December 31, 2019 by julie

Downton Abbey Dream!

Calling all Downton Abbey aficionados! This is a dream experience that’s just too fun to miss! Lady Carnarvon herself will show you around her home, and bring the setting of Highclere Castle alive! You’ll also enjoy return transfers to the Royal Suite at Four Seasons in a vintage Rolls Royce and really live the Lady Mary dream!

Other offers for you…

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire: Stay Longer, Third Night Free, available throughout the year (subject to availability)

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire: Preferred Partner Exclusive offer – guaranteed one category upgrade at the time of booking during January, February and March, valid Sunday to Thursday. (Room type restrictions apply – available up to Four Seasons Exec Suite, excluding Oliver King Parlour Suite).

Combine your countryside experience with a few nights in London. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane where they are launching their newly designed Superior King, Deluxe King & Twin and Premier King & Twin rooms in partnership with Tara Bernerd & Partners showcasing her signature handsome style of approachable luxury with an industrial edge and timeless elegance.

Discover the hotel with our Stay Longer – Fourth Night Free offer, running until May 2020. Preferred Partner clients will also receive a guaranteed one category upgrade at the time of booking for stay dates of 1 April to 10 May (book by 31 March).

Plus because you’re a Vivid Getaways client, you’ll receive extra perks and amenities including:

Daily full English breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
Spa credit of USD100 once during stay (not applicable to products)
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites, villas, and private residences)
Welcome note at check-in
Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms; complimentary premium Internet in all suites

December 30, 2019 by julie

Private Vatican Tours

EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY! Our partner, Context Travel, has a special partnership with the Vatican, which allows them several dates for the exclusive, after-hours access to the Vatican and Museums. We’ve been fortunate to receive these dates before they are released publicly. These dates will sell-out very quickly, so let’s get in touch soon if this is an event you’ve dreamed of experiencing. This is such an incredible opportunity to create peaceful and meaningful connections without the distraction of crowds and noise.

Note there is one date right before Christmas, so if you’ve considered spending Christmas in Rome (or anywhere in Europe) this may be the event to make your holiday extraordinary.

The Vatican Museums are indisputably one of the finest collections of art in the world. Over the centuries, papal patrons have commissioned renowned works, such as the magnificent frescoes by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, and those by Raphael in his Stanze. The museums also host some of the most important sculptures from the ancient world, including the Laocoön and the Belvedere Torso. View this collection as few ever have—without the crush of the crowds. Our private after-hours Vatican tour with an art historian gives us an opportunity to contemplate these artworks in peace, just as popes through the centuries have done. We will take our time, luxuriating in the exquisite detail of work by Renaissance masters, while gaining a better understanding of the stories and histories behind the magnificent art the Vatican has to offer.
Our visit to the Vatican Museums will be led by a highly trained art historian. We will begin with a twenty-minute introduction outside and then two hours inside the museums, where we will have the collection all to ourselves. This is an exceptional opportunity for an intimate look at the Vatican’s collection, including an extended period in the Sistine Chapel, without the chaos of the crowds.”

2020 Dates:
· April 28, 2020
· May 18, 2020
· June 23, 2020
· July 6, 2020
· September 8, 2020
· December 22, 2020

If you have a date in mind that is not listed above, please feel free to reach out with your requested date and I can reach out to our partner about special arrangements with the Vatican.

Our partner also runs a regular Friday evening Vatican Night Tour with an Art Historian when the crowds are lighter than during the day.

December 19, 2019 by julie

Where to Go in Portugal

… and why it should be on your travel wish list!

Once a maritime empire that conquered much of the New World, Portugal is an incredible destination for travelers. Whether you like history, food and wine, architecture, adventure, or something else, this small country is bursting with things to experience. And with a mild climate, you can visit this country anytime during the year! Our partners at Mr. Travel Portugal share where to go in Portugal and more below.

NORTH

A visit to the north of Portugal is a trip back to Portugal’s beginnings. A land of Celtic settlements, medieval castles, mountain fortifications, and imposing monuments, each hill and building has its own fascinating tale to tell. The fine wines produced in the green valleys and the gastronomic marvels found in every village makes it a flaring combination (and beautiful contrast) of old charm and modern trends.

Highlights: Boat trip along the Douro river, Quinta de Marrocos
Good for: foodie, history buff, family, wine lover
Where to stay: Six Senses Douro Valley, Vidago Palace, Casas de Coro

PORTO

Portugal’s second biggest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Porto is the gateway and departure point for a journey across the natural and cultural diversity of the region. This cultural gem is known not only for the Port wine that is shipped from here to all over the world, but also for a heritage which combines ancient churches and monuments. The famed School of Architecture taught icons including Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura, winners of the Pritzker Prize, and both their contributions to its cosmopolitan streets leaves any visitor entranced.

Highlights: Porto wine tasting at cellars, Stockmarket palace, Lello library, Clerigo’s tower, São Bento train station, São Francisco church, Casa da Música, Serralves Museum
Good for: foodie, history buff, family, wine lover, shoe shopper, architecture enthusiast
Where to stay: Maison Albar Monumental Palace, The Yeatman, InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas

CENTER

The interior of the country transitions from mountains and castles that defended the nation’s borders, to historic villages of granite and schist, and then into fishing villages and quaint coastal beaches dotting the coast of the Atlantic ocean. This beautiful and varied terrain captures the bold colors and character of Portugal!

Highlights: Coimbra Library (UNESCO), Portugal dos Pequenitos, Batalha & Alcobaça Monastery
Good for: history buff, family, sun & sand
Where to stay: Quinta das Lágrimas, Areias do Seixo, Casa de São Lourenço

LISBON

Enchanting. Lisbon’s unique light accentuates the dignity of its monuments, the scenic river Tagus glistens in the sunlight and the city’s unassuming cobbled streets lead you into resplendent squares. Old and new co-exist harmoniously in a city that has a rhythm all of its own where you will want to soak up its charm at a leisurely pace.

Highlights: Jeronimo’s Monastery, Saint Jorge castle, Lux nightclub, boat sailing
Good for: foodie, history buff, family, shoppers
Where to stay: Four Seasons Ritz Hotel, Bairro Alto Hotel, Valverde Hotel

estoril coast & sintra

The Portuguese twin of the French Riviera’s Biarritz, Estoril is one of Portugal’s main luxury resorts. The chosen place of exile for many European royal families, politicians, artists and businessmen during WWII, this unique town is glamorous and inspiring. It’s also attracted writers such as Ian Fleming that witnessed the movement of spies staying in the Hotel Palácio to create his Casino Royale’s James Bond. With all the infrastructures for a wonderful nightlife and a summer centre Estoril still remains very much in vogue.

Continuing the story-telling moto, but now in a realm of romance, Sintra is all about scenic splendor where majestic fairy tale-like palaces, a grandiose castle, regal estates and charming red tiled houses stand amidst a landscape of luxuriant forests and hilltops.

Highlights: hiking, surf, golf, motor-racing circuit, beach
Good for: foodie, family, sportsmen, golfers
Where to stay: Intercontinental Cascais-Estoril, The Oitavos, Hotel Palácio Estoril

ALENTEJO

Such as an artist in creation, Alentejo’s slower pace in life is sought after and treasured. Its capital, Évora, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, is even considered a book of Portuguese art history.

At the coast, golden sanded beaches that stretch out as far as the eye can see are breathtaking and ideal for horse riding on its dunes. Comporta Villa is a best kept secret hidden gem where world fashion designers and top entrepreneurs unwind in luxurious simplicity.

Highlights: wine tasting, golf, dolphin watching, beach horseback riding, Chapel of Bones, Diana’s Temple
Good for: history buff, family, wine lover, horse riders, golfers
Where to stay: Quinta da Comporta, Sublime Comporta, São Lourenço do Barrocal, Convento do Espinheiro

ALGARVE

Thanks to the warm Moroccan air, the southern tip of continental Portugal has a fabulous climate all year round. The wide choice of beaches, animated seaside resorts, sophisticated villas and golf courses galore have all come together to make the Algarve Portugal’s best-known region.

Highlights: beach, Sagres fort, boat rides, golf
Good for: family, boat lovers, golfers
Where to stay: Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, Vila Vita, Vila Joya

AZORES

The Azores is a land full of natural beauty to explore peeking up from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to the power of volcanic activity, the Azores are home to black lava vineyard fields, the geysers, hot thermal waters, and volcanic lakes… not to mention the unique dish “Cozido das Furnas.” This tasty meal is made by lowering a pot of meats and vegetables into the hot springs and cooking everything in the volcanic stream.

While in the Azores, don’t miss the local, specialty cheese produced by cows that live on the hills (the hills also offer a great view where you can spot whales and dolphins!).

Highlights: hiking, whale and dolphin watching
Good for: family, cheese lover, hikers, bird watchers
Where to stay: Furnas Boutique Hotel, Hotel Azor, Lava Homes, Pocinho Bay

Are you read to experience the magic of Portugal? Click here to start planning your trip!

November 22, 2019 by julie

Curious about Iceland?

Answers to your FAQ’s

Anyone who has been following travel trends has no doubt seen Iceland growing in popularity – and for good reason. This country has so much to offer, from adventure to natural beauty to culture to cuisine. If you’re interested in experiencing Iceland for yourself but want to learn more, good news! Our partners at Iceland Encounter answer some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Iceland below.

What can you do in Iceland?

Iceland is all about nature exploration. There are many activities where you can get out and explore this beautiful country including:

Glacier Adventures (glacier hiking, snowmobiling, zodiacs on glacier lagoons)
Spas and Swimming (geothermal waters and natural hot springs)
Lots of hiking in diverse landscapes
Kayaking and River-Rafting
Salmon and Trout Fishing
Bird Watching
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Horseback Riding
Caving
4×4 Expeditions
Mountain Biking
ATV and Buggy Tours
Photography
Sailing
Culinary Tours and cooking classes
Viking Heritage

How cold is it in Iceland?

Although the name Iceland suggests frigid, below-freezing temperatures, this country is not the tundra many people imagine. During the winter months (November – March), the temperature is typically between 25 – 40°F. In the summer (June – August), temperatures range between 45 – 65°F.

What time of year should I go to Iceland?

Iceland is a year-round destination. People visit in the winter to see the Northern Lights and enjoy the winter scenery and in the summer to experience the long days, warmer weather, and access to the highlands. Travelers typically spend 5-7 days in Iceland in the winter and 6-9 days in the summer.

When can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

You can see the Northern Lights in Iceland from September to mid-April.

Will it be crowded in Iceland?

Iceland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. It is about the size of New York state, but Iceland has a population of only 350,000 compared to New York’s nearly 10 million. And though Iceland may be on the rise in popularity for travel, it is still an emerging tourist destination. Compared to Ireland – which is one-third smaller than Iceland – Iceland gets about 2 million tourists per year while Ireland gets about 10 million.

When you travel with Iceland Encounter, their expert guides will help navigate around any crowded spots to make sure you spend your time experiencing the beauty of Iceland.

What should I pack for Iceland?

The weather in Iceland can change frequently, so it is important to be prepared for sudden shifts in temperatures, rain, and/or wind. Layers are always a good idea, so you can adjust to the weather throughout the day. Other essential items include:

Waterproof hiking boots or shoes (not your running shoes)
Warm socks
Rain pants and rain jacket in the summer
Warm winter jacket and waterproof pants in the winter
Hiking pants
Warm sweaters
Gloves
Warm hat
Swimsuit (for the geothermal pools)
Long underwear
Casual clothes for Reykjavik and evenings
Daypack
Sunglasses
Camera

How long should I spend in Iceland?

It is best to spend at least 5 days in Iceland, but ideally plan for an 8-day trip to Iceland to make the most of your trip.

What foods should I try in Iceland?

There are many foods to try in Iceland:

Seafood: Iceland is known for its wonderful, fresh seafood. Try the cod, arctic char, salmon, and the langoustine lobster.
Lamb: The Icelandic lamb is free-range and delicious – it is a national dish. Smoked lamb is a traditional Christmas dish.
Skyr: It is a traditional low fat, high protein dairy dish, sometimes called a super food.
Pylsa: the Icelandic lamb hot dog
Rugbraud: Dark Rye Bread. It is traditionally baked in a pot or steamed in special wooden casks which have been buried in the ground near a hot spring. It is crustless, dark brown, dense, and a tad sweet. It is great with butter, smoked salmon, smoked lamb, or pickled herring.
Icelandic ice cream: Icelanders are obsessed with icecream year round!
Kleina: the traditional Icelandic twisted doughnut
Fermented shark: for those who dare!
Brennivin: caraway flavored schnapps that is considered Iceland’s signature distilled beverage (sometimes referred to as Black Death)
Fresh water from the tap: Icelandic drinking water is pure mountain spring water and is the best drinking water you can find! It´s usually what Icelanders miss the most when they travel abroad.

Who should visit Iceland?

Iceland is a great destination for many types of travelers. Nature lovers of all ages will appreciate the natural beauty and stunning landscape. Active travelers who like to be outside will love the many exciting activities. Families – especially those with children 10 and older – will enjoy bonding and creating memories in a stunning setting. And travelers who are into culture will like discovering Iceland’s unique history, music scene, thriving literary scene, gourmet cuisine, art, and more.

What unique experiences does Iceland Encounter offer?

Iceland Encounter offers more than the run-of-the-mill Iceland experiences. Their first-hand experience, on-the-ground connections, and passion for the country takes a trip to Iceland to the next level. From meeting the chefs of Reykjavik’s top restaurants to snorkeling between the tectonic plates to enjoying lunch in a secret, 1000+ year old Viking cave, Iceland Encounter shows you authentic and unique Iceland.

October 14, 2019 by julie

Our Maine

After moving to Texas a few years ago, our annual vacations back to my hometown make us love the New England coast more than ever! It’s truly earned it’s title as Vacationland. The rhythmic sound of the tide, the fresh salt air, the feeling of the fog rolling off of the water…this is the New England coast that we know and love! And then there are the beachside clambakes, ice cream with the kids with scoops the size of a softball (who says everything is bigger in Texas?), and of course the fresh Maine lobsters!

While we love the years we are able to spend a few weeks on the coast “down east”, there are other times that we have shorter visits that are just as much fun. From New Hampshire up into Maine, the New England seacoast can be done in just a few days with memories that will last forever.

Crossing the Piscataqua River into Kittery, Maine means that you have arrived! Perched on the jagged rocks above the Atlantic, Pepperell Cove Provisions offers some of the best views as well as colorful waterfront dining. A nice bottle of wine from the general store will be just what you need for your next stop. Ask for our friends Cat or Chris, who would love to meet you! If you have time for a bite or drink while you are there, the Bistro 1828, outdoor patio or Ski Club offer great fare with some of the BEST views of Portsmouth Harbor. (TIP: stay for a sunset. A truly magical view from the pier.)

A quick drive up the coast will land you at Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier for lunch. Not to be confused with an inland creek, Chauncey Creek is a beautiful saltwater inlet surrounded by pine trees. The restaurant sits on a floating pier sprinkled with brightly colored picnic tables and happy customers. After picking your own lobster from the tanks on the pier, settle in for a festive lunch with friends and family. Chauncey Creek is a BYO restaurant, so you will be happy that you made the stop in Pepperell Cove!

Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier

After lunch, a beautiful winding drive up the coast awaits you with so many diversions that you will wish that your trip was longer! Snug Harbor Farm fills my soul with happiness and makes me want to put on my gardening gloves. Lush plants, quality gardening tools and gifts, and friendly farm animals await you at the cutest farmyard along the road!

Idyllic and romantic Cape Elizabeth is the perfect spot for your first night in Maine. Inn by the Sea is a stunning beachfront resort just south of Portland. Cocktails at sunset, dinner overlooking the ocean, and coffee on the terrace as you watch the fog roll in off of the ocean…what a great way to start a vacation!

Rocky inlets with shimmering blue grey water, tiny Maine fishing towns that will make you want to stay, and colorfully-painted lobster boats will be your scenery as you see as you make your way north from Cape Elizabeth. Enjoy the ride and plan to stop often on your way to Camden.

If you are lighthouse lovers like us, enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking Portland Head Light from Ft. Williams Park. An easy stop and a beautiful way to start your day, there is also a flower lined park along the water for the kids!

Have you have ever wondered where your cozy leather LL Bean slippers came from? Or you would like a warm sweater to walk the beach in Camden? If so, make a stop into Freeport, a quaint town with streets that are filled with cute shops.

Sitting peacefully on the banks of the river in Wiscassett, Red’s Eats has served buttery hotdog rolls piled high with fresh delicious lobster for years. Even if you are not hungry, make the stop – you’ll love it!

Hidden surprises and memories are what we love about vacations, and you will find them everywhere along your drive . A quick detour to Pemaquid Point to see its beautiful lighthouse or a stop into Christmas Cove (which is just as cute as it’s name!) will make your heart sing! You will also love that most travelers stop in the much busier Boothbay.

Camden, a beautiful hub for your next few nights, is a charming port town dotted with quaint shops, local artists galleries and of course wonderful waterfront restaurants. 16 Bay View in the heart of town and is our favorite place to stay in Camden. Grab a glass of wine and sit out on your harbor view deck watching the boats glide past.

If you are wondering what is below the cheerfully painted buoys in the harbor, Camden Harbor Cruises will satisfy your curiosity as you help haul in the catch! The experience will make you appreciate your dinner so much more? Or take a sunset sailboat cruise on the Appledore II, where you will see the scenic beauty of the coast from the water with a glass of wine.

Colorful Acadia National Park can be done in a day from Camden. Drive the scenic Acadia park loop, hike one it its many trails or climb Cadillac Mountain for views like you have never seen. Bring a warm sweater and a hot thermos of coffee if you plan to do this for sunrise as most people do.

Heading back down the coast does not mean that your trip is over. There is still so much to see!

Kennebunkport has always been one of our favorite towns partially because of the beautiful drive to get there, but also because of all of the enchanting shops and waterfront restaurants. Stop into Daytrip Society, Minka or Abacus for beautifully crafted and unique Maine gifts.

If your plans inspire you to stay a night or two in the Kennebunk area, we suggest staying at the White Barn Inn. And dinner here is a MUST! With original wooden beams overhead, cozy nooks and elevated New England cuisine, the White Barn Inn is hands-down one of our favorite treats!

Perkins Cove, a tiny inlet in Ogunquit, is filled with colorful lobster and tuna boats, and the best view of the harbor is from the cute pedestrian drawbridge. Our kids love the candy shop whose store windows open up to the North Atlantic waves crashing below. And, if you are still can’t can’t get enough fresh seafood, perched atop the rocks over the ocean is MC Perkins Cove, which is one of our favorite restaurants in New England. Make sure that you order the seafood tower! If you choose to make Ogunquit your home for a night or two, the Cliff House is a the perfect ocean-front location.

Just south of Ogunquit (and make sure you drive the coastal route down!) is York, ME. Famous for the charming Nubble Light, a stop here is worth the view. The lighthouse sits on a tiny out-cropping of grass blanketed rocks so close to shore that the caretakers use a tiny little gondola to cross the span of ocean.

Make sure your trip by the Nubble includes ice cream at Dunne’s Ice Cream up the hill. If you have time to check out the “short sands” beach area, be sure to visit the Goldenrod. They’ve been handmaking the confections since 1896. Today you can still watch them make their famous salt-water taffy, enjoy a malt at the soda fountain or dine in their original, quaint dining area.

Portsmouth is my hometown, so I am a little biased, but it is perfect! Full of history, beautiful cottages and great food I think this charming portside town is a must stop for New England travel. If you love beautiful gardens, make a quick stop at Prescott Park before heading to the Strawbery Banke Museum and their lush landscape. It will make you feel like you have stepped back into the 1600’s.

TIP: Pickwick’s Mercantile is a must stop shopping spot!

Our favorite place to stay in Portsmouth is actually just outside of town on the water in a gorgeous cove. We have spent many nights with our family at Wentworth by the Sea, a stunning 1800’s grand resort that has been completely renovated. We love to eat at the bar in Salt, which overlooks the water. It is at the far right in the picture below!

From the beautiful rocky coastline to the picturesque towns to the delicious food, coastal New England will always call to you to come back…and you should!

September 4, 2019 by julie

Adventure in Peru!

The magic and mystique of Peru are undeniable. From rare and unique wildlife to a culture rich in tradition, Peru offers is an escape of epic proportions.

This is by far one of the biggest bucket list trips for our family (I’ll keep you posted – planning our trip is in the works!). The included itinerary was one loosely designed around what we would like to see, but of course there are many options and I can custom tailor your adventure to you!

Peru’s options for adventure is a vast as this unique nation and can be custom tailored to you depending on your family’s travel style. Start your trip with a cruise on the Amazon or a 3 night stay in a luxury National Geographic lodge deep within the jungle. Experience thrilling wildlife walks high above the tree-tops and then take to the water to see the rare pink dolphins. And of course, no trip to Peru would be complete without a trek to Machu Picchu. From here, explore the ancient Sacred Valley and city of Cusco high in the mountains.

Peru offers a way for you and your family to reconnect while you disconnect from your hectic daily lives. Serenity and adventure work in tandem in this beautiful nation.

Click the download link above to preview a sample itinerary so we can begin designing your Peruvian getaway.

September 2, 2019 by julie

Celebrating With Travel

A milestone is a cause for celebration…and what better way to clink your celebratory glasses than with an unforgettable getaway? No matter what you’re toasting to, rewarding yourself and your loved ones with travel is always the perfect way to say hooray!

Cheers! Me and my pink cosmo celebrating with family this summer!

Landmark Birthday

Whether you’re whisking away your better half for the big 4-0, throwing yourself a birthday bash with a posse of pals, or treating your grandchildren to a special trip when they hit double digits, make sure the trip is everything the birthday boy or gal dreamed of and more. Scratch something off your bucket list or surprise your loved one by putting a pin in the country they’ve always wanted to visit.

Graduation

As my family gets ready to start the college application process for our son (and I have already bought a life time supply of tissues!), this one is near and dear to my heart. We’ve already started planning our special family graduation trip and if you’re in a similar boat (or close) I hope you are too!

You should make time to get away as a family one last time to celebrate your accomplishments as your babies head into this next phase of life! This is a great way to disconnect from the world and reconnect as a family before schedules get logistically more difficult and they are out on their own.

Anniversary

As my husband and I kick off our year of 20 and finalize our itinerary for Italy later this month to celebrate this subject is near and dear to my heart as well. (It’s a big year here in the Sudderth house!)

Whether you’re celebrating five years or 50, ring in the newest chapter of your love story with a trip to reignite the flame! Return to your honeymoon spot and reminiscence on sweet times together, or branch out and try a new place neither of you have visited to create new memories with one another.

You cannot go wrong with romantic views!

Engagements

You’ll have many anniversaries to celebrate down the road, but first you have to pop the big question! Make your proposal the anchoring (and unforgettable) cornerstone of your lifetime together – Something your soon-to-be spouse will swoon over for eternity.

Whether you’re popping the champagne with views of a twinkling Eiffel Tower in the City of Love or basking in sunshine and gentle waves on a private beach, traveling to propose makes the experience that much more romantic. I can help you plan and will find the most precious and remarkable locations to hear the big “yes!”

Honeymoon

I always think of this as the proverbial maiden voyage for a couple – even if you’ve already traveled together extensively. Make this vacation as special and unforgettable as your new spouse!

Pick a spot you both want to visit and that suits each of your travel styles. Try a destination with a nice balance of relaxation and activities that is guaranteed to please all parties (think the Maldives, Thailand or Greece)! For lovebirds wanting to jet off to a far-away land, consider delaying your honeymoon a bit to let yourself recover from post-wedding pandemonium.

You should be sitting here right now! (I wish I was!)

Retirement

When one door closes, another one opens. Kick off your new found freedom with an adventure! Plan an expedition to an exotic locale or get your body movin’ with an action-packed escapade. Take a bike trip through Spain or set sail through the Amazon – or both! You’ve worked hard and finally have the time to enjoy and live life to the fullest!

Babymoon

Relish in the peace and quiet ahead of welcoming your bundle of joy. Slip away to somewhere romantic and relaxing. Maybe a weekend at the spa or a few days in a beachside cabana is just what the doctor ordered.

Just Because

Commemorate your latest achievements no matter how big or small! I can help you map out the perfect celebration for anything from a big promotion to a new set of luggage. You deserve it!

June 28, 2019 by julie

Why Use Vivid Getaways

Are you wondering why you should use me?

Hi! Thanks for being here! I thought I’d share some personal thoughts on how working with me as your travel advisor helps you get the most out of loving your entire travel experience start to finish.

Like any professional advisor, I custom tailor your plan based on your needs, wishes and budget. I tap into your travel goals to design a getaway that is truly personalized for you. Travel is an investment and I value your time and money. Here’s a few ways that using my services can benefit you:

We (you and I) collaborate to create custom tailored experiences based on your wishes and travel goals.
I know hotel properties, resorts and cruise ships and can ensure you get the rooms and service you want and deserve. (No more settling for rooms next to the noisy elevator or over the engine rooms!)
VIP service and amenities! Through my contacts and network of amazing partners, I am able to offer room/resort credits, free breakfasts, room upgrades (when available) and VIP treatment during your stay.
Incredible Experiences! Through my network of partners, I have access to experiences that you can’t find on Google. Private dinner in the desert? Sharing a meal with a local family? Exclusive tickets to a fashion show in Rome? Dinner on a remote farm in Spain? Having a private naturalist teach you about the wildlife around the Galapagos? Creating your own tiny whisky barrel in Scotland during your private distillery tour? Yes, to all and anything else you (or your kids!) can dream!
No more sifting through the overload of online reviews, blogs, and information. Sometimes sifting through the onslaught of online info becomes the reason people end up not taking their trip – it can be difficult to know you’re making the right decisions about your treasured vacation and not throwing money into an experience that may not be a good fit for you. Or spending your money at places that you are not 100% confident you can trust. Julie brings your personalized travel plan only to vetted partners to ensure that you get the very best in quality, service and experience.
Peace of Mind. I am your behind the scenes go-to that will ensure your trip runs smoothly. If something goes “bump” on your trip, I’m here to take care of you.

If you ever have questions I’m here! Feel free to email, call or visit me on Facebook or Instagram anytime! I’d love to talk!