Latest news with #traveladvisor
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Yahoo
I've Been Planning Family Vacations for a Living for Years—Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip With Your Child
Taking a trip with your child is a great way to connect with each other. Here are some tips for planning one, according to a top travel advisor. There's something special about taking a trip with just your child. No distractions, just you and them and an itinerary designed for your shared interests. When I was growing up in Texas, my mom and I did this regularly, and it became a tradition for us. Throughout my adolescence, she took my sister and I all over the globe while my dad worked abroad. I still remember our grand train tour through Europe—three women, way too much luggage, and a running joke about exchange rates in every country (this was pre-Euro, after all). We also ventured to Costa Rica, Tahiti, New York, and beyond. I didn't realize it at the time, but these experiences helped shape my independence, my confidence, and eventually, my career in luxury travel. My dad also had his moments—he took my sister and I on a trip to Alaska when I was in college; just the three of us fishing, exploring, and bonding in a way that only happens when you leave your usual dynamic at home. As a mom and a seasoned travel advisor, here's how I've kept the tradition going with my own daughter, and tips you can implement into your own plans. Embrace the Efficiency and the Time My daughter and I have traveled across five continents together. These trips have become an essential fabric in our relationship, whether we're swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos, indulging in a shopping spree at Samaritaine in Paris, or riding every attraction at Disneyland Shanghai. When it's just the two of us, it can be surprisingly efficient. With fewer people to plan around, it's often more affordable, more flexible, and easier to schedule. So rather than skipping the family spring break trip because your spouse has a work conflict or your kids' school calendars don't align, consider a solo parent-child getaway instead. Travel to a Major City Major cities offer multiple avenues to discover what brings joy to your child. In the United States, I love New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston for this style of travel. Internationally, Paris, Amsterdam, and London all offer family-friendly attractions, world-class hotels, and the perfect mix of culture and play. While busy destinations, you can make them as small and intimate as you'd like. Some of my favorite hotels for a parent-child trip include The Newbury in Boston, The Carlyle in New York City, The Rosewood in Amsterdam, and Cheval Blanc in Paris. For a singular experience, Les Airelles Grand Contrôle in Versailles offers access to the eponymous palace and private evening tours. Craft a Thoughtful Itinerary When traveling solo with your child, it's best to prioritize experiences that invite connection. Visit a museum that's relevant to your child's interests, whether that's the Van Gogh Museum or the Museum of Ice Cream, and build in hands-on activities like a cooking class, perfume-making workshop, or ceramic painting. Afternoon tea is another favorite—there's something delightful about lingering over finger sandwiches and sweets together. As for dining, it doesn't matter how fancy the restaurant is. What's important is that you share memorable meals together, whether that's dim sum in Chinatown, a Nutella crêpe by the Seine, or deep-dish pizza along the riverfront. Other Ideas for Parent-Child Travel Scenic destinations like Costa Rica, Alaska, or a U.S. national park offer an opportunity for you and your child to unplug and reconnect. Whether through hiking, searching for wildlife, or doing an adventure activity like zip-lining, the great outdoors leave space for shared wonder and deep conversation. For younger children, the Disney Parks across the globe deserve a mention. There's usually one parent who dreams in pixie dust and one who finds theme parks overwhelming. If you're the former, take your kiddo on a solo trip and embrace the magic. Stay at a deluxe property like Disney's Grand Californian or the Four Seasons Orlando for extra comfort, and book VIP tours to skip the lines. Consider Working with a Tour Operator If you want to take a parent-child trip but don't feel comfortable planning it all, guided group tours for families, like those from Tauck Bridges Adventures by Disney, provide curated experiences, a built-in sense of security, and the opportunity to make new friends along the way. Whether you and your child prefer big-city adventures, theme-park thrills, or quiet moments in nature, taking a trip together allows you to see the world—and each other—more clearly. Kaleigh Kirkpatrick is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in family trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Kirkpatrick at hello@ Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Yahoo
Why You Should Go to This African Country for Your Next Safari—According to a Top Travel Advisor
My first safari in Botswana changed everything for me. I still remember gliding through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro (a traditional canoe) at sunrise: the hush of water, the call of a distant fish eagle, and the feeling that I was part of something ancient. That sense of awe became the foundation for my career as a travel advisor and my company, Tribù Travel. To this day, Botswana remains my touchstone for what a truly transformative safari can be. The Okavango Delta is pure magic—an UNESCO-listed wetland where the Kalahari Desert's thirst is quenched by seasonal floods. There, game drives reveal elephants wading through papyrus channels, leopards draped over fig branches, and a dazzling array of birdlife. There are a variety of ways to explore it, including: Mokoros, traditional dugout canoes steered by expert polers, offer a gentle, immersive encounter with the Delta's rhythms. Motorboat safaris and catch-and-release fishing add a dose of adventure in deeper waters. Guided bush walks invite you to track spoor (animal footprints), learn about medicinal plants, and see the bush from a new perspective. For extra'wow' factor, take a helicopter over the floodplains or visit Tsodilo Hills, a spiritual and cultural highlight home to over 4,000 ancient indigenous San rock paintings. Contrast the Delta's lushness with the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where the horizon stretches in all directions like a white mirage. Here, you can: Quad bike across the pans to the Lost Island of Baobabs. Sleep out under a canopy of stars. Witness the annual zebra migration, Africa's second-largest, as thousands of zebra and wildebeest traverse the pans. Walk with Botswana's indigenous San people and learn ancestral skills: tracking, fire-making, and storytelling that connect you to the land's oldest rhythms. Visit habituated meerkat colonies for up-close encounters that feel straight out of a nature documentary. Botswana's safaris are more than sightings—they're about connection and contribution. Conservation-focused outfitters like Natural Selection Travel and Great Plains Conservation invite guests to: Learn about human-wildlife coexistence from local farmers and conservation experts. Join predator researchers in tracking wild dogs or lions. Support initiatives like African Bush Camps Foundation's Female Guides Program, which empowers women to become safari guides through mentorship and field training, helping shape a more inclusive future for the industry. Botswana's diversity—flooded delta, arid salt pans, teeming wildlife—mirrors the richness of its safari experiences. Whether floating past a kingfisher in the Delta or sharing a fireside tale with a San elder in the Kalahari, you're not just an observer here: you're a participant, a steward, and a storyteller. For travelers seeking a safari that is as meaningful as it is breathtaking, Botswana delivers in ways that linger long after you've returned home. Marni Granston is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Kenya and Botswana trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Granston by contacting her at marni@ Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
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Travel + Leisure
10-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
How to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro and What to Expect, According to a Top Travel Advisor
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is no easy feat, but with ample planning and the guidance of an experienced travel advisor, you will be well-prepared for a seamless and unforgettable adventure. As someone who has personally reached the peak and planned numerous trips for clients, I can attest to the importance of having a well-organized itinerary. So whether you are a seasoned trekker or a first-time backpacker, here are some tips to ensure a flawless hike to Kilimanjaro. An intimate dining room at Elewana Arusha Coffee. Begin your journey in comfort at Arusha Coffee Lodge, a hotel located at the foot of Mount Meru and set among one of the country's largest coffee plantations. Here, visitors can relax and unwind in comfortable accommodations before heading to the mountain—setting the foundation for the perfect trip. One of the most critical elements to summiting Kilimanjaro, otherwise known as the highest mountain in Africa, is proper acclimatization. The more gradual the ascent, the greater your chances of success. That's why I always recommend choosing popular routes such as the Lemosho or Machame, which provide ample time to adjust to the altitude. For those seeking additional scenic variety, the Northern Circuit route is an excellent choice, too. It's the newest and longest route, and encircles the mountain by traveling up all of its northern slopes, offering breathtaking landscapes. When planning a trek, it is also essential to collaborate with reputable and licensed companies. That's why I work with highly trained guides and porters to guarantee my clients the utmost safety and quality of their journeys. Oxygen tanks and emergency training are available and provide peace of mind should they be necessary. Mt. Kilimanjaro seen in the distance. As you ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, anticipate an ever-changing landscape. From the lush rain forests at the base to the dramatic glaciers and views near the top, the journey is truly spectacular. Guides, porters, and chefs all work in harmony to ensure you can focus on the adventure without worrying about logistics. From expertly prepared meals to the transportation of your equipment, every detail is taken care of. The view from the verandah at Singita Sasakwa Lodge. Post summit, I recommend recovering at Gran Meliá Arusha, a hotel between the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks, with amenities like a rooftop pool or spa treatments. I also recommend extending the trip by adding a safari. Stay at Singita Sasakwa Lodge in the Serengeti, where you can enjoy a lavish safari experience with personalized game drives and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. Finally, treat yourself to a relaxing stay at Miavana by Time + Tide in Madagascar. This exclusive island escape offers pristine beaches, luxury villas, and an opportunity to unwind after your action-packed journey. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an unparalleled experience—but it requires meticulous planning. A travel advisor can arrange every detail, from selecting reputable partners to prioritizing acclimatization. With expert firsthand knowledge, you can be confident that your journey to the summit is safe and memorable. Angela Adto Tepper is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in adventure and over-the-top trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Tepper by contacting her at [email protected] .
Daily Mail
03-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I'm a travel agent and I'm often asked an odd question about toilet paper
Preparing for a trip can often be stressful, particularly if its to a foreign country or one you've never been to before. For this reason, holidaymakers are often making sure they've planned for all eventualities by double-checking any queries with their travel agent. And Liz Stanway, a travel advisor for Sykes Holiday Cottages, has exclusively revealed some of the oddest questions she's been asked throughout her career. One of the strangest, she tells us, is: 'Do I need to bring my own toilet roll, or is that included?' She adds: 'This one comes up a lot as people often worry that when they reach their holiday home, they might be caught short. 'We also get a surprising number of questions about gravy boats at Christmas. 'In general, we find owners tend to provide the first roll per loo in their property, then it is usually supply the rest yourself. 'The same principal applies to items like dishwasher tablets.' Another common question Liz is often asked is: 'If it rains all week, do I get a refund?' She explains: 'The UK is famous for its unpredictable weather but that's not always accepted as part of the charm of a staycation, and we've had guests ask if they will receive a refund if it rains during their trip. 'We've also had others request their money back after finding it was going to be too hot during their getaway.' Pets are considered just like family, and some owners want to take their furry companion on holiday too, meaning Liz often hears: 'Can I bring my cat with me?' She adds: 'Most of Sykes' 22,500 holiday homes are advertised at pet-friendly and the vast majority of customers interpret this as dog-friendly, bringing their pooches away with them. 'However, requests to bring cats are surprisingly incredibly common, but it doesn't stop there - we've had people wanting to bring their caged birds, reptiles, and even rats on holiday with them. 'For those who do want to bring a more exotic pet on a staycation, they'll need to request permission from the property's owner.' Sometimes an uncomfortable bed can put a damper on an entire holiday, and for Liz, she's been quizzed before by customers who ask: 'I'm tall – how long is the bed?' The expert says: 'People often ask about bed lengths, especially for single beds or bunks, to avoid a week of cramped toes or diagonal sleeping. 'And it's not just about the beds. Some taller holidaymakers want to know about doorframe heights and shower cubicle clearance – there is nothing worse than hitting your head or having an uncomfortable night's sleep!' Staying on the subject of beds, Liz has even been asked about linen quality by guests, including on the thread count of sheets as well as duvet togs. But for Liz, one of her most memorable questions to date was: 'Are the cows nearby noisy?' She amusingly says: 'We're used to questions about traffic noise, but farm animal disturbances were a new one. 'But, to be fair, for city dwellers swapping sirens for mooing, the rural soundscape can be an unexpected adjustment. 'It's one of those questions that stays with you. Not just for its originality, but for showing us that peace and quiet means different things to different people.'
TTG
07-05-2025
- Business
- TTG
Luxury advisor reveals why he's 'not afraid' of amateur agents
An elite travel specialist has revealed why untrained agents are no threat to his business, after recently being named on one of the industry's best advisors. Alex Lavender joined the sector six years ago, establishing Seven Icons Luxury Travel after previously working in commercial football sales. Since then, he has built a thriving agency, specialising in leisure bookings that can reach the £350k mark. In 2024, he was named one of the Conde Nast Traveler 2025 Top Travel Specialists, after wowing judges with his round-the-clock commitment to his clients. Lavender, who is the son of industry veteran Roy Collett, openly accepts that his family name has given him an advantage in his travel career. 'There's no reason to not show some humility – I've learned a lot from my father, and he has given me some big clients,' he says. Lavender emphasises, however, that even with Collett's mentorship, his journey to becoming a successful travel advisor hasn't been instantaneous. 'Anybody can make a hotel or flight booking, but only an experienced travel agent can solve the real issues that arise during a client's trip' 'This job is second nature for me now, but it took me a long time to learn it,' he explains. 'Anybody can make a hotel or flight booking, but only an experienced travel agent can solve the real issues that arise during a client's trip.' He credits his membership in Global Travel Collection, the world's largest group of luxury travel agencies, as integral to providing his clients with this premium level of service. The exclusive network offers its 1,700 agents a database of more than 30,000 suppliers, including hotels, resorts and transportation providers, as well as a personally assigned account manager. Its recent partnership with Ten Lifestyle Group has further benefited members, allowing them to access the VIP concierge service to optimise their clients' travel experiences.
