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Welcome back, Bruce!
As promised from our previous newsletter on ‘Unveiling Europe's Hidden Gems: Explore Charming Alternatives!’, we're diving deeper into the art of exploring hidden gems while keeping your budget happy. We’ve come up with some tried and true strategies based on our own travel experiences to help you navigate those off-the-beaten-path destinations like a seasoned pro:
Saving Savvy:
Embrace Shoulder Seasons: Popular tourist spots often inflate prices during peak season. Aim for shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for better deals on flights, accommodation, and activities. And, you'll experience less crowds in general, although the word is out on some of the more popular destinations as the shoulder season is becoming somewhat encroached upon. We are especially seeing this in European destinations like Italy, where late September and October, are seeing all time higher volumes. (Still less than July and August however)
Think Beyond Hotels: Explore villas and apartments – even in the luxury spaces, deals abound, especially off season. Villas typically offer a more immersive experience and afford a lot more opportunity – shopping in a local market and preparing your own home-cooked meal, having a private check come in and cook for you and your family, friends or group can be an amazing experience, afforded by the reduced price of the accommodation – and something you are not able to do if staying in a hotel.
Become a Public Transport Pro: Taxis scream "tourist!" Opt for local buses, trains, or subways. Not only are they cheaper, but they'll give you a glimpse into daily life. And many destinations abroad are implementing visitor friendly transportation infrastructures that include updated rails and buses, more English-friendly signage, and much more intuitive navigation – something we witnessed firsthand in Japan and the UK this year.
Master the Art of Self-Catering: We touched on this earlier, but explore local markets and grocery stores. Pack a refillable water bottle and buy snacks on the go. It also allows for you trying new foods and snacks that you may otherwise have missed out on, and is a much cheaper option than relying solely on restaurants.
Free Fun is the Best Fun: Research free walking tours, cultural events, museums with free entry days, or scenic hikes. Many off-the-beaten-path destinations offer hidden treasures that won't cost a dime. All of our custom itineraries come with an exhaustive list of things to do during your free time, many of them are low to no cost.
Navigation Nirvana:
Learn Basic Phrases: A few words in the local language go a long way. Not only will you endear yourself to locals, but you might even score better deals! (Japan and other destinations have been known to jack up the prices on English speaking menus). Always ask for the local menu and then use the camera option of Google Translate to scan the menu and have it translate to English.
Download Offline Maps: Relying solely on GPS can be tricky in remote areas. Download offline maps so you can navigate confidently without internet access. Another Google app, Google Maps has seen steady improvements in tracking public transportation directions, routes, stops/platforms and they even have augmented reality to help you get around in real time, real world.
Befriend Locals: Strike up conversations with shopkeepers, drivers, or fellow travelers. They'll be your best source of insider tips on hidden gems, local transportation tricks, and cultural nuances. And as a bonus, you might just make a new friend!
Pack Light and Versatile: Lugging a heavy suitcase slows you down and can be cumbersome on local transportation, while often adding cost to private transportation if you exceed the max bags limit. Pack light, mix-and-match clothing, and opt for quick-drying fabrics. I know this is not for everyone, but consider implementing a “carry-on-only” policy. This may not only save the cost of checked baggage, but you won’t have to worry about lost or misrouted luggage.
Embrace Flexibility: Things might not always go according to plan, and that's part of the adventure! Allow yourself to be open to unexpected detours and embrace the spontaneity that comes with exploring new places.Sometimes you will find hidden gems down less traveled paths that can really elevate your experience and make your trip much more enjoyable.
Bonus Tip: Travel during weekdays! Weekends often see tourist spikes which can drive up prices for everything from flights to accommodations.
By following these tips, you can embark on unforgettable adventures without breaking the bank. Remember, the true beauty of these hidden destinations lies in their authenticity and unique experiences. So, ditch the crowds, embrace the unknown, and get ready to discover the magic of the off-the-beaten-path!
Happy Travels!
Your Travel Concierge Team,
Anca and Bruce
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Spotlight Destination... Fiji
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One of the many nearly deserted beaches on Yasawa Island, Fiji
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Often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor, Australia, Fiji unveils a paradise unlike any other, brimming with natural splendor, warm Fijian culture, and endless opportunities for adventure. Sure, the Great Barrier Reef is a marvel, but Fiji boasts an underwater wonderland teeming with vibrant coral reefs, playful dolphins, and graceful manta rays. Fiji's magic extends far beyond the postcard-perfect beaches.
Immerse yourself in the lush rainforests, following hidden trails that lead to cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear swimming holes. Hike to a secluded village, greeted by the infectious smiles and welcoming spirit of the Fijian people. Witness a traditional Meke dance, a vibrant display of storytelling through song and movement.
Venture beyond the main island of Viti Levu and discover the charm of the Mamanuca Islands. Island-hop by catamaran, stopping at deserted beaches for a day of snorkeling or sunbathing. For a truly unique experience, stay in a traditional Fijian bure, an overwater bungalow offering breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoon.
But Fiji isn't just for nature lovers. Experience the laid-back island lifestyle, where time seems to slow down. Unlike the bustling crowds of Bali, Fiji offers a tranquil pace, perfect for unwinding on pristine beaches with soft, white sand. Learn to surf the gentle waves or explore hidden coves by kayak, discovering a world of colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs.
For an even slower pace, consider a boat trip to Yasawa Island, a haven for relaxation and disconnection. Here, you can indulge in a spa treatment using local ingredients, practice yoga on a secluded beach, or simply soak up the sun with a good book.
Foodies will find their paradise in Fiji. Savor the freshest seafood imaginable, from succulent kokoda (marinated raw fish) to creamy Fijian lolo (coconut milk soup). Sample a traditional Fijian feast (lovo) cooked underground in a pit oven using volcanic rocks. Don't miss the chance to try Fijian fruits like juicy pawpaw and refreshing mango. As the sun sets over the horizon, witness the breathtaking spectacle of a fiery sunset painting the sky in vibrant hues.
For travelers seeking an escape from the crowds and a chance to reconnect with nature, Fiji offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. With its stunning scenery, welcoming Fijian spirit, and delicious cuisine, Fiji promises an unforgettable South Pacific adventure.
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🇭🇷🛳️ With just 8 days away, this is our last newsletter before we set sail on our Allora'Scapes hosted, Croatia Cruising Adventure! We are extremely excited and can't wait to share the details of our adventures aboard the luxury cruising yacht in the coming weeks!
Speaking of luxury yacht cruisers, most of you know about our services around bespoke travel, customized itineraries, and hosted group travel abroad.
But you might not know that we are partnered with some of the more exclusive, luxury Cruise Lines such as; Silverseas Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, and the Seaborn Cruise line.
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These luxury cruise lines offer the highest level of service, amenities, and personalization. Their ships are typically small to mid-size, with more of a yacht-like feel, with a high crew-to-guest ratio. They offer premium liquor and gourmet dining, and often have all-inclusive fares that cover gratuities, shore excursions, and even airfare.
Our access to these incredible partners allow us to get you the best quality experiences at the best pricing. We also typically have access to additional amenities and/or upgrades that the average person might not be privy to when booking on their own.
In the weeks to come, we will be showcasing some of these incredible cruise lines. In the meantime, if you are interested in an indulgent cruise where all of your whims are catered too, reach out and we will help you navigate the choices and destinations!
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Contact Anca or Bruce to help plan your next adventure!
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Happy Travels!
Anca and Bruce
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