that quick visit they had six years ago when they ported in Venice on a cruise.

Let me tell you, there is SO much more to do, see, taste, and enjoy in La Serenissima than can be done in one day, and I’m happy to share some inside tips on how to spend three days in Venice 🤍🪷🇮🇹

Check out our latest blog post, “How to Spend Three Days in Venice,” to learn how (https://whitelotustraveldesign.com/travel-inspiration/how-to-spend-three-days-in-venice/) ✏️

02/06/2024

I attended a fantastic culinary travel luncheon today featuring some top-notch Tuscan cuisine. Lunch was prepared by Chef Silvia Baracchi of Relais Il Falconiere, held at Eataly here in NYC. Silvia was such a welcoming hostess, and her Michelin-star skills were on full display ⭐

When it comes to cuisine, Italy's is so varied from region to region. A stay in Cortona (in Tuscany) is a great way to experience the best of Tuscan cuisine before visiting one of the other regions nearby 🤍🪷🇮🇹

If you'd like to learn more about Italy's cuisine and how the food varies from region to region, subscribe to the White Lotus Travel Design mailing list and we will send you a complimentary comprehensive guide that will help you break it down http://eepurl.com/iEgZg-

01/31/2024

White Lotus Travel Design is now a proud member of Marriott's STARS & Luminous programs, unlocking exclusive perks and privileges for our clients at some of Marriott's finest hotels and resorts worldwide 🤍🪷🛎️

Guests booking through White Lotus Travel Design may enjoy exclusive benefits at participating properties within Marriott’s STARS and Luminous portfolios, including The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Autograph Collection, and more.

Contact us today if you’d like to reap the benefits on your next getaway ✨

01/15/2024

Whether it's on the ocean, sea, river, or a remote expedition, working with a cruise specialist is the best way to make the most out of Wave Season (hint: we are cruise specialists) 🤍🪷🌊

If you're brand new to cruising, a seasoned veteran, or somewhere in between, White Lotus Travel Design is here to help you navigate the waters and:

⚓ Choose the cruise line that's best for YOU
⚓ Select itineraries that will bring you to your favorite destinations and let you discover new ones
⚓ Customize and book your pre- and post-cruise plans to make the most out of your vacation
⚓ Access additional benefits only available through travel advisors

Check out this article from Condé Nast Traveler to see what we mean

A trusted travel agent can secure onboard perks and provide vital support should the unexpected happen.

01/03/2024

Italy offers an unrivaled culinary experience for travelers and it’s yours to discover with this complimentary copy of this best-selling ebook from Approach Guides. 🤍🪷 🇮🇹

With high-resolution images, a food dictionary, and information on Italian coffee, pasta, and salumi, this is the definitive guide to the regional foods of Italy. 🍝🍷

Subscribe to our mailing list now to receive your free copy, and we will also send you travel inspiration, insider tips, destination knowledge, exclusive travel opportunities, and so much more! Visit http://eepurl.com/iEgZg- to subscribe.

12/27/2023

Is luxury travel on your 2024 wishlist? Subscribe to our mailing list and be the first to hear about all things White Lotus Travel Design in the new year 🤍🪷 📩

Our exclusive mailing list is your passport to:

🪷 Travel inspiration: Discover hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and unique cultural immersion experiences ✈️

🪷 Insider tips: Learn the secrets of navigating luxury travel like a pro – from VIP upgrades to local customs and hidden treasures ✨
️
🪷 Destination knowledge: Dive deep into our favorite places, gain expert insights, and plan your dream trip with confidence 🗺️

🪷 Exclusive travel opportunities: Be the first to access bespoke itineraries, private events, and limited-access opportunities from our trusted partners 🤝

Ready to elevate your travel game? Simply visit this link and join our mailing list: http://tinyurl.com/ypzjmfsp

We can't wait to see you in the new year! 🥂

12/16/2023

White Lotus Travel Design is now a proud member of Hyatt Privé! 🤍🪷🛎️

Hyatt Privé is a collective of travel advisors who work in concert with participating Hyatt hotels and resorts to deliver extraordinary travel experiences to our premium clientele. Member travel advisors of Hyatt Privé, Hyatt’s invitation-only program, receive access to exclusive special offers, unique local recommendations, and insider tips to elevate travel curation.

