Ingrid's Travel by Design

10/06/2024

We think every day is a good day to visit Portugal, especially on Portugal's National Day !

Today is Portugal National Day!
The first thing that most people notice about the Portuguese flag is the colours: green and red. According to the flag-designing committee, red symbolised all of the blood lost by people fighting for Portugal to become a republic and green symbolised hope for the future.
Editorial Director: VeraNobre

17/05/2024

Oh happy day ! My custom, handmade, Spanish espadrilles from Barcelona have arrived 👡🇪🇸
Life is short ! Buy the shoes 🇪🇸

16/05/2024

Gelato - it's what's for dinner and good for you too !

Spring time means one thing: gelato season! And did you know that gelato is ~actually~ good for you...don't let anybody tell you otherwise!

But how so? Find out in our dual-language article and listen to the handy, follow-along audio component: https://bit.ly/3ut58ov

30/04/2024

Hello from Avignon,
France & The Pope's Palace

19/03/2024

Happy Spring Equinox !

08/03/2024

More on the Italian custom for International Women's Day:

The 8th of March is International Women’s Day or, as it’s more commonly called in Italy, la Festa della Donna, where the importance of women is celebrated by the giving and receiving of mimosa blossom.

Historians cannot agree when and why the act of giving mimosa began, but there is documented evidence that men in Rome on March 8, 1946, gave the fragrant flowers to their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters as a sign of love and appreciation. Nowadays, women also hand the flowers to other women as a sign of solidarity. It’s not unheard of for the woman sat behind the counter of the local post office or on the supermarket checkout to be given sprigs of mimosa by female customers as an expression of respect.

08/03/2024

Happy International Women's Day to the world's women.....
In Italy women are gifted these yellow flowers, called Mimosa flowers.
This gesture is called, in Italian, "Festa della Madonna".

20/02/2024

Ahhhh.......traveling;

14/02/2024

Happy Valentine's Day
Photo taken a few years ago in.....
Portugal !

13/02/2024

Traveling internationally in 2024 ?
PLEASE check your passport's expiration date !!!
Remember: your passport must be 'good' for 6 months after your return date to USA.....no exceptions !
This Fodor article provides key details to renewing passports.
Happy travels !

Fodor's provides expert travel content worth exploring so you can dream up your next trip. The world is a weird and wonderful place—we want to show you around.

06/02/2024

I would add perhaps the most important item: how well, you the client feel comfortable working with your travel professional.

24/01/2024

Phoenix - Paris NON-STOPPED !
Thank you Air France ! ✈️🛫🛬

24/01/2024

It is Carnival time in Venice, Italy.

The Carnival revels take many forms in Italy, from Venice’s elegant masks to Viareggio’s gigantic floats. To help you make the most of the upcoming season, we have picked some of the best festivals you absolutely should not miss: https://bit.ly/429NT8i

16/01/2024

If you are going to Venice this summer, be prepared to pay a fee to enter. Check out the particulars in this post.

2024 has arrived, and Venice is gearing up to introduce a 5 euro entry fee for tourists visiting the city on designated “black sticker” days. This measure, strongly endorsed by the Venice City Council, will kick off as a trial on April 25th and remain in effect for 29 days until the first weekends of July.

Here’s the breakdown of the initiative:

🗓️ **Dates for the Entry Fee:**
- April 25th to May 5th
- All weekends in May (11-12, 18-19, 25-26)
- All weekends in June (8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, excluding the first)
- First two weekends in July (6-7, 13-14)

🕰️ **Mandatory Fee Hours:**
- 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on specified dates

During these 29 days marked as “black sticker” days, there won’t be a maximum limit on daily visitors to the city. Venice is committed to leading the way globally in managing overtourism, aiming to strike a balance between the rights of residents, students, workers, and visitors.

The entry fee won’t be applicable to:

- Children under 14
- Residents of the City of Venice
- Workers, including commuters
- Students based in the historic center or smaller islands of Venice

Certain categories will be exempt from payment but will need to register, including:

- Tourists staying in accommodations within the municipal territory
- Residents in the Veneto region
- Individuals requiring medical care
- Participants in sports competitions
- On-duty law enforcement
- Family members of residents in areas with the entry fee

Daily tourists should register their reservation on the dedicated website, make the payment if necessary, and receive a QR code to show to controllers. Penalties for non-compliance range from 50 to 300 euros.

Venice is taking bold steps towards a more sustainable future, and we appreciate your cooperation as we work towards a harmonious coexistence.

📌 For a smoother experience, we recommend using the www.venicepass.eu on these days, just as we do on any other day. This all-in-one card allows you to navigate the city comfortably and skip the lines at major museums.

05/01/2024

If you are dreaming, planning or going overseas this year, Please check your passport expiration date !

31/12/2023

Wishing my past, current & future clients and wonderful suppliers throughout Europe a very Happy New Year and all the best in your future, Luxury, European, Boutique. Custom Vacation, Tour &/or Cruise.

31/12/2023

The best 'foodie' European destinations; both known and little known. All are available for you to explore.

A guide to the most delicious corners of Europe.

31/12/2023

Luggage Tags - do's and don'ts.....and should haves.

The minutes spent waiting at the baggage carousel can be gut-wrenching, but a secure luggage tag can bring you some peace of mind.

30/12/2023

Wishing our many clients (past & present) a very happy, healthy, prosperous and loving New Year !..and... in 2024, your dream European Luxury Boutique Custom vacation, tour &/or cruise.

10/12/2023

Your 2024 entry (and all future entries) into the City of Venice, Italy will be charged a per person/per day fee.....and you will need to pre-register and receive a QR code to show upon entry.
Please see the attached article for the:
- who will be charged
- what dates will apply
- and how much the fee will be.
PSA from Ingrid's Travel by Design

04/12/2023

December 4, 2023
Pantry decorated for Christmas

04/12/2023

December 3, 2023

03/12/2023

2024 - who is ready to travel throughout Europe ? Mozart is ! our Internationally renowned European Traveling Mouse and our Mascot.

26/11/2023

My submission to be the travel spokesperson for Urquell Brewery's Pilsner Beer from Pilsen, Czech Republic.

25/11/2023

My friend Francoise in Normandy, France wants all to know what fresh seafood in in season right now !!! Oysters.....(and scallops) 🍽

24/11/2023

Happy 5th birthday Mozart 🐭 🥂
Who ?
Why he's Ingrid's Travel by Design's internationally renowned traveling companion and mascot extraordinaire 🐭

22/11/2023

Happy Thanksgiving to our men & women in uniform; at home and away from home.

14/11/2023

Bordeaux, France. Great wine region and so, so much more.

16/10/2023

Oh the wonderful Italian wine destinations we have enjoyed... and ... the few others still awaiting for our discovery....🍇🍷

Italian Wine map