Truvay Travel

24/07/2023

HIGHLIGHT of the week...
I knew about Old Ponale Road before we went to Lake Garda. But there's nothing like experiencing it yourself.

It is an historic road that passes through a series of tunnels from WWI, originally built starting in 1848 to connect Riva del Garda with Valle di Ledro.

You can hike it or you can bike it. There is beauty at every turn along the way. I chose to bike it with my guide Giovanni.

What's it like?
You climb climb climb.
Weaving through tunnels, under rock ceilings that were blown out two centuries ago and next to steep cliffs. The views are spectacular.

Part way up we passed a restaurant perched on the cliff, a great spot for a drink. But it was Tuesday and they are closed on Tuesdays. So we kept going. Switchback after switchback - rocky road to smooth asphalt, the surface varies but the views remain stellar.

Check out the link in the comments for a YouTube video I found that was filmed by a drone to give you a more 3D perspective on the beauty of the ride.

At one point I asked Giovanni to point out where the via ferrata was (I was originally going to scale that with him but changed my mind to the bike ride instead). I had a pang of regret. The views from there would surely be over the top incredible! So I've put it on the list for my next visit.

Not even an hour into the ride we reach the town of Pregasina, where we choose to stop for a refreshing cold beer.

On the bike again, climbing climbing climbing. We reach a signpost and knew we were getting close to the top.

We hike the last 10 minutes to our final spot.

Punta Larici.

360 degree views all around. The day was hazy, so I knew the beauty was muted a bit. But even with that it was worth the effort!
A few tips for your future ride:
- wear biking gloves
- plan extra time for taking photos and a cold drink
- go in the later afternoon (5pm+) if you prefer the shade
- or go early in the morning to have fewer people
- go with a guide to hear stories about the history behind the route and learn even more about the area of Lake Garda

18/07/2023

Are your passport pages filling quickly with stamps to the point where you might run out well before it expires?

Mine is!

Not having enough blank passport pages causes you to risk being denied entry to a country. Don't let that happen to you.

The Where to Next? Adventures in Luxury Travel newsletter has a section...
Inspiration + Information that shares the best travel articles and most relevant travel tips each week.

Today I'm sharing my favorite tip from this week. It happens to be from The Points Guy and I will be following their advice personally.

It's possible for Americans who meet certain conditions to be granted a secondary passport book. Here's everything you need to know to apply for a second passport.

16/03/2023

My daughter, is on gap year and for the next 3 months she’s adventuring through South America with her best friend.
After a quick stop in Santiago where she saw some family friends (so fun!), she hiked the W Trek in Chilean Patagonia.
A trip over the suspension bridge next to Grey Glacier is a must for stunning views!

It was a fun moment when she realized that the skyline of the Patagonia label on her jacket was actually the exact same as the view in front of her!

Up next – Argentinian Patagonia

08/10/2022

One of the many magical moments in the Sacred Valley. A delicious picnic made with all local foods, in a spectacular setting with my favorite Peruvians.

05/10/2022

A glimpse into our weekly newsletter...
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Epic adventures for active travelers       A NOTE FROM MIMI Good morning Mimi,. Allison and I are in Peru! I chose Peru for her surprise trip because we both love speaking Spanish, great food (2 of

19/07/2022

Kenya is a magical place.
Dinner under the moonlight, mountain biking by a herd of elephants and of course more beautiful animals.

13/07/2022

Sundowners in a magical spot thanks to . Miss it already!

02/06/2022

This week on Adventures in Luxury Travel I am joined by Mike Overcast, one of the founders of Tordillo Mountain Lodge. Mike founded TML with Olympic Gold Medalist, Tommy Moe. TML was an easy choice for a podcast episode because our family had the BEST. VACATION. EVER. there last summer. It is an active, adventurous traveler's dream destination.

Mike will tell us the story behind the founding of Tordrillo and how it's evolved over the years. We will talk about many of the adventures to have on and off property, including daily helicopter excursions (which we loved!):
• via ferrata (this was my #1 bucket list experience)
• hiking
• fishing
• white water rafting
• efoiling
• wakeboarding and wake surfing
• kayaking
• SUP
• bear viewing
• in winter - heli-skiing

In addition to adventuring, they also know how to luxuriate with incredible food, wellness activities and a daily massage that is included with your stay.

At 12:30p ET on Thursday, June 2 join Mike and me for the last Adventures in Luxury Travel podcast of the season as we talk about THE place to put on your Alaskan itinerary.

You can find us on LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook live.

19/05/2022

This week on Adventures in Luxury Travel I am joined by Rose Allen to talk about 2 lodges owned by one of my favorite travel companies, Eleven Experience. These lodges are quite different – but they share a common ethos, highly experienced guides, delectable food and top notch service.

Rose and I will touch on the history of Eleven, where the belief is that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice the comforts of home in order to experience some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and incredible adventures (I agree!). And we will talk about the stories behind two of their iconic destinations:

Deplar Farm in Iceland
This off-the-grid destination in northern Iceland is an active traveler's paradise. It is a converted sheep farm that blends into the surroundings an affords access to spectacular scenery in areas of Iceland most people will never see.

Rio Palena Lodge in Chile
Located in remote Patagonia, surrounded by the towering Andes Mountains, Rio Palena Lodge is an intimate destination in the middle of largely uninhabited terrain. It’s a place few people will ever have the pleasure of experiencing.

We will share the active adventures to have on and off property throughout the four seasons – including hiking, fishing, white water rafting, SUPing, mountain biking and heli-skiing. And we will talk about luxuriating with wellness activities, spa treatments and incredible dining experiences.

At 12p ET on Thursday, May 19 join Rose and me as we talk about these two special destinations.

You can find us on LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook live.

18/05/2022

05/05/2022

This week on Adventures in Luxury Travel I am joined by Patricia Johnson to talk about Belize.
Last month I took our family to Belize for spring break. We chartered a catamaran to go island hopping and then stayed at an inland lodge. To me, it shares a similarity to Costa Rica in the sense that there are lots of both water based and inland adventures. Add in Mayan ruins and learning about the history of the Garifuna people and it’s also an incredible cultural destination.

Patricia and I will cover:
• The highlights of the coast and islands
o The Blue hole
o Belize Barrier Reef – UNESCO
• Active experiences – cave tubing, hiking, ziplining, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, rappelling, swimming with whale sharks, golf and more
• Culinary experiences – chocolate making, cooking classes, having your personal catch prepared minutes after it comes out of the sea
• Cultural experiences – Mayan ruins and Garifuna culture
• Marine and wildlife – sharks, giant turtles, manta rays, jaguars, tapirs and manatees
• The best resorts and jungle lodges

At 12:30p ET on Thursday, May 5 join Patricia and me as we talk about the many active, cultural and fun sides of Belize.

21/04/2022

This week on Adventures in Luxury Travel I am joined by Maita Barrenechea to talk about Uruguay.

Uruguay is an under the radar destination, and for those in the know, there are countless reasons to visit. The vineyards produce world famous wines, they have a trendy beach town known as “the Hamptons” of South America, the culinary offerings are vast and delicious and there are many opportunities to be active and experience the rich culture.

Maita and I will cover:
• The highlights of Montevideo, the coast and the internal parts of the country
• The many active experiences – horseback riding, hiking, surfing, kayaking
• New skills to learn – polo, kiteboarding, pottery and classic Uruguayan cooking
• The bridge considered an architectural masterpiece
• Many culinary experiences – beachside cafes, upscale restaurants, picnics in picturesque vineyards, the traditional Uruguayan BBQ and the annual Design+Food week
• Fascinating people to meet and exclusive experiences to enjoy
• The best resorts, boutique hotels and fincas

At 10am ET on Thursday, April 21 join Maita and me as we talk about the cultural, culinary, active and fun sides of Uruguay.

You can find us on LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook live.

05/04/2022

This week on Adventures in Luxury Travel I am joined by Agustina Marmol to talk about the Dolomites in Italy. The Dolomites are a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, made of 18 peaks, vertical walls, sheer cliffs and some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

Augustina and I will cover:
• What to think about when planning a multi-destination trip to the Dolomites
• Ways to be active – hiking, scaling via ferratas, road and mountain biking
• Where to luxuriate in the best spas
• Culinary options from picturesque picnics to Michelin star dining
• Types of accommodations – from mountain refugios to 5* luxury hotels
• The charming towns

At 11am ET on Tuesday, April 5 join us as we talk about adventures to have in the Dolomites.

You can find us on LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook live.

24/03/2022

This week I am joined by Anastasia Kitsul to talk about Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has always been a popular destination for winter and spring vacations. Because it is a part of the US, the pandemic made it even more popular. I’ve just returned from a trip there and am looking forward to this week’s Adventures in Luxury Travel show where Anastasia and I will talk about:
• An update on how the island is recovering after Hurricane Maria
• The areas of Old San Juan, the islands, the mountains, the rainforest and the beaches
• The UNESCO Heritage site of La Fortaleza
• The community development story of La Perla (where the Despacito music video was filmed)
• The ways to enjoy the delicious foods of Puerto Rico – from tasting tours to degustation menus
• The many active and adventurous activities on the island
• Exploring the culture in an experiential way – through salsa dancing lessons, cooking classes and going where the locals go
• Our favorite hotels and OTT experiences
• And – how you can do something special by helping rescue homeless puppies

At 11am ET on Thursday, March 24 join Anastasia and me as we talk about the cultural, active and fun sides of Puerto Rico.

You can find us on LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook live.

10/03/2022

This week on Adventures in Luxury Travel Alfonso Sumano is joining me to talk about San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO heritage site and designated a Pueblo Magico by the Mexican government. This is a town built on a hillside, where watching the sunset is a magical experience. It has been on my list for 10-15+ years and last weekend I finally made it.

Alfonso and I will talk about:
• The old world charm and current culinary scene
• The beautiful accommodations – from 6 room boutique hotels to spacious resorts
• The many ways you can learn from the artisans and artists who populate the city
• Our favorite rooftops, cafes and street tacos
• The best places to watch the sunset
• The most famous popular place to do tequila tasting
• What destinations pair best with SMdA
• The active and adventurous ways to explore the countryside

At 1:30pm ET on Thursday, March 10 join Alfonso and me as we talk about how much fun it is to visit SMdA.

You can find us on LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook live.

23/02/2022

Adventure to St Lucia with Jessie - first half.
St Lucia is an idyllic Caribbean destination for many reasons - it’s a volcanic island so there are some amazing hikes, hot springs, a rainforest to explore, ziplining and lots of watersports.
A few of the highlights:
🚤 Went tubing - laughing for 5 minutes straight as we bounced all around and one of us eventually was thrown off. 
💃🏽 Took Latin and Caribbean dance classes - learning new moves and laughing throughout. 
🕺 Danced under the stars at a night time beach DJ party.
🥊 Took boxing class. 
🏋️‍♀️ Woke up to do early morning Beach Fit classes.
🧘‍♀️ Did sunset yoga. 
🏔 Hiked to see the Pitons (we didn’t have the opportunity to hike up Gros Piton which I would definitely do next time!)
💆‍♀️ Had body scrubs, facials and massages. 
🏈 Watched the Superbowl on a jumbotron sitting on beanbags (and got a bit rained on)
🐠 🥗 Ate so much healthy, delicious food.  (Jessie's favorite - the focaccia grilled cheese and avocado gazpacho at Jade Mountain, mine - the fresh fish at Jade Mountain, tender oxtail at The Cliff and chocolate pudding served in the cocoa bean fruit at Dasheene.)
🍹 🍺 Drank passionfruit mojitos, passionfruit martinis, Piton beer and our new favorite - the Bob Marley slushee (the drinking age is 18 in St. Lucia).
🏨 Did 7 site visits.  Our favorite rooms?  Tie between Jade Mountain's Galaxy suite (just for couples) and Sugar Beach's beachfront bungalow (couples or families).
📕 While laying on the beach, she finished her book and I finished Will, Will Smith's autobiography, that I was literally laughing out loud to (much to Jessie's dismay). 
😊 Met a lot of fun people and saw many beautiful resorts.
⛳️ I also tried to get her to take golf lessons, go wakeboarding, take out a ⛵️ Hobie Cat, go 🤿 scuba diving and snorkel at night.  But one thing I know about teenagers, they can not be forced into doing things on vacation (but they can be persuaded a little - which worked for the tubing).  So I did the golf and wakeboarding on my own.

21/02/2022

Some wise advice in Nevin Martell's article.
A few of my favorite nuggets...

“Leave some downtime, some unplanned time, some time to explore and uncover... At the end of the day, that unknown is the essence of the joy of travel.”
(I call this setting the PACE - and it will likely be different for adults vs teens vs smaller kids. Our company name is based on this concept - trouvaille - the French word whimsically translated to "a chance encounter with something wonderful." Not every moment needs to be planned and it's often those unplanned moments that are most meaningful)

“Have the expectation that it isn’t going to be perfect. But remind everyone, ‘We’re getting out, and we’re doing something, and just that is so enjoyable.’ Parents should go with the flow and remain as calm as possible; this will set the mood for the whole family."
(as true in life as it is on vacation)

“Don’t look for things you can find near you, like zoos or amusement parks. She suggests seeking out experiences unique to your destination that will be entertaining and educational. Travel can be a great way to broaden your children’s minds, so don’t miss these opportunities for enrichment."
(big wins for kids - wildlife, unconventional transportation, anything to do with water, balls, gelato and food tastings)

"Accommodate both travelers and vacationers. These are totally different mind-sets. One wants to do everything; one wants to do nothing."
(I am a traveler. My teens are a hybrid. They may want to do/see 60% of what I want. I can't expect they'll keep up with my pace so I plan accordingly. Latest example - for our upcoming trip to Istanbul, I booked us a room at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus because it's an ideal location with an outdoor pool. If they want to sleep in and lounge by the pool in the morning and then meet us for lunch and market visits in the afternoon they can.)

Get your kids, teens and young adults engaged in the travel planning and that will pay off on your trip.

For a true family vacation, involve all members in the decision-making process, give everyone some space and don't overdo it.

10/02/2022

This week on Adventures in Luxury Travel Cristina Consuegra and I are exploring the incredibly rich and vibrant country of Colombia. Colombia has a wide range of destinations from the metropolitan cities to the Amazon, to the Andes mountains and Caribbean coast. The country is known for delicious food, colorful culture, world class museums, stylish designers, beautiful wildlife and active adventures.

We’ll talk about:
• Active adventures – biking, trekking, surfing, sunset kayaking, fishing and more
• The UNESCO site of Cartagena
• The coolest rooftops, restaurants and music venues
• The best designer boutiques
• The artisans, cowboys, chefs and others that make this country so special
• Culinary experiences visiting local markets and coffee plantations
• The most fun beach clubs
• The best time and place to see humpback whales

At 11a ET on Thursday, February 10 join me and Cristina as we talk about all of the adventures to have in Colombia.

02/02/2022

This week on Adventures in Luxury Travel Sean Crosby and I are talking about what some might say is the least exciting topic related to travel – insurance. However, I invited Sean on because #1 he knows his stuff #2 he’s a great guy and #3 I have a lot of clients who have been asking questions about what’s covered.

A lot of my clients invest a lot of money in their travels, so ensuring that money is safeguarded is something to at least understand so they can make the best educated decision for them.

Many people think “travel insurance is confusing” and when things are confusing they are hard to act on. Sean is here to simplify the complex for us.

The goal of today’s show is not to convince you to get travel insurance for your next trip. We are not going to bore you for 30+ minutes (hopefully!). Sean is here as a resource to answer questions about when it might be helpful for you to have insurance and also when you don’t need it. We’ll go through a variety of scenarios we have personal experience with and answer many “what if…” hypothetical scenarios.

We’ll talk about:
• When you don't need Insurance
• Examples of people who bought insurance for one reason and ended up using it for another
• CFAR (cancel for any reason) – the positives and negatives of this type of coverage
• CFBR (cancel for business reasons) – examples of how this works
• The types of travel that require an Adventure Sports Upgrade
• When you’ll want to look to specialty providers for specialized types of trips
• If you test positive for Covid days before departure, what’s covered
• If you test positive for Covid abroad, what’s covered

Every insurance company is different. And no insurance company is the one perfect solution for every trip. Today we will help you understand insurance better, and hopefully be better prepared to make a decision whether you need it for your next trip.

You are welcome to send in any “what if...” or other questions ahead of time or during the show.

At 12p ET on Wednesday, Feburary 2 join me and Sean as we do our best to make travel insurance informative and fun.

30/01/2022

This morning Lylie is coming to us live from the sleek, spacious &Beyond Tengile Camp. She is on a whirlwind tour of South African safari lodges and we are fortunate she is sharing them with us

Why do we love &Beyond Tengile?
- This camp opened in 2018 and it's sleek, contemporary decor is exquisite.
- Each of the 9 suites have their own outdoor shower and lap pool overlooking the bush
- The suites are 2000+ square feet - some of the largest you will find on safari
- The views from your room including elephant families walking by
- During game viewing in the Sabi Sands you will see the big five plus many more animals
- The staff and guides are warm and welcoming - like you are visiting your family