Guests booking through their Privé member travel advisor can enjoy exclusive benefits, such as property credits, complimentary breakfast, and room upgrades with qualifying stays at Hyatt hotels and resorts such as Miraval Resorts, Andaz, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Dream Hotels, and many more within the Hyatt collection.

Contact us today if you’d like to reap the benefits on your next luxurious getaway ✨

12/04/2023

Europe’s not just for summer! We are feeling festive and dreaming of another holiday season across the pond🎄🔔❄️

It's not too early to start planning a trip to Europe for next year's holiday season, whether on land or aboard a river cruise. Which cities in Europe would you love to visit during the holidays? 🤍🪷 🌟

📸: Josh Scheer
📍: Bologna 🇮🇹 & Strasbourg 🇫🇷

11/25/2023

We love seeing all the support for other today on !

As a newly launched small business, we've already gotten the thrill of planning trips for our clients to Italy, Europe and beyond.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/3t37btxe today to start planning your next getaway! 🤍🪷🌊

11/17/2023

📣 Thrilled to announce our first-ever Come with Us trip on board Virgin Voyages! 📣

Set sail with us July 7-14, 2024 from Barcelona and get to visit Marseille + Cannes, France and Palma de Mallorca + Ibiza, Spain! ⛴️🇪🇸🇫🇷 Enjoy adults-only fun, delectable food (all specialty restaurants included in fare), showstopping entertainment, and spacious + high-tech accomodations aboard The .

Book through by November 26 to take advantage of ' sale which gives you
⚓ 30% off voyage fare
⚓ $600 in premium drinks per cabin
⚓ Anytime boarding (an exclusive Virtuoso amenity)

Contact us today to learn more, or you can book now directly by visiting tinyurl.com/yq6mntpu

we'll see you in the Mediterranean this summer! 🤍🪷 🌊

11/14/2023

One of the best things about cruising The Rhine and Main Rivers with AmaWaterways was getting to enjoy the ship itself, the beautiful AmaCerto. We stayed in one of their signature twin-balcony cabins, which allowed us to enjoy spectacular views of the rivers from the privacy of our cabin 🏰🌳

This ship has a ton of onboard features, such as:
⛴️ A panoramic lounge with a bar, piano and dance floor
⛴️ Walking track, pool with swim-up bar, fitness room and bicycles for in-port exploration
⛴️ Hair salon and massage services
⛴️ The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
⛴️ Breakfast and lunch buffets featuring regional cuisine; multi-course dinners made with fresh local ingredients
⛴️ Hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with meals, plus a Sip & Sail cocktail hour
⛴️ Marble bathrooms, multi-jet showers, soothing bath products, cotton bathrobes, slippers and hair dryer

Visit the link in our bio to learn more and to experience AmaWaterways first hand 🤍🪷🌊

11/07/2023

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois was an opulent and jaw-dropping welcome to Basel before our river cruise on board AmaWaterways 🇨🇭🏰

We were blown away by the spacious and elegantly-appointed junior suite accommodations, TWO Michelin-recommended restaurants on-site (including the 3x Michelin ⭐⭐⭐ Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl), and the view of the Rhine River. The service from hotel staff was top notch and we wholeheartedly recommend for our clients looking to stay in Basel. It's a five-star beginning or finale to any along the Rhine!

10/20/2023

Part 3 of 3 🛥️ Where we stopped during our trip on Resilient Lady

📍 Split, Croatia
📍 Dubrovnik, Croatia
📍 Kotor, Montenegro
📍 Corfu, Greece

From swimming in the crystal clear Adriatic in Split, to seeing the famous sights in Dubrovnik and riding on a catamaran in Montenegro – we loved getting to see and explore each city that Virgin Voyages brought us to! Many thanks to the incredible crew on the Resilient Lady for taking such great care of us on our trip.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/wk2zta26 to discover more Virgin Voyages! 🤍🪷🧜‍♀️

10/13/2023

Part 2 of 3 🛥️ What we ate and saw aboard Resilient Lady

The food on Virgin Voyages exceeded our expectations across the board! The variety, quality and freshness highlighted in both The Galley and restaurants made for a wide range of culinary experiences during our cruise. Special shout-outs go to Test Kitchen, Razzle Dazzle and The Wake! Specialty dining all being included meant that we got to experience a new restaurant and cuisine each night. 🍝🍱

The happenings cast and other onboard entertainment kept both the energy and the performance standards high all week long! We ended up seeing Persephone twice because once simply wasn't enough – and be sure not to miss Another Rose 🌹 and Around the World with the Diva! 🌈

Stay tuned for part three where we'll bring you along to the ports we visited. Visit https://tinyurl.com/wk2zta26 to discover more Virgin Voyages! 🤍🪷🧜‍♀️

10/02/2023

One of our favorite things about Italy is how you can travel a couple of hours in any direction and find yourself in a completely different culture with a cuisine all its own. 🚆🍝 It’s no surprise that the Piemontese food and cocktail scene in Turin blew us away. With unique dishes such as Vitello Tonnato (thinly-sliced veal in a tuna sauce), Agnolotti del Plin (meat-filled pasta), Tajarin al B***o (served with fresh truffles), and Insalata Russa (“Russian salad” – allegedly created when the Tsar was visiting Turin!), visitors are truly in for some unexpected and out of this world flavors. Also be sure to try "il bicerin," a local specialty made of hot chocolate, espresso, and cream. ☕ 🤤 We really enjoyed the food and drinks at Ai doi Scalin gastronomia artigianale (a fantastic deli with a few tables), Scannabue Ristorante & Gastronomia, Affini (GREAT craft cocktails), and of course the original Caffè Al Bicerin, which has been there since 1763. There’s so much Italy to see! 🇮🇹🤍🪷

📸: Josh Scheer

09/26/2023

Some of our favorite spots in Italy to take in the sea are in Liguria, along The Italian Riviera 🏖️ This area features charming seaside fishing villages such as Camogli, world-famous resort towns like Portofino, and of course, Le Cinque Terre ☀️ The cuisine in this area is unlike anywhere else in Italy (pesto anyone??) and the views and sea are to die for 🐠

📸: Josh Scheer 🇮🇹🤍🪷

09/21/2023

There’s no place quite like Venice, and there’s so much more to it than its world-famous gondoliers and the grandeur (and crowds!) of Piazza San Marco. Lots of travelers visit La Serenissima on a day trip, but we think it's worth staying for at least a few days. There are so many other islands you can visit in the lagoon, with Murano and Burano being the most popular and only a short ferry ride away. ⛴️

Also, be sure to check out the Cannaregio area of Venice, where you can try great local wines and cuisine in small portions (“cicchetti”) at spots such as Vino-Vero, Al timon, and Paradiso Perduto, and also at restaurants such as La Colombina for a traditional Venetian meal, and Orient Experience for some excellent Middle Eastern fare, which was an unexpected and very welcomed surprise while traveling through Italy 🍷

Have you been to Venice before? 🇮🇹🤍🪷

📸: Josh Scheer

06/29/2023

We are THRILLED to announce the launch of White Lotus Travel Design, a boutique travel consultancy bringing you to Italy, Europe, and beyond! 🤍🪷 🇮🇹🌍

We have been traveling internationally for 20+ years and are excited to share the joy, experience, and knowledge gained over the years with our clients.

So many people we talk to want to travel and immerse themselves in new cultures, but are overwhelmed by the amount of info out there and have NO IDEA where to begin – that's where we come in. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family vacation, a solo adventure, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or anything in between, we're here to make it happen.

White Lotus Travel Design offers:
🪷 Itinerary Design
🪷 Travel Booking
🪷 Travel Consultation

We are an LGBTQ+ owned business based in New York City 🏳️‍🌈 and are so excited to share this news to close out Pride Month! Visit our website at https://whitelotustraveldesign.com to learn more.

📸: All photos taken by President and Owner, Josh Scheer