COVID-19 has had us all hunkering down at home, with our world seeming to shrink right before our eyes. These days, we joke about our big journey being from our bedrooms to our living rooms. With the blurred lines between work and home and trips to the grocery store stirring anxiety in many of us, we could all use some time away to escape and refresh, be it on a beach, in the mountains, at a national park or just in the middle of nowhere! But, any travel must consider current restrictions - including those in our own country, which can make planning a well-needed vacation complicated and daunting.
This is where we come in - at Smith Luxury Travel, we are constantly in touch with our suppliers who are updating us almost daily, but at least weekly, on what current travel restrictions are, including state-by-state (and province-by-province, for our Canadian clients), what attractions are open, which hotels are accepting guests and how they have prepared for the new social distancing and cleaning protocols that have been put in place. We can help take the stress out of deciding where to go, by providing your options and then laying out a plan that works for you and your budget, allowing you to get excited about traveling again and knowing what precautions have been taken to make you feel secure about your trip.
Since traveling outside our borders over the near term seems to be further off in the future, we have dedicated this issue to ideas for to easing your way from being cloistered at home to venture out in what is (hopefully temporarily) the "new normal". And, for now, that means staying relatively close to home, or at least within our borders.
We are all frustrated with how small our worlds have become and longing for a way to get away, even if just for a few days. For some, that may mean hopping in the car and rediscovering destinations within a few hours drive. For others who may want to venture a little further, it may be renting a luxurious RV and hitting the road. Whether it is low key or over-the-top, there are amazing sites our own country has to offer, from majestic National Parks to the briny New England coast, to the serene desert southwest to the wild and rugged Pacific northwest, and there are ways to see them without exposing yourself to undue risk.Our point is, you don’t have to plan a trip across the world to travel with Smith Luxury Travel. In fact, you can have an exceptional travel experience right here in the USA! We’re talking about the exclusive access, top-notch guides, and insider intel that make an average trip extraordinary. So whether you want to experience the National Parks, go on a (lux) road trip, explore charming coastal towns, or something in between, we can help maximize your precious leisure time and design an itinerary that takes the worry out of planning it.
The Smith Luxury Travel Way
What can you expect when you see the USA in the SLT Way? Nothing less than the best:
- Experiences unlike anything you’ve seen or heard of before
- Wow moments that take your trip to the next level
- White-glove service every step of the way
- An itinerary personalized to your unique wants, needs, preferences and budget
- Peace of mind knowing your accommodations and transportation follow protocols for your safety
At Smith Luxury Travel, we start with a discussion about everything that is important to you now. We may have had this conversation in the past, but everything has changed since then, so priorities may be different today than they were 3 months ago. Then we'll go to work to find the best options for you and your budget. And we'll do everything in our power to make sure you have incredible experiences while remaining comfortable, safe and healthy.
Following are some inspiring ideas that will remind you that travel is possible even while remaining diligent and responsible about your and those you come in contact with's well-being.
Travel Inspirations
Take a look at some of these trip ideas - all of these options can be customized to your preferences.
While we are highlighting only a few of our ideas, we can plan itineraries for all/any of the following;
- Self-drive (using your car or a rental)
- Chauffeured driver-guide services
- Private aviation
- Luxury motor homes
- Luxury compact RVs
- Yacht and sailing charters
Contact us for sample itineraries for any of the above!
Luxury RV Road Trips
Take your good, ol’ fashioned road trip to the next level with SLT (Smith Luxury Travel). You can experience the beauty of our country in the comfort of a luxury RV (or "rockstar van"). As your adivsor, along with our on-the-ground partners, we will design an itinerary that fits your needs. During your trip, you can stay in your RV the whole time or combine overnight stays in remote locations with luxury hotels, quaint inns or ranch stays – the choice is up to you. There are even new luxury RV resorts that allow you to pull your motor home right up to your accommodations and enjoy the comforts of a private villa with pool!
Highlights
- Private driver: you can relax as you travel between sights
- Comfortable accommodations
- Kitchen & flat screen TVs
- Can hold up to 4 adults and 2 children
Sample Routes
Desert Southwest
- Start in Phoenix
- Visit Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, etc.
- End in Las Vegas
Route 66
- Start in Chicago
- End in Santa Monica
- For shorter route, start in New Mexico
Appalachian Trail
- Begin in Tennessee
- Travel along the Appalachian Trail north, with stops along the way for hiking, historic and cultural attractions
- End in Maine (or earlier, depending on how much time you have)
The Great West
- Start in South Dakota with visit to Mt. Rushmore
- Head west to Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park
- Drive north and end at Glacier National Park in Montana
Glamping in the USA
Though camping lets you be one with nature, roughing it isn’t exactly the relaxing, enjoyable vacation you may have envisioned.
Enter glamping. With glamping, you get all the fun of being in a beautiful, remote location, sleeping under the stars, and immediate access to nature, but you don’t have to deal with sleeping on rocks (or roots - ask me about my early camping experiences with my husband, Russell) or trying to start a fire. Learn about a few of the ways we can arrange for you to go glamping in the US below.
Luxury Tented Camps
If you want the feeling of camping but also want the amenities of a resort, luxury tented camps are they way to go. Several of our partner ranches, like The Ranch at Rock Creek and The Resort at Paws Up, offer luxury tented camp experiences. Your “tent” comes complete with electricity, en-suite bathrooms, and lux amenities, plus you have access to plenty of activities offered on property.
Remote Glamping Experiences
Some destinations or experiences call for true, away-from-civilization camping, but of course that doesn’t mean you have to totally rough it. The remote glamping experience brings the creature comforts to you – wherever you may be. We can arrange for a chef, boating, dune buggies, guides, and more to make sure you make the most of your time in the great outdoors! These are perfect for overnight rafting trips or even as your home base for exploring secluded areas like the North Rim of the Grand Canyon or Lake Powell. Talk about social distancing - you'll be lucky if you even see another visitor!
American Safaris
You don’t have to go to Africa for a wildlife experience; we can arrange a safari right here in the US of A! From whales on the West Coast to bears in Alaska to bison and elk in the Rockies, there are plenty of animals to see in America. And with a wildlife guide at your side, you’ll have a better chance of spotting animals, learn about them, and stay off-the-beaten path to avoid the crowds! Your guide has special access passes to entrances not available to the general public, so you can be one with nature in the privacy of your own family or group!
Flying Safaris
Take the US safari experience to the next level with a flying safari. You can cover more ground – and see more wildlife – with a private plane taking you from destination to destination. Examples are:
The Big 3
- See Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon all in one week
American Wildlife
- Experience a classic ranch and then fly to the Pacific Coast to see marine wildlife
Alaska Adventure
- Spot whales, bears, caribou, and more as you visit the best spots with ease
America by Water
Road trips and dude ranches have their allure, but there is nothing like spending time on the water. You can enjoy the relaxing lull of the ocean, the stunning views of the coast, and the time to unplug and recharge as you experience different destinations along the coast. Or, how about chartering a houseboat on Lake Powell while exploring the beautiful, remote parks surrounding the lake?
Destination Ideas
- Pacific Northwest
- Baja California
- Florida Keys
- Alaska's Inside Passage
- Lake Powell
Private Yacht Charter
During a private yacht charter, you can relax on luxurious home away from home and also explore ports that showcase America. We can arrange for a captain, chef, guide, and more to maximize your time away and ensure you see the best of the best.
Expedition
There’s nothing like a little adventure mixed with learning, and an expedition does just that. Our experienced partners not only have incredible, experienced guides but also know how to take care of our clients. You’ll get to see some of America’s most beautiful coastlines, learn about wildlife from experts, and have adventures that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
U.S. History & Culture
Whether you are a history buff or love learning about other cultures, you can do both right here in the US. Each state offers its own unique experiences, and we will create an itinerary based on your interests. For inspiration, we’ve rounded up a few classic itineraries that highlight America’s history and culture. Accommodations range from small inns, to boutique hotels, to private cottages or homes, all of which we can arrange for you to ensure they have been vetted for the proper safety and cleanliness procedures.
American History
- Philadelphia, PA: visit Independence Hall after-hours and taste some of the city’s best cuisine
- Washington DC: go behind-the-scenes in the Capitol, see the iconic monuments, go on a private tour of Mount Vernon, and more
- Williamsburg, VA: experience colonial life, learn about America’s early history in Jamestown, and visit Yorktown
New Mexico
- Santa Fe: discover the history and culture of the Pueblo people and enjoy a private tour of Georgia O’Keeffe’s studio
- Taos: visit a working Native American community and learn about the town’s history.
Virginia Voyage
- Charlottesville: visit Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s former home), the University of Virginia, and American Civil War sites
- Williamsburg: experience colonial life and visit the Jamestown Settlement
Taste of Texas
- San Antonio: visit the Alamo and other historical sites
- Hill Country: discover the Texas Hill Country during a wine & spirits tour. Music lovers can stop for a bite in Luckenbach
- Austin: learn about Texas BBQ, learn how to two-step, and explore Texas’ capital city
Southern Sojourns
From beautiful scenery and architecture to award-winning cuisine, the South has so much to experience. We can arrange an memorable itinerary and road trip (rockstar RV trip, anyone?) that highlights top destinations and activities based on your preferences. And of course, when you’re traveling the SLT Way, you are privy to insider access and exclusive experiences.
See our sample routes below.
Low Country Escape
- Spend a few days in Charleston and experience one of the world’s top ranked cities
- Head south to Kiawah Island or Palmetto Bluff to relax lowcountry style for a few days
- End your journey in Savanna, learning about the history and viewing the architecture of this beautiful city
Music in the Deep South
- Begin in Nashville where you can see the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, RCA Studio, and Ryman Auditorium
- Next go walking in Memphis and see the Stax Museum of American Soul and Graceland (with an after-hours VIP tour!)
- Learn about the jazz and culinary history of New Orleans
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
- Bardstown: Bardstown Bourbon Company, Evan Williams, and Willet (The Bar at Willet is a 2020 James Beard award finalist)
- Lawrenceburg: Wild Turkey
- Loretto: Maker’s Mark distillery – you can dip your own bottle!
- Frankfort: home to Buffalo Trace
- Louisville: Angel’s Envy, Evan Williams, and Stitzel-Willet
Asheville & the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Visit local farms and artisans outside of Asheville
- Hike to beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Get your adrenaline pumping while white water rafting or canyoneering
- Tour the iconic Biltmore House
Don't Want to Fly Commercial? We Have Options!
We know that traveling by commercial airline service can be nerve wracking these days. Airlines have reacted to COVID-19 in a variety of ways and inconsistently, even from route to route and flight to flight for some airlines. Some airlines are blocking middle seats and seating passengers in alternate rows, while others are packing flights and not requiring face masks.
Commercial airlines have reduced their schedules by about 90% for the foreseeable future and cancel flights with less than 24 hours notice. Some are not issuing refunds (only credits for future travel) even when they cancel the flights. If you need to fly to a smaller city, you will likely have to make at least one, but probably two connections to get there.
Flying private, for those who can afford it, has been a solution for many. While private aviation has largely been for business travel and convenience, the primary reason for flying private now is for safety. For people who still want to travel but don't want to deal with airports, lines, varying and evolving airline policies or multiple connections, or for those who may be more at-risk for infection, flying privately has become more popular - but not necessarily more expensive, as demand is down significantly from pre-COVID-19 levels.
The CARES Act removed a 7.5 percent excess tax on domestic air charters until December, which, combined with a drop in fuel prices and soft demand, makes it less expensive to fly private right now. Since air traffic is less and people are flying for safety, rather than comfort, demand for large-aircraft charters has been especially low.Crew members receive regular COVID-19 tests, aircraft are sanitized thoroughly between flights and inspected pre-flight for passenger and crew safety, and the ease of departure and arrival are making private jet travel a great option for some.
Even for those who would not normally consider flying privately, there are options that could make such travel more affordable and comparable to first class commercial flight fares in some cases. We can arrange for "flight pooling", where we match clients with one to two other families (or couples, groups, etc.) with the same destination to reduce the overall cost.
If this sounds enticing to you, please contact us for more information. Flying privately has become less expensive and may be a good option for your travel this summer or fall.
Select Sample Itineraries
U.S. Road Trips
Southwest National Parks Odyssey (9 days)
The Badlands to Yellowstone National Park (10 days)
The Wonders of Coastal New England (10 days)
The Ultimate Maritimes Road Trip (12 days)
California Eco & Culinary Discovery (10 days)
Wild! The Wonders of Oregon (9 days)
Rocky Mountain High: Colorado & New Mexico (10 days)
Sights, Sounds & Tastes of the Deep South (10 days)
Living Classroom Along the Appalachian Trail (7-18 days)
Private Charter Air Journeys
The USA's National Parks by Private Jet (7-10 days)
Intrepid Hawaii by Private Jet (7-10 days)
Alaska by Air, Sea & Land (8-10 days)
Celebrations & Retreats
Celebrate On Your Own Private Island in the Bahamas (5 days)
Multi-Gen Adventure From Your Maui Estate (5 days)
Retreat at a Remote Fishing Lodge (4 days)
Small Group Escape in the Low Country (5 days)
Canada Itineraries
At World's End: Newfoundland & Labrador (7 days)
Canada's Maritime Classic (8-11 days)
The Best of Quebec (7-10 days)
Toronto to Quebec City: A Luxury Adventure (7-9 days)
Into the Wilds of the Great Canadian Arctic (8 days)
Canadian Rockies for Couples (7-11 days)
Vancouver to Victoria: A Canadian Family Adventure (9-11 days)
Bears, Bears & More Bears: British Columbia (8-15 days)
Best of British Columbia by Private Plane (7-10 days)
Please contact us for these and other sample itineraries.
THANK YOU FOR READING MAXIMIZING MOMENTS!
Joanne Smith
Luxury Travel Advisor
SMITH LUXURY TRAVEL
(860) 799-0460 (office)
(914) 420-7729 (mobile)
www.smithluxurytravel.com
joanne@smithluxurytravel.com
"My goal for each client is for them to
return home feeling better than when they left,
with memories to cherish."
MAXIMIZING MOMENTS is a periodic newsletter that is designed to help make your
precious travel time more memorable – in many ways.
An Independent Affiliate of Brownell Travel
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