An Elegant Party at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como in Italy (Part Five)

An Elegant Party at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como in Italy (Part Five)

It was a chilly day at Lake Como but that didn't stop our Travelux 2018 group from feeling warm and celebratory for our final party of this truly memorable luxury travel event. Villa Balbiano, with roots in the mid 16th century,  has recently been renovated by the famous French designer Jacques Garcia. An invitation to a party in this splendor was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy and it took my breath away.

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Curated Hotel: A VIP Visit to the Luxurious Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui

Curated Hotel: A VIP Visit to the Luxurious Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui

During our recent getaway to Maui, we had the pleasure of spending the day at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. It was impressive to be greeted with, "Mrs. Lindstrom, we've been expecting you" as we drove up to the stately entrance lined with pots of fresh orchids, swaying palms, breezy island furnishings and the sound of softly falling water.  

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Until Further Notice... Celebrate Everything!

Until Further Notice... Celebrate Everything!

At the risk of sounding downright sappy, I must confess I have romance on my mind today. With several of my client couples traveling to Italy this summer we are feeling the love la dolce vita style around here. This image above was sent to me by a a dear client couple enjoying a fabulous three weeks in Italia.

Clearly, it's a trip of a lifetime and just what I hoped for them. Can you tell I LOVE my career in travel?

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Tips for Preparing for International Travel - What You Need to Know

Tips for Preparing for International Travel - What You Need to Know

Planning for your dream vacation can be so exciting — you are already daydreaming of where you’re going to stay, what you’ll see, the shows you’ll take in, and all the amazing food you’ll eat. But what about prepping, packing and organizing all your travel documents? Are they all in order? It can be overwhelming.  Here’s a list of everything you need, plus practical tips on how to keep everything organized, safe, and accessible.

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Five Easy Ways to Boost the Joy and Pleasure of Every Trip You Take

Five Easy Ways to Boost the Joy and Pleasure of Every Trip You Take

Move a little bit every day you’re on holiday, especially if your job is the kind that has you sitting at a desk all day long like mine is.  This isn’t about working out; it’s just about doing what your body and brain want you to do, which is move around a little. Lounging is great — there should definitely be time for lounging — but only lounging for days on end has an ironic de-energizing effect on the body. (It’s part of why desk work can be insanely exhausting, even though you technically didn’t do anything physical all day long.) 

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How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days on a Luxury trip to Italy

How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days on a Luxury trip to Italy

After carefully curating my packing list, constructing outfits and meticulously organizing my accessories for the most import trip of my travel advisor career, a luxury travel event in Italy, the unthinkable happened. My luggage filled with 9 days of outfits, shoes, accessories, makeup and hair tools, did not arrive with me in Nice, France. It didn't arrive while I was traveling on the Italian Riviera, and it didn't arrive until my last few moments at Lake Como!

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An Italian Spa Getaway in Abano (Part Four)

An Italian Spa Getaway in Abano (Part Four)

After being reunited with my luggage, just as we left the hotel in Lake Como, our driver headed to the Abano Grand  Hotel in Abano. It was a cold and rainy day but our welcome at the Abano Grand Hotel could not have been more warm and welcoming. As I was introduced to my spacious 'Panorama View' suite I was captivated by the view.

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Villa Views from the Waterside at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como (Part Three)

Villa Views from the Waterside at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como (Part Three)

While preparing for my trip to Travelux 2018, I was given several options for excursions during my time at Lake Como. Despite flirting with the option of driving a red Ferrari, or a cooking class with a famed chef at Villa d'este, I chose the boat ride around the shores of Lake Como. My decision was easy when I thought about capturing images of the stunning views of villages, villas and the natural beauty around Lago di Como.  This classically beautiful Villa Balbiano, above, is where our final event for Travelux 2018 was held. 

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A Luxury Travel Event at Lake Como (Part Two)

A Luxury Travel Event at Lake Como (Part Two)

I feel extremely fortunate to have received an invitation to the hosted luxury travel event, Travelux 2018, in Italy last month. This 3-day event was held at Villa Erba as well as several esteemed venues on the shores of Lake Como. Travelux 2018 was the perfect blend of luxury travel brand exposure, elevated travel experiences with an elegant Italian flair and fun relationship building with fellow travel professionals from around the world. It never hurts to toss in historic villas, sparkling chandeliers, vibrant bouquets of flowers, delectable dishes,  waiters in tuxedos, prosecco toasts, dance parties, Ferraris and fireworks.  Living La Dolce Vita!

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