Peru

Day 1

Off to Peru I go... how to get there? I took the overnight flight (2:00AM) from Miami to Lima arriving at approximately 6:40AM. I spent my morning at the Belmond Miraflores Park which is an outstanding hotel. Taking my own advice I arranged a spa appointment to relax and get over jet lag. After a wonderful lunch I had a private tour of Lima to learn as much about the city as I could in such a short amount of time. Money and time well spent. 

Day 2

After an early (and short)  flight from Lima we arrived Cusco. This is where the adventure begins. I have the pleasure to be traveling with our Virtuoso partners G Adventures and learn about their Planeterra initiative. This is a global movement to make tourism sustainable, to minimize impacts on the environment, local people and cultures and offer economic benefits to local businesses and communities. Click here to learn about this amazing project.

The second stop was for lunch at Parwa which is another Planaterra project. This is a community run restaurant to provide access to the tourism market for the first time to a small village. Lear more  here . Our farm to table lunch was delicious. Fun fact - did you know there are 3500 varieties of potatoes in Peru?

Our day ended with our first glimpse of the Sacred Valley – all I can say is WOW! Stay tuned for more of my adventure. 

A Sweet Getaway

As a Travel Advisor we really want to assist our clients with all of their travel plans, even the weekend getaways. I believe the Weekend Getaway is equally as important as the “big trip.” It's about taking time away from the daily grind, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying a change of scenery.

Joey's First Big Roller Coaster 

Rides for all ages 

Recently I met my sister from Boston in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Hershey is a fabulous getaway for a one or two night stay from numerous points along the East Coast. To stay busy you have Hershey Park, Hershey Museum, Gardens, Zoo America and Chocolate World. The Hotel Hersey is my favorite option in town. This grand hotel has both an indoor and outdoor pool, award winning spa (chocolate massage anyone?), live entertainment on Saturdays and excellent dining. After

Which one do you choose?

a busy day exploring this chocolate-lover’s paradise, I recommend unwinding with one of Hotel Hershey’s decadent martinis. My favorite is the Chocolate Martini, a sweet ending to a perfect stay! 

While I had been to Hershey many times before, this time I experienced the Historic Trolley Tour.  I learned about the history of Milton Hershey and have a huge admiration for this inventive man.  I encourage you to read more about the Hershey Story.  

As a guest of McCabe World Travel, a proud member of Virtuoso you will also receive the following amenities at the Hotel Hershey:

-Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

-Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guest

-$100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit, (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full,not applicable towards past stays. groups or conventions)

Let me help you plan your next Sweet Getaway. 
Jessica@mccabeworld.com
703-762-5056

Holiday Travel - Go Early!

Now that that the holidays are long past, I have been reflecting on my travel over the past few months. As a Travel Advisor, we always have a push for last minute holiday bookings. You would be surprised to know the amount of people who want to travel either over Christmas (more popular the day after) through New Years. It is a time when many businesses are slow and children have their winter breaks. It's wonderful to get away with your family this time of year; however, rates are at a huge premium and availability becomes limited very quickly. My suggest for you is to either book now, or consider traveling in early December.

Early December is a wonderful time to travel. It's before the holiday rush, outside of hurricane season in the Caribbean, and you often get great value. Also, many destinations are decorated for the holidays. This past year, I had two opportunities to travel that certainly got me into the holiday spirit.

Late November I traveled to Disneyland in California. The parks were beautifully decorated complete with trees, holiday music and “Olaf's Frozen Ice Rink.” Many attractions are upgraded with a holiday theme. For example The Haunted Mansion is transformed with inspiration from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and “It's a Small World” becomes a spectacular attraction with international holiday traditions.

Consider Disneyland for a first time Disney experience. Everything is walkable, no need for transportation, and with just two parks across from each other it can be a much more manageable experience for the first Disney experience. For those who have been to Disney World it's wonderful to experience Walt's original dream and how it transformed.

I also traveled to the Four Seasons Jackson Hole in early December. The resort was warm, cozy, and full of Christmas spirit. There are so many activities to choose from - snowmobiling, dog sledding, animal safari and skiing.

I consider myself an average skier and felt completely comfortable on the mountain. Jackson does not have a big local drive market like Vail, which makes the mountain much more manageable. Before the holiday rush you will experience a winter wonderland! 

Lights, Camera Hollywood!

I will have to admit Los Angeles has never been one of my top choices for a long weekend getaway or even a family vacation. Just spending one night in LA I realized I needed at least three more days.  There is just so much to see and do and really something for everybody. 

You can go west to the beaches, north to the Hollywood Walk of Fame or south to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the La Brea Tar Pits on Museum Row. Feeling active? Travel east to Runyon Canyon, nestled into the famous Hollywood Hills for some hiking. You can even horseback ride to see the famous Hollywood sign. And don't forget the magic of TV & Movies with a trip to one of the major studios like Universal and Warner Brothers.

Remember these stairs?

With such a short amount of time I called on one of our fabulous Virtuoso partners Tour Du Jour.  Like most of our partners they are private and personalized.  They offer the ultimate experience to discover the true essence of this world class city. 

 
Where to stay?  We have so many fabulous partners with amazing hotels in the different neighborhoods of Los Angeles.  I stayed at the famous Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel.  This quintessential Beverly Hills getaway is just steps from the renowned boutiques of Rodeo Drive.  And when you book through McCabe World Travel you will have no problem using your $100.00 credit. I would suggest the famous Wolfgang Puck's restaurant Cut.  You never know who might be sitting next to you.

Finally... make your way to Disney Land!  But more on that later....

Recognize this church? Not only was this in Sister Act but this is where the "Enchantment Under the Sea" dance took place. Name that movie!

Calling All Ladies

Don’t you miss those days of girl sleepovers and staying up all night gossiping about your crush?  I learned this month: it doesn’t have to be over.  But now it can be more grown-up… complete with champagne and a nice hotel bed to myself!

It takes a little more planning now, gathering five professional women with children, husbands, businesses, etc.  Once we picked a date and cleared our calendars, we had months to plan and engage in something that was just for ourselves.

Coming from Boston and DC,  we picked New York City as the perfect meeting ground.   The fun began the moment we boarded the train.  It was amazing to talk to my best friends for four hours without any interruptions or smart phones. When was the last time that happened?

The New York weekend included loads of great food & wine, an afternoon on Broadway to see Wicked (and go back stage!), and of course more food & wine. 

We choose the Plaza for an iconic hotel in a fabulous location.  The  Todd English Food Hall and The Plaza Food Hall are not to be missed.  

Fun fact - Eloise is a series of children's books written in the 1950s by Kay Thompson. Eloise is a girl who lives in the "room on the tippy-top floor" of the Plaza Hotel with her Nanny, her pug dog Weenie, and her turtle Skipperdee. For a special treat don't miss the Eloise Suite designed by Betsey Johnson that provides young children and their families with an unforgettable Eloise experience.

In addition to the Plaza, we spent a morning at The Lowell for a delicious brunch, feeling right at home in this boutique hotel.  Of course we couldn’t leave NYC without having a famous Bloody Mary at the St. Regis!  These are just 3 of the many Virtuoso hotels in New York City where our partnership adds great value.

I love my job and working with families, couples and honeymooners… but don’t forget these very important girl (and guy) getaways.  We all deserve some time off! 

Jessica@mccabeworld.com

703-762-5056

Head to Bermuda

When you have a 3 day weekend, it's tempting to get out of town! But travel time to many destinations makes 3 days too short for a getaway.  Did you know Bermuda is about 90 minutes nonstop from NYC, Philly, or Atlanta?  It is easy to get to, making it a great place for a quick trip... but once you get there I'll bet you wish you had more time!

Bermuda is on the rise.  The island is home to the 2017 America's Cup, which means the best sailors in the world will be descending on Bermuda for the events. Between now and then, many qualifying races bring buzz to the island... starting with the World Series this upcoming weekend.  We were lucky to see many sail boats already in the harbor this weekend in anticipation of the races, and for the Gold Cup this weekend. 

Bermuda also offers some of the best beaches... white (and pink!) sand and clear blue water.  Even in October the weather is mild (high 70s) and the water was warm enough to go in.  The warmest times of year are March to October. 

Many travelers want to be able to go out to dinner and spend time in town outside their resort.  Bermuda is a safe and fun destination for this, with many great restaurants on Front Street and in town.  You are also able to take hikes and walks to explore the coastline, cove beaches, and the colorful houses that Bermuda is famous for. It is perfectly safe, clean, and charming to explore off your resort property.

With 5 Virtuoso properties to choose from, there is a perfect fit for everyone! Give us a call and we'll discuss which is right for you!

Calling all James Bond Fans - GoldenEye Jamaica

In 1942 the debonair Englishman, Commander Ian Fleming was sent to Jamaica by Britain's naval intelligence service on a secret mission. Fleming was in Jamaica only three days but wrote soon afterwards: “I have made up my mind. I'm going to live the rest of my life in Jamaica.”

The first James Bond book, Casino Royale was written at Golden Eye during the winter of 1952 and established a pattern that continues for the next 12 years. The peace and privacy of Jamaica allowed Fleming to draw on his own experiences, his fascination with military gadgets, his sharp wit and dry arrogance to create 20th century's most successful action hero - agent 007 James Bond.

After Fleming's death in 1964, GoldenEye remained a part of the family estate until Chris Blackwell, who founded Island Records, acquired by default. Blackwell's deep attachment to Jamaica extends well beyond resorts to include the restoration of Noel Coward's Firefly, the building and development of Island Village and much more.

Today, this 52-acre haute hideaway features 28 airy rooms dispersed among 19 villas and cottages, each adorned with custom furnishings, deep-soaking clawfoot tubs and high-end sound systems. Kayak or swim to the open-air spa for a salt scrub or meditation session, then head to the treehouse-style Gazebo for grilled lobster tail and glorious sunsets. Playful excursions include everything from sunrise fishing to twilight yoga, garden walks to Jet Ski safaris.

Fun Fact –

-All 14 Bond novels were written at GoldenEye, although only 3 have parts set in Jamaica.

-The ultra-private, five-bedroom Fleming Villa includes two satellite cottages, a pool and private beach. You’ll find the author’s original writing desk in the master bedroom.

Contact me for more information. As a guest of McCabe World Travel & Virtuoso you will receive:

-One $100 USD equivalent resort credit per stay    

- For Virtuoso guests purchasing optional meal plan One dinner for 2 in a local restaurant (not including beverages, taxes, or gratuities) once during stay       

- Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guest

- Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability               

- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability