Welcome to Maximizing Moments, October 2018
Maximizing Moments is a periodic newsletter that is designed to help make your precious travel time more memorable – in many ways.
In This Issue**:
Just Back From: Sri Lanka!
The 5 Steps for Planning the Perfect Spring Break
Virtuoso's Top 10 Fall & Festive Destinations
How to Become a Savvy Traveler
Just Back From: Sri Lanka!
I just returned from an Educational trip organized through one of our key representative companies, Rebecca Recommends, Destination Management Company, Ventours, and hoteliers Resplendent Ceylon, through the beautiful and diverse island nation of Sri Lanka. As we traveled through the country, I determined that this is a destination that is a must-do on any experiential traveler's bucket list.
For those who may have some concern about visiting other Asian countries, Sri Lanka is a wonderful choice. It’s clean and friendly, there is fantastic seafood and delicious fruit, thanks to its tropical location, and there’s ample shopping, active travel opportunities, and more. It is an amazing option for families, honeymooners, history buffs and wildlife lovers.
Sri Lanka – its white-sand beaches, fantastic train journeys, famous (Ceylon) tea, ancient ruins and welcoming nature have so much to offer travelers with a variety of interests - adventure, history, culture, religion, beach, mountain and bush.
There is simply so much to explore in such a small space – the island boasts eight UNESCO
World Heritage Sites, legendary temples, colonial fortresses and multitudes of elephants and leopards. It’s a rare blend of beach, culture and wildlife, all in one journey.
Our trip began in Colombo, which is the primary entry point for visitors from around the world, with convenient one-connection flights through either Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha, among others.
Most visitors use Colombo as a stop-over on their way to the mountains, bush, beaches, or cultural region, but it has a lot to offer on its own, with a mixture of a rich colonial heritage, modern skyscrapers, new luxury hotels, a vibrant street food scene, and charming shops.
Uga Residence, Colombo
Among the Colombo highlights: Site visits to Maniumpathy, a stately heritage home transformed into an 8-room hotel with a traditional Sri Lanka ambience, and the lovely Uga Residence on Park Street, a former landmark mansion, now boutique hotel. With just eleven suites, Uga offers an intimate ambience and welcome retreat from the bustle of the city and has welcomed British governors, Indian Maharajas, European nobility and the cognoscenti of Ceylon.
Shangri La Colombo
We stayed one night at the brand-new 32-floor Shangri-La Hotel Colombo, which has a fantastic location in the rapidly changing Galle Face seaside promenade, and convenient to all, offering the large luxury city hotel option to travelers.
Polonnaruwa
A quick, half-hour charter flight and you are in the Cultural Triangle, the home of ancient Sinhalese royalty. We we were immersed in the island’s ancient capitals, all of which are World Heritage Sites. Anuradhapura, built in 380 BC, was abandoned due to Indian invasions in the 10th century AD.
The ancient capital and World Heritage Site Polonnaruwa dates to the 10th century AD and is a major archaeological site. There are multitudes of treasures to explore and centuries-old structures – temples, tombs and stupas. The Quadrangle, Gal Vihare complex, Royal Palace and Audience Hall speak to Sri Lanka’s past glories.
More active travelers can rent a bike to explore the area at their leisure, and head out on safari in search of elephants within the national parks.
Our first realization that we are amid amazing wildlife!
We were treated to the sight of an elephant having a bite to eat on the side of the road on the way to our accommodation for the next 2 nights, the Water Garden Sigiriya!
Water Garden Sigiriya
After a night at the architecturally stunning Water Garden Sigiriya, with the iconic rock fortress as a backdrop, we climbed up the dramatic and enigmatic Sigiriya itself.
Sigiriya - the Rock Fortress
It’s really quite spellbinding to look across the central plains see the near-vertical walls of the outcrop rise toward the heavens. Climbing, one takes in former water gardens, cave shrines and remarkable frescoes. Atop, you’re invited to wander through the ruins of what is believed to be the ancient Kassapa civilization.
Ceylon Tea Plantations
Nowhere does the personality of this irresistible island shine through more than in Resplendent Ceylon’s three small luxury resorts –Tea Trails, Cape Weligama, and Wild Coast Tented Lodge – the only Relais & Châteaux properties in the country and highlights of this Educational trip. The resorts are quickly connected by float plane, helicopter or scenic car journeys to create a Tea, Sea & Safari circuit so that discriminating travelers can sample a range of authentic cultural experiences. It’s a show-stopping way to witness the island's beauty, vibrant culture, flavorful cuisine and spectacular wildlife all in one trip.
An example of the beautiful scenery alongside the rail journey from Kandy to Hatton, in tea country.
Our itinerary included a short stop in Kandy to embark on a wonderfully scenic train journey to Hatton (about 2 1/2 hours), to our next destination, Resplendent Ceylon's Tea Trails. The 5 bungalows, spread out among the Ceylon tea plantations and overlooking Castlereagh Lake, are each unique and special in their own way. Regardless of which bungalow you choose, they all have splendid views of the mountains, tea plantations and, in most cases, the lake. In addition to being incredibly romantic, they all have access to a vast array of activities, from hiking, kayaking, tennis, mountain biking, white water rafting, among others.
The view from Summerville Bungalow, Ceylon Resplendent Tea Trails
I was quite happy at Summerville bungalow, which is positioned just above the lake, across from Dunkeld and Castlereagh bungalows. Not only are the suites (each bungalow has from 4 to 6 bedrooms, which can be reserved individually or as a buy-out) exquisitely appointed, but they come with a personal butler.
Norwood Bungalow, Resplendent Ceylon's Tea Trails
Some of our group were located at the 6-bedroom Norwood bungalow, with its amazing double-sided fireplace, where we all gathered for cocktails and dinner before retiring to the billiards room for a few games of 8-ball.
Dilmah Estates Dunkeld Tea Factory
Included in every stay at Tea Trails is a tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory to observe firsthand, the age old tea making process from plucking to converting, with century-old machinery and processing.
We then took a guided walk through the scenic tea fields. The trails are a maze of wondrous pathways that snake between tea gardens, patches of forest that inhabit wildlife (yes, including leopards!) and home gardens of planter families.
Sea plane is a quick alternative to a long, but scenic 6-hour drive, from tea country to the southeast coast
A 45-minute sea plane from the Summerville bungalow to Weerawila, followed by an hour-long drive to Yala and the Yala National Park, which boasts of the highest density of leopards in Asia and is home to innumerable wildlife.
Resplendent Ceylon's Wild Coast Tented Lodge
We spent the next 2 nights at Wild Coast Lodge, a luxurious tented camp situated at the edge of the Yala National Park.
A "Cocoon" suite at Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Our accommodations were in tented ‘cocoon’ suites which offer panoramic views of the jungle, air conditioning, rainfall showers, uber-comfortable beds and the sounds of wildlife right outside your door .
Yala National Park
We took to our safari jeeps the next day for an afternoon game drive where our rangers showcased their craft in interpreting the wilderness – from the nuances of the tiniest of critters to (if lucky) our favorite felines and pachyderms.
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- Elephant Encounter
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- High Tea in Yala Nat’l Park
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- One of the many crocodiles we met in Yala
Sadly, we did not see any leopards, but we did see the Wild Coast resident elephant, Short Tail, what may have been the largest crocodile I have ever seen, a few jackals, a rare star back tortoise (a highly endangered species), purple faced monkeys, and beautiful birds (including the stunning bee-eater). And we were treated to high tea on the banks of a creek (not too far away from where we saw that croc!).
Resplendent Ceylon's Cape Weligama
A 3½ hour drive along the coast led us to the Cape Weligama resort. Perched on a hilltop, the resort offers 270 degree panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from every corner. Individual villas, restaurants and bars resemble a typical Sri Lankan village with terra-cotta tile roofs.
Galle Lighthouse
A late-afternoon excursion to World Heritage Site Galle Fort showcased the 400-year-old citadel that still contains a vibrant town, with historic houses displaying Dutch architecture and pillared verandas and active government offices.
Within the rampart walls, there is laughter and chatter, iconic landmarks, spice warehouses, the governor’s house and cricket fields. Just 30 minutes from Cape Weligama, Galle tells the story of Sri Lanka's strong Dutch and English influences,
and the shopping is excellent.Within the rampart walls, there is laughter and chatter, iconic landmarks, spice warehouses, the governor’s house and cricket fields. Just 30 minutes from Cape Weligama, Galle tells the story of Sri Lanka's strong Dutch and English influences, and the shopping is excellent.
One of the famous "stick" fishermen outside Galle
A BUCKET LIST DESTINATION!
If you are interested in the many happy surprises Sri Lanka has to offer, we suggest Resplendent Ceylon’s new Tea, Sea & Safari itinerary, which marries all three properties in one trip. This extraordinary circuit is quickly connected by seaplane, helicopter or scenic car journey, affording guests the chance to experience the panoramic Ceylon tea region, the World Heritage Central Highlands, Galle and Yala National Park.
The island is remarkably easy to get around, making it possible to see so much without investing a long stretch of time. A gem of rain forest and beach, elephants and leopards, tea plantations and colonial architecture....Sri Lanka awaits.
The 5 Steps for Planning the Perfect Spring Break
Picture this: It’s March. The weather is warming up at home, but winter still has a grip on the temperatures. You, however, are relaxing on a warm beach, gazing out at the Caribbean, and your children are happily enjoying the lovely resort. It’s spring break, and the livin’ is easy.
Sounds pretty fantastic, right?
But before you can get to that pristine beach, you have to plan the trip. Follow our five steps of planning the perfect spring break trip to keep it simple and easy.
Plan Ahead
When you’re traveling during a popular time – whether it’s spring break or the festive season – planning ahead is crucial. In order to get the first pick of flights, resorts, rooms, and activities, start planning as early as possible.
Curtain Bluff, Antigua
Determine What You Want
There are so many factors that come into play when planning a trip. Who is going? The ages of each traveler make a difference in where you go. Younger children will love a resort with a great kids' club, such as The Palms Turks & Caicos or Curtain Bluff in Antigua, while older teens or college-aged family member may prefer the fun, hip vibe of the W Punta de Mita.
Bachelor Gulch, Ritz-Carlton Beaver Creek
What are their interests?
Do you need to have endless activities or a more relaxing environment? Do you have a golf enthusiast? Does your family want to hit the slopes in Beaver Creek at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch? Or would you prefer to relax on the beach? What type of accommodations? Do you prefer a resort or a private villa? Would you rather be more remote or close to a city or town?
Decide Where to Go
Now that you know what you want in a destination, you can start narrowing it down, but save yourself some time, and use a travel advisor. Share your preferences with your travel advisor, and they can present the destinations and resorts that fit your interests and budget (and you don’t have to spend hours scouring the internet). Once you find the perfect spot, book it!
Photo credit: CSG, Ltd.
Make an Itinerary
Your flights and accommodations are booked, and now you can get to the fun part: planning your itinerary! Many resorts offer activities that give you a chance to try something new. One & Only Palmilla , in Cabo, offers world-renowned surfing, and the resort has its own qualified surf coach on staff. Or you can try balancing your mind and body during a Paddle Board Yoga session at the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba. And don’t forget about you! Take time to pamper yourself, like with a relaxing hammock massage at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s Spa Botanico.
Go
The time has finally come to pack your bags and go! (See our Caribbean packing guide here for helpful tips!) Be sure to take time to unplug, relax, and spend time with your family – it is spring break after all!
Top Ten Destinations Fall 2018
Where are luxury travelers going this fall? Virtuoso has analyzed its data from more than $40.7 billion in travel transactions to reveal where people are going this fall and festive holiday season.
Europe continues to hold a strong allure for luxury travelers into the fall, with leaf peeping in the fall and Christmas markets into the winter in. South Africa and New Zealand enter their spring and summer, making them both great warm-weather choices.
1. Italy - La Dolce Vita
Amalfi Coast
Italian Splendor
Italy embodies the sweet life. Feed your passion for authentic regional cuisine and feast your eyes on Roman ruins and art by masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. From the cobblestoned streets of Florence to the panoramic views of Tuscany; the unrivaled Amalfi Coast to the dramatic Dolomites; the Venetian canals to the stunning beauty of Lake Como and Lake Garda – Italy is pure magic.
2. France - Moveable Feast
French vineyard, Bordeaux
Wine and Dine Your Way through the French Countryside.
With more than 600 Michelin-starred restaurants and nearly two million acres of vineyards, France is a mecca for food and wine lovers. If you can tear yourself away from the table, you can tour the wineries of Bordeaux by bicycle, float over the fields of Champagne in a hot-air balloon, cruise the Riviera in a yacht, or view the luxurious chateaux of the Loire Valley on a riverboat.
3. South Africa - Surf and Safari
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Back to Nature
South Africa has something for everyone, from cool, cosmopolitan Cape Town and the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine regions to epic game drives and life-changing moments witnessing “big five” wildlife in Kruger National Park.
4. Israel - History and Sea
Sea of Galilee, Israel
A Surprising Mix Of Ancient Sites And Beautiful Beaches
Israel offers more than pilgrimages to holy places like the Dome of the Rock and the Wailing Wall. In Jerusalem, stroll Wohl Rose Garden (better than a bouquet any day) and marvel at the nocturnal light show screened on the Tower of David’s walls. Explore Tel Aviv’s galleries and museums, or sight “sea” with a swim in the Sea of Galilee, scuba diving in the Red Sea, a salty soak in the Dead Sea, and wind surfing off Beit Yanai Beach.
5. Germany - Fairytale Break
Neuschwanstein Castle
Eccentric Castles, Panoramic Peaks, and Scenic Drives
Take the Fairy Tale Route from Hanau to Bremen, motoring through medieval villages where the Brothers Grimm lived and worked, and tour the lavish 19th-century Neuschwanstein, which inspired Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. In the summer, hike the Bavarian Alps, or take a cable car to the top of the Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain. Cruise the Rhine, flanked by vineyards, or kick back in a biergarten with a refreshing wheat beer.
6. Japan - Exotic Asia
Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko
Country of Striking Contrasts and Remarkable Beauty
Walk hand-in-hand beneath cherry blossom trees in the spring, or slalom down the Japan Alps in the winter. Dance ‘til dawn in Tokyo’s rollicking clubs, or bask in a hot-spring spa. Immerse yourself in history at Kyoto’s 17th century Katsura Imperial Villa and gardens, and tour the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of love. For an unforgettable experience, scale Mount Fuji by night (July-August), and see the sunrise from Japan’s tallest peak.
7. Greece - Greek Life
The Acropolis, Athens
Ancient Mythology and Modern-Day Delights
You'll love the sun-drenched islands, whitewashed towns, and a mythic past that just won’t quit. Enjoy the whitewashed dwellings of Mykonos, the historic ruins in Athens, the sun-soaked cafes on Crete, or the famous views on Santorini.
8. United States - Coast to Coast
Arches National Park
For Cities or Wide-Open Spaces, USA is a Dream Holiday
If you crave capital sophistication, it’s hard to beat the allure of Manhattan and Chicago. For a slower pace of life, take a stroll around a Southern antebellum town like Savannah or Charleston. Enjoy jaw-dropping scenery in the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks, and join legions of leaf-peepers in New England in the autumn. If sun and sand are more your style, relax on the legendary beaches of California, Florida and Hawaii.
9. New Zealand - Ripe & Ready
Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
Take Your Pick of Kiwi Adventures in the Great Outdoors
If you think falling in love is a rush, try skydiving in Taupo, on New Zealand’s North Island. Bring your romance to a boil with a soak in hot mineral pools, then cool down on the snowy slopes of Mount Ruapehu or the South Island’s Southern Alps. Cuddle on a glacial cruise on Tasman Lake, float above vineyards in a hot-air balloon, and hike amid mountains in Fiordland. For fantastic views of river gorges, take a journey on the TranzAlpine train.
10. Switzerland - Peak Experience
The Swiss Alps
Unparalleled Alpine Beauty
Famed for its staggering, high-elevation beauty, Switzerland's mountain villages, glitzy ski resorts, glacial lakes, and Alpine hiking trails offer unbeatable winter or summer outdoor experiences. Traveling by train is the way to go – book a ticket on the beautiful Glacier Express, the "slowest express train in the world," for incredible scenery.
HOW TO BECOME A SAVVY TRAVELER
We’ve all seen the traveler who looks completely at ease and put together. The one that breezes through security, arrives in ample time, and isn’t weighed down with tons of luggage. And during the trip, this traveler always seems to have what they need, keeps calm in all situations, and can truly enjoy their trip. If you’re anything like us and you strive to be this traveler, we’ve got just the tips for how to become a savvy traveler.
Planning
Use a Travel Advisor
We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two. Your Travel Advisor can help with anything from selecting a destination that checks all your boxes to getting the best restaurant recommendations! You still get be a part of the planning process, but you don’t have to deal with the endless (and time consuming!) logistics and details. Plus, when you use a Brownell Travel Advisor, you are privy to exclusive amenities, perks, upgrades, and VIP status that you can’t get anywhere else. In the words of Beyonce, let us upgrade you!
Use a Travel Advisor
If you've heard it once, you've heard it one thousand times: purchase travel insurance! It doesn't just protect you if you need to cancel your trip - it can also cover trip disruptions (who hasn't had an airport delay?), lost luggage, and much more.
Book Ahead of Time...
Talk to your Travel Advisor about booking tours, activities, and reservations ahead of time to make sure you don’t have to miss out.
...But Don't Over Plan
Leave a little flexibility in your itinerary so you’re not chained to a schedule. With a little more freedom, you’ll have the time to explore the neighborhood, go to that local shop you keep passing, or even (gasp!) sleep late and relax.
Prepping
Pack Light
Step one to becoming a savvy traveler is to stop over packing. A suitcase under 50 pounds does not equal packing efficiently. Make it easy on yourself and the baggage handlers, and bring only the essentials. (Use our packing tips to make packing a breeze!)
Technology is Your Friend
Forget the days of printing from MapQuest; we have all the information we need at our fingertips! Check out this list of helpful travel apps and download them before you travel.
Read Up
Do your research. Learn a few key phrases in the local language, look over a map to get oriented with the area, or simply read a book or watch a movie set in the destination to get excited for your adventure!
Walk a Mile in Your Shoes
Take shoes you will be comfortable wearing! Ordering a new pair specifically for your trip? Make sure you have plenty of time to break them in.
Traveling
Avoid Tourist Traps
There is a time and a place to enjoy the perks of being a tourist, but buying an overpriced bottle of water is not one of them. Try to find places that seem frequented by a more local crowd as opposed to hordes of visitors. Not only will you save yourself the “tourist surcharge”, but you get to experience an insider’s look at local life.
Immerse Yourself in the Culture
Don’t be afraid to dive into the culture for a more enriching and authentic experience. Grab some street food or go to a local festival. When in Rome!
Haggle
Shop around in a local market, but don’t always take the first offer. Follow the lead of the locals, and haggle a bit!
Carry Cash - but Not Too Much
Always carry a little local currency. While most places accept credit cards, it’s important to have cash in a pinch. You never know when your cab driver will announce cash only!
Blend In
If it looks like a tourist and pulls out a map like a tourist, it’s a tourist. Get a feel for the vibe and go with the flow to get the most out of your adventure.
Try Public Transport!
When safe, of course. Not only is it cost effective, but it can be an experience in itself! Take a ride on the tube, but don’t forget to mind the gap.
Take Photos of People, Places & Things!
Be sure your photos include a little variety. While scenic pictures are beautiful, it’s nice to have pictures of people as well.
Click here to start planning your next trip as a new and improved savvy traveler!
Thank You for Reading Maximizing Moments!
**Some of the original content in Maximizing Moments can be found at www.brownelltravel.com/blog and https://blog.virtuoso.com/
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