Maximizing Moments September 2016

Maximizing Moments is a periodic newsletter that is designed to help make your precious travel time more memorable – in many ways.  Enjoy!

In This Issue:
5 Reasons Why Australia Should Be on Your Bucket List
Discover Our World With Belmond
The 5 Stages of a Long FlightThe 7 Deadly Sins of Airport Travel

Recently, me and a group of my colleagues at Brownell Travel  were privileged to be invited on an Educational trip to Australia with Epic Private Journeys. This amazing country revealed so much more to me than I had ever imagined, brought to even more spectacular life  by our expert guides, who knew everything and more about each region we visited.  I left with such exhilaration over the beauty, diversity and richness of a country that is almost the size of the 48 continental United States. Here are 5 Reasons Why Australia Should Be On Your Bucket List, too!

AMAZING FAUNA AND FLORA
Almost everyone knows about kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and crocodiles, all of which are in abundance throughout much of Australia, but seeing them in their natural environment was an experience hard to put into words.  My first glimpse of a koala sitting in a gum (eucalyptus) tree was such a thrill for me (quick fact:  research has found that the trees act as a natural coolant for them as the weather gets hotter).  Kangaroos and wallabies up close - like less than 5-10 feet away - are so much more complex than you would have ever thought (even though they are considered pests to many Aussies, much like we in the Northeast consider deer) as you notice things (that were explained by our guides) about them that you would never otherwise understand - like how the alpha male earns his place, much like a lion on the savanna.
Crocodiles (some of which were 20 feet long), on the other hand, are anything but cute, and we learned that they are ambush attackers that you may never see until it is too late (which is why some beaches are not suited for swimming or why some have protective nets)! And there are more venomous than non-venomous snakes - a fact that I thankfully did not learn until I was back on familiar ground in New York.
But, there is so much more nature to embrace - the bird life, alone, is worth a trip, but there are also seals and sea lions, emus, sugar gliders, dingos, and the elusive platypus. The vegetation and flowers are dense in many places, especially those regions just coming out of their wet season, but during the dry season, what appeared to us as lush and green becomes a completely different, but uniquely beautiful, landscape. We saw dense rainforest and carpets of canola fields - just beautiful!

 

 

BREATHTAKING SCENERY
We barely scratched the surface of the vast country of Australia, as we concentrated on the east coast (Queensland and New South Wales) and a small slice of South Australia (see map), but from Byron Bay to Orpheus Island, to the Daintree Rainforest, to Kangaroo Island and Sydney, the landscapes were almost startlingly beautiful.  Unspoiled beaches, dramatic coastline, iconic landmarks, rolling hills, dense rain forest, so sparsely populated that nature simply smacks you in the face!  One could easily fall in love with the beauty alone....

 

ACTION, ADVENTURE & THEIR RICH REWARDS
While there is plenty to see and do for more sedentary types (opera, ballet, sun bathing, museums, Aboriginal art and culture, to name a few), active enthusiasts and adventure seekers will be like kids in a candy store in Australia. Between water sports, hiking, biking, zip lining, caving, rock climbing and any other active and adventurous pursuit one is after, it is that much better in this adrenaline-fueling environment.  Go sea kayaking with the dolphins or snorkeling/diving on the Great Barrier Reef, cast a line off the fish-rich coast for Marlin, ride some of the best surf breaks in the world - whatever your outdoor sports fancy is, it's here!  And, after all that exercise (or  not), indulge in a dining scene that boasts of cultural influences from all over the world while imbibing some of the world's best wine.  Or, try some of the indigenous foods of the country - such as meat pies, barramundi, vegemite, crocodile, kangaroo, Pavlova or lamingtons, among them. What could be better?

 

 

THE SUNSETS
I do not consider myself a great photographer, but it's almost impossible to take a bad picture of a sunset in Australia.  The multitude of colors in the sky, the combination of sunset, clouds, sky and ocean, the beautiful shape of the trees, the silhouette of striking urban icons - all of these factors come together to not only create splendid photos, but unbelievable memories.  So many of the sunsets we saw made it seem like the sky was on fire, or that the ocean was part of the sun, I will not be able to forget those colors and will cherish those photos for years and years to come.  What did we do before we had digital cameras?  Take advantage of them and participate in the simple spectacular splendor of an Aussie sunset!

 

SYDNEY
There are a lot of great cities in this big world, but there are a few that resonate with you from the moment you see it from your airplane.  Sydney is one of them - the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House in and of themselves are epic, but when you have them both within close proximity, the skyline just pops (and what photo ops!)!
There is so much to do in Sydney that you would have to carve out at least 3 days when visiting.  Exploring the city on foot, conquering the famous Bridge Climb (which takes over 3 hours), learning about the history of The Rocks district, watching the surfers (or, better yet, take a lesson yourself!) at Bondi Beach and taking a scenic cruise around the harbour in a private yacht would take almost 2 days alone!
Then there are the surrounding neighborhoods that each have something unique to offer.  And, then wrap up your visit to New South Wales by venturing out of Sydney to the nearby Hunter Valley and indulge yourself in a private (or group) tour of Australia's oldest and world-renowned wineries.  Finally, a helicopter tour of the Blue Mountains provides a well-rounded visit to this incredible region of Australia, with Sydney as your home base (and stay at the perfectly sited Park Hyatt).  What a way to end an amazing 2-week tour through this unbelievably diverse and awe-inspiring country!

---

From foodies to families, Belmond’s extensive portfolio of hotels, trains, and river boats has something for every type of traveler. Discover which destination and property is best for you below.**

Where: Belmond La Samanna, Saint Martin, French West Indies

Why: With 3- and 4-bedroom villas as well as 83 oceanview rooms and suites, you can find accommodations for families both large and small. The villas have fully equipped kitchens, a dining room, a private pool, and indoor/outdoor living spaces. Plus, guests can use the resort facilities.

When: November – June

Where: Afloat in France

Why: There’s seeing France and there’s seeing France on your private barge. Belmond has seven small luxury vessels in Burgundy, Provence, and Midi that hold 4 – 12 passengers. You and your friends can explore the French countryside at a leisurely pace from the deck or take out the on-board bicycles and ride along the shore. And however you spend your day, you can enjoy a gourmet dinner on board.

When: Late Spring – Early Fall

Where: Peru 3 Ways

Why: From the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, Peru has so much to see and explore. Begin your journey in Cusco, where you can explore cobblestone streets and Incan sites. Take a day trip to the Sacred Valley or spend a few nights at the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado where adventure-lovers can raft down the Urubamba, ride horses, go on an ATV tour, or hike. End the trip at marvelous Machu Picchu. Either take the Belmond Hiram Bingham to the top or hike part of the Inca Travel to the top. Stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – the only hotel adjacent to Machu Picchu – and experience this wondrous site when the tourists have left.

When: May – October: Dry season, though there could still be rain. June – August tend to be the busiest times.

Where: Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya Mexico

Why: If you need a long weekend or a full week of relaxation, Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa is the place to go. Just 30 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, this resort is a thatched-roof oasis tucked by a white sand beach. You and your significant other can unwind in the award-winning spa, lounge by pool, or explore the region’s sites. And however you spend your time, you can count on exceptional service, delicious regional cuisine, and a truly authentic feel.

When: November – April

Where: Belmond Charleston Place, Charleston, SC

Why: Charleston was named the 2016 World’s Best City by Travel + Leisure so naturally the Belmond Charleston Place is on the list. The city epitomizes Southern charm with jasmine-scented streets and Lowcountry feel. And the restaurant scene is one of the best in the country. Belmond Charleston Place is in the heart of downtown, so you can explore the city on foot – or by carriage – from the hotel

When: March – June and September – October

Where: Grand Tour of Italy

Why: If you love food, then you will love Italy. And with six stunning properties throughout the country, Belmond can host you on your culinary adventure. Each region offers unique delicacies, so we recommend exploring different parts of the country. Begin in Venice at the iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriani. Oro, the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant, features fresh ingredients and an extensive wine list. Next, travel south to Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence. Here you can not only dine on incredible Tuscan cuisine but also learn to make it in the culinary school – the souvenir that keeps on giving! End your journey in Sicily at Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea where you can try regional cuisine and fresh seafood with the gentle sea breeze and sweeping vistas.

When: April – October

Where: Belmond Reid’s Palace, Madeira, Portugal

Why: Tucked in subtropical gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Belmond Reid’s Palace is more than just an island destination – it brings history, culture, and relaxation together in a beautiful setting. The property opened in 1891 and has hosted famous guests, like Sir Winston Churchill. The property is surrounded by 10-acres of renowned gardens that beckon you to relax with a glass of Madeira wine. If you enjoy swimming, dive into one of the hotel’s three pools or head to the sea level platform and dive right into the Atlantic. Whether you travel as a couple or solo, with your family or with friends, this special property offers something for everyone.

When: May – October

** The original blog can be seen here:  http://www.brownelltravel.com/blog/discover-our-world/

---

 

This blog** is timely - as I'm soon facing a 15 1/2 hour flight for a trip to Southern Africa with 5 of my Brownell colleagues and Africa Inscribed.  I will be going through these stages myself, again, and possible several times by the time I land in Johannesburg!

A long flight is filled with hours of highs and lows. You know you’ll get to a far-off destination but sitting in one place for 7 hours or more is pretty daunting. If you’ve ever been on a long flight, you’re all too familiar with these five stages of a long flight (unless of course you sit in the front of the plane, you lucky duck). But no matter the length of the flight, it’s worth it when your dream trip becomes a reality.
1. Anticipation
As you wait to board your flight adrenaline and anxiety pulse through your body. On the one hand, your travel day has come and the airport is your playground. You never realized you needed a king-size Reese’s, lightly salted almonds, Skittles, three magazines, a new book, a pocket charger, and an apple until you stepped into Hudson News, but hey – when you travel calories don’t count!
On the other hand, a little voice in the back of your head makes you second guess everything. Did you remember to lock the house? Where’s your passport? Did your email with your final project actually send to your boss? What if I don’t actually have a hotel reservation? Is the oven on (even if you haven’t cooked in 8 days)??
But the excitement hushes that voice (or maybe the influx of sugar that you would never ever look at on a normal day), and you wait to board the flight with the anticipation of a child on Christmas Eve.
2. Optimism
You have your snacks, you’ve let go of those pesky little worries, and you’ve found your seat. As you settle into your spot, you start to relax knowing the only decisions you have to make for the next 7+ hours is which movies to watch.
“Airplane seats really aren’t THAT small!” you think giddily to yourself as you pull out your neck pillow and blanket to wrap up in your cocoon in the sky. You can’t help but feel overjoyed that you are getting to experience the miracle of flight as you travel to another country. The plane takes off and you pick a movie, take a deep breath, and get ready to enjoy the flight.
3. Anger
After 3-4 hours in the air, the joy of air travel is quickly fading. Despite vowing to skip the subpar airplane meal, you downed the curry chicken hours before and now your stomach is bloated with regret and the scent of curry won’t go away.
You’ve started pausing your latest movie every few minutes to check the flight status.
7 hrs 32 minutes.
7 hrs 24 minutes.
7 hrs 19 minutes.
7 hrs 17 minutes.
Never has five minutes felt longer.
Suddenly you get mad. Just a little at first, but then everything starts driving you crazy. Could the man in the seat in front of you cough ANY LOUDER? WHO is snoring? And HOW can they sleep?
You start dreaming of feeling fresh air on your face and having the freedom to walk, skip, and jump. You even consider running a marathon – if only you could be done with this flight right.now.
After a few laps up and down the aisles and a brief consideration of locking yourself in the bathroom just for the space, you sit back down defeated, close your eyes, and…
4. Blackout
No not an alcohol-induced blackout (don’t do it – you’ll regret it when you land). You just lose track of the next few hours of your life. After all the energy exerted loathing each and every person on the plane and every aspect of flying, you zone out for a few hours. Maybe you watch more movies or listen to music or simply enter a comatose state, but all of a sudden you check the flight tracker and you have less than two hours left in the flight.
5. Relief
You’re on the home stretch of your flight and you see all the possibilities of your remaining time –  you can read your book, finish your movie (will there be time!?), or have some coffee.
“That was NOT bad at all!” you think to yourself! “I am the master of long flights!”
As the time winds down to less than an hour, relief washes over you and the excitement of your ensuing adventure returns. Soon you’re back on the ground, you’ve packed up your in-flight nest, and off you go to see the world!

 

** The original blog can be seen here:  http://www.brownelltravel.com/blog/the-5-stages-of-a-long-flight/

---

Thank your for reading the March 2016 issue of Maximizing Moments!