Milan, the fashion capital of the world, recently played host to the spectacular Milan Fashion Week, and I was fortunate enough to be right in the heart of the action with my amazing host Yelena Feurman of Yelena New York. From luxurious stays to exclusive previews and delectable dining, my fashion-filled adventure was nothing short of extraordinary.
Grand Hotel de Milan: A Luxurious Stay
My Milanese journey kicked off with a stay at the opulent Grand Hotel de Milan, where sophistication met history. Nestled in the heart of the city, this elegant locale offered a perfect blend of classic charm and modern luxury. The impeccable service and lavish surroundings set the tone for the fashionable days ahead.
La Double J Flagship Store: Prints and Patterns Galore
A visit to the la Double J flagship store was a feast for the eyes. Known for its vibrant prints and eclectic patterns, the store was a treasure trove of unique and bold fashion statements. Exploring the racks of the latest collections was a delight for any fashion enthusiast. The fantastic store manager, Gaia shared so many wonderful looks with me. She curated an entire wardrobe of fabulous finds that were so signature La Double J. I could have taken everything home with me!!!!
Dinner at Paper Moon: A Culinary Extravaganza
For a culinary indulgence, I dined at the iconic Paper Moon, a celebrity hotspot known for its delicious Italian cuisine. The elegant ambiance and mouthwatering dishes made it a perfect choice for a sophisticated evening.
Gucci Fall 2023 Preview: A Glimpse into the Future of Fashion
The highlight of my Milan Fashion Week experience was an exclusive preview of the Gucci Fall 2023 collection. Witnessing the avant-garde designs and creative genius of the fashion house was a truly mesmerizing experience.
Armani Hotel Restaurant: Fine Dining with a View
Another evening was spent at the Armani Hotel Restaurant, where fine dining met panoramic views of the city. The culinary masterpieces and the chic ambiance made it a memorable gastronomic affair.
Etro Fall 2023: A Sneak Peek into Sublime Elegance
As a delightful bonus to my Milanese journey, I had the privilege of a preview of the Etro Fall 2023 collection with my good friend, fashionista, and PR Maven, Lizzi Bickford Meadow. Sublime is an understatement for the ethereal pieces that graced the runway. The fusion of rich textures, intricate details, and a palette that danced between bold and muted tones left me eagerly coveting the entire collection.
Vintage Shopping Extravaganza
Milan’s fashion scene isn’t just about the latest trends; it’s also a treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts. I spent an afternoon with my friend Lizzi exploring hidden gems in vintage shops, discovering timeless pieces that added a unique flair to both of our wardrobes.
Amici Della Pizza: A Slice of Local Delight
No trip to Milan is complete without savoring the local pizza, and Amici Della Pizza did not disappoint. Tucked away in a charming corner of the city, this hidden gem served up the most delectable slices, capturing the essence of authentic Italian pizza and an amazing tiramisu as well.
Duomo Galleria Shopping and Duomo Delights
The Duomo Galleria, a shopper’s paradise, offered a perfect blend of luxury and local finds. After a day of retail therapy, I marveled at the breathtaking Duomo di Milano, an architectural masterpiece that I could admire right from the vicinity of my hotel. The intricate details and sheer grandeur left me in awe.
My Milan Fashion Week escapade was a symphony of style, luxury, and culinary delights. From high-end fashion previews to savoring the best of Italian cuisine, every moment was a celebration of the city’s unparalleled charm. Milan, you stole my heart, and I’ll carry the memories of this glamorous affair forever.
VISA for Europe??? Our luxury travel advisor Carrie Mandala has some news for us…
By now you have probably heard that starting in January 2024 U.S Passport holders will need to obtain travel authorization to enter the European Union.
The European Union has implemented a new security program, European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), that requires U.S. passport holders to obtain a visa prior to travel. This is similar to the visa European tourists are required to get when traveling to the U.S.
What does this all mean…
You will now need to apply online for a visa through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) website https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en
ETIAS is not a visa in the traditional sense. It is an online application that most applicants will receive approval within minutes, but some could take up to 14 days and additional information may be requested. All communication is through email. If you are denied you will be emailed the reasoning and there is an appeal process.
The visa will cost about $8.00 and will be good for multiple entries for up to three years or until a passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows you to spend up to 90 days within 180-day period. All travelers will be required to have an ETIAS. It is linked to your passport and both documents will be needed to gain entry into a country whether coming by land, sea or air.
Once you receive your ETIAS travel authorization you should double-check that all information listed is correct as any mistakes may prevent entry. They encourage you to apply on the earlier side to ensure there is no disruption to your travel plans.https://elmrocktravel.com/
At the end of the day for most people, it is one more thing to add to the TO DO list.
PASSPORT BACKLOG – It’s Real
International travel has surged and the demand for passports is at an all-time high. Unfortunately, this is taking a toll on the processing time. Passports are taking up to four months to receive and have some travelers in a panic.
Here are some tips to hopefully keep you out of the chaos:
- Your passport must be valid 6 months after your trip return date
- You are eligible to renew your passport starting 1 year prior to your expiration date. I would suggest if you do not have pending international travel to go ahead and start the process then.
- Always opt for the expedited service.
- If you are 2-3 weeks out from your trip – start contacting your local state representative for assistance. They have been very helpful for many in getting their passports back in the nick of time.
- They say that emergency appointments will be given 2 weeks prior to travel – you must have proof of international travel – the problem is appointments are hard to get due to the demand and some travelers have had to travel domestically to get one.
- When in doubt working with a passport company from the start can be helpful. They do charge additional fees.
Bottomline check your passports now, set an alarm on your calendar and RENEW early.
I recently sat down with one of our Blog Sponsors, Carrie Mandala a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More people and families are traveling more than ever, and Carrie is here to make your trip more memorable. I was able to ask her some questions about booking a luxury vacation. She was so helpful and interesting.
She also gave me a link where NS Lifestyle readers can create accounts and book Virtuoso hotels directly. You will get all the same benefits as if I did the booking myself. This is great for a straight hotel booking – there are no fees. A more complex trip would need a consult, Carrie.
Tell us a little bit about Virtuoso Travel.
· Virtuoso is a by-invitation-only travel network for the top 1% of travel agencies. It connects the top agencies/advisors with vetted suppliers worldwide.
In addition to Virtuoso Travel
In addition to Virtuoso, my host agency Travel Experts is an industry leader and is a member of many preferred partner programs that provide my clients with many additional amenities. Lastly, just recently, we are thrilled to announce that ElmRock Travel, as an affiliate of Travel Experts Inc., has been named a Forbes Travel Guide-endorsed agency. FTG is the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises. The coveted Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended awards are earned through incognito inspections on FTG’s hundreds of exacting quality and service standards. We are honored to be recognized by the global authority on luxury hospitality for our commitment to providing our clients with exceptional experiences.
How does a travel advisor work? What can you tell me about the process you use? What costs are associated with hiring you, and the value you bring?
Working with a travel advisor is a collaborative effort. The more information you can share the better I can assist with trying to find you the perfect trip for you. I do charge planning fees based on the complexity of your trip starting at $350.00 and have a trip minimum of $15,000 per trip. As you can imagine a lot of time in effort goes into creating an itinerary or trip ideas. The planning fee covers my time. You can think of it as in the way that you hire an interior designer or lawyer.
What will the process of booking with you look like?
It starts with a conversation and then evolves. Not everyone is a perfect fit and that is okay. Just like anything in life.
How is your service different from that of other advisors?
Good question – I can’t speak to others and their process, but I think communication, responsibility and accessibility are strong traits that I am proud of.
Do you have any special areas that you have a niche in?
My connections are in the luxury market space.
Do you make yourself available to your clients before, during and after the trip
If truth be told I am available to a fault, so absolutely. I hate to have people disappointed and it is an honor to have you trust me with your most prized assets…time and money.
How do you decide which destinations are a good fit for your client?
That all comes down to the client. I like to say, “not every destination is for every client, but there is a destination for every client.” It comes down to the more information you share the better one is able to advise. I think I have heard it all!!!
Do you book authentic experiences/itineraries? or just plane and lodging?
Yes, I do complete itineraries and authentic experiences. The more time you give the better of an itinerary you will have. Last-minute requests can be hard as it all comes down to availability. There are lots of travelers these days so it becomes challenging.
Do you book Honeymoons?
Yes, the best trips to book. Everyone is happy and excited. My advice to all newlyweds – “go as far as you can and for as long as you can. Never in life will you be this free.”
To get an idea of the scope of your work, what was the most extravagant trip you planned? And, what was the simplest?
Extravagant would be multi-generational families trip to Africa and simplest hotel booking.
Is there ever a destination that you advise your clients not to go to?
Yes, there are certain destinations that need to be done in certain ways. If a client is not able or interested then we are not the right combination for this experience. That is okay. This just happened for a prospective client and Cuba.
What are the most popular couples, family, and singles destinations
Mallorca, San Sebastian (Spain) – couples
Charter a Gulet in Turkey – families
Ibiza – singles
Your readers can create accounts and book Virtuoso hotels directly. They get all the same benefits as if I did the booking myself. This is great for a straight hotel booking – there are no fees. A more complex trip would need a consult.
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Going abroad with our children is an exciting adventure. Some of us do it for the first time when our kids are very young, perhaps even babies. Others decide to wait until they are older. Some, of course, never do it, preferring to enjoy all that their home country has to offer while saving money on much cheaper options. Whenever you do it, a family holiday can be a magical experience, as well as a great way to