Elán

03/01/2025

We’ve just returned from La Crosse, Wisconsin after picking up Sophie from finishing school, where she spent the last month. What an incredible transformation for The Official Dog of Elán.

Rick and Joane Pederson took on a slightly naughty (though always angelic) Sophie and returned a pup with amazing manners and obedience skills. In just one month Sophie passed three key AKC tests for obedience and behavior, a nearly unheard of accomplishment.

Rick has told us that Sophie is in the top .1% of the dogs he’s trained and he is so confident in her abilities that he is moving her on to Service Dog training when she returns in March.

Our little superstar. 🌟

Rising Starr K9: https://www.facebook.com/share/15y6c9UumB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

27/12/2024

Our Sophie, the Official Dog of Elán, is presently with an excellent trainer, Rick Pederson of Rising Starr K9. He just published this excellent article on traveling with your dog.

We can certainly help with planning your travel with your canine companion, but the most fundamental principle is that traveling with a well-behaved dog will make your trip far more enjoyable (come to think of it, that applies to human travel companions as well).

Wanderlust with Your Pup: Creating Seamless Adventures Together Hello, fellow dog enthusiasts! It's Rick Pedersen, your trusted dog trainer and the proud owner of Rising Starr K9. As we wrap up t

22/12/2024

Seasons Greetings from Elán -

May your holiday season be filled with happiness, elegance, and extraordinary experiences. Here's to crafting unforgettable journeys and cherished memories in the year to come.

18/12/2024

Seven countries, two and a half months. Join us for a recap of our recent travels:

In this post you’re getting two trip reports: We have just done two back-to-back trips and wanted to share some highlights with you below. The first trip was an extended journey aboard Explora II,...

16/12/2024

“Top One Percent.”

That’s what we always strive for. Even better. It’s reflected in the fact that our partners domestically and abroad continually receive accolades for setting world standards. We see it in the fact that our clients stay with us for years, and always return when they’re planning their once-in-a-lifetime travel.

And now we can confidently say that those standards extend to the Official Dog of Elán, Sophie. Sophie has always brought us joy, but she admittedly needed a little help to become the perfect Elán ambassador. So, she has been sent off to spend some time with two of the country’s top canine trainers, Rick and Joane Pederson of Rising Starr K9 (https://www.risingstarrk9.com).

Some would call it Puppy Boot Camp. We think of it as finishing school. In any event Sophie has been thriving and has become one of their all-time star pupils. Rick claims that she’s among the “top one percent” of the hundreds of dogs he’s trained.

It’s the Elán way.

Rising Starr K9 offers dog training classes that addresses your dog’s obedience and behavioral issues through training and positive techniques.

18/11/2024

Another Critically Important Email about Travel Requirements (this time the UK) -

A few weeks ago we sent an update regarding the upcoming implementation of the EU’s ETIAS system. The launch date for ETIAS is still uncertain, but there is important information to note if you plan to visit or even just transit through the United Kingdom. EVEN IF YOU ARE JUST MAKING A CONNECTION ...

12/11/2024

We just returned from two back-to-back trips totaling a month in duration and did so with only carry-on luggage.

This article describes the perils of packing your passport in your suitcase, even if it’s a carry-on.

We’ve found that avoiding checked baggage truly makes life easier, but regardless of whether you adopt our approach or pack in multiple steamer trunks, there are a few items you must hold onto on your person or in a small piece of luggage you keep with you: medications, cash, credit cards, and passports. Also, if you’ve parked your car at the airport, we’d suggest adding your car keys to that list.

It could be a major mistake...

04/10/2024

Time is the one thing none of us can make more of, so choose wisely:

More companies are offering sabbaticals as a benefit for burned-out employees. Experts say a big trip can be a rewarding way to spend that time away from the desk.

02/10/2024

We have just arrived in Palermo, after a full day aboard our private yacht that we booked through IC Bellagio, which took us to Ischia, where we had a phenomenal lunch.

Today we’re heading out for a full day of touring, then returning for a meal at the ship’s steakhouse, followed by a whiskey and chocolate tasting aboard Explora II.

Really, a phenomenal journey so far.

30/09/2024

Elán is on the move again. We arrived in Rome yesterday morning after an uneventful and fairly restful flight from Chicago, then were driven to the Cavalieri Rome, a Waldorf Astoria hotel.

The hotel is beautiful, situated on the hills above the city with a view that encompasses the Vatican, the Colosseum, and all the other major sites of Rome. Truly, it’s a unique property. Situated on a 17 acre site, the hotel offers multiple swimming pools, outdoor dining, and stunning gardens.

The hotel is also hosts the only three-star Michelin rated restaurant in Rome. While the timing of our visit did not allow us the opportunity to dine there, we were offered a tour. The attention to detail is evident everywhere you look.

This property is perfect for those who want to enjoy a peaceful escape from the hub bub of central Rome, but they still offer a shuttle that offers regular service into the heart of the city.

In just a few hours we will be heading to the port of Civitivecchia to board the Explora II and experience the Ocean State of Mind.

28/09/2024

We are jetting off to Rome.

26/09/2024

We had a great discussion with our friends at Micato about travel opportunities in India. You’re invited to watch our conversation here: https://vimeo.com/1013161054.

Micato is absolutely the best in the world, offering safari experiences both in Africa and India. In fact, we have turned to Micato to help us plan our own trip to India next year.

We had a conversation with Micato’s top experts regarding one of the world’s most fascinating destinations, India.

22/09/2024

This is too good not to share: https://youtu.be/ssVe0FaBhUU?si=3C8sXUPBFGyRwws7

And remember, always payeth attention to the crew members, regardless of what airline you traveleth upon.

Are you sitting comfortably? Inspired by Britain’s famous period literature and starring 40 of our incredible colleagues, our new onboard safety video has be...

12/09/2024

Next stop: California. Elán will be visiting Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

06/09/2024

Are you a Motorsports enthusiast? Or do you know someone who is? If so, this is an incredible opportunity to see one of the world’s premier car races while also enjoying the unparalleled luxury of the Explora II:

https://explorajourneys.com/us/en/destinations-globe/mediterranean/journeys/montecarlo-montecarlo-explora-ii-at-the-heart-of-formula-1-grand-prix-de-monaco

Contact us at [email protected] if you’re interested. We’ll help you secure the right suite for your Monaco Formula 1 experience.

Enhance your travels further with our curated range of extraordinary pursuits and destination experiences available at every stop along your journey.

20/08/2024

We’ve shared some critically important information with our clients who are our email list:

19/08/2024

Victoria is on her way to Barcelona to experience Ilma, the latest addition to the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Watch here for a report!

02/08/2024

We were truly honored to be included in the opening of Jack’s Club at the St. Regis Chicago. The evening started with a reception outside the ballroom, before we ushered to our table inside Jack’s Club and were treated to a phenomenal evening of cocktails, food and entertainment.

Chris Norton and his band kicked off the evening’s entertainment with his incredibly high-energy brand of jazz, followed by the sophisticated bossa nova sounds of Bebel Gilberto.

Jack’s Club is an homage to John (“Jack”) Jacob Astor IV, the founder of the St. Regis New York. These clubs are opening at St. Regis properties around the world, and are one of the touchstones to one of our country’s truly iconic hospitality brands.

The St. Regis Chicago is truly a gem…an unwavering dedication to their guests is seen in their beautifully designed guest rooms, restaurants, and public spaces. Elán is proud that the St. Regis hotels are an integral part of our portfolio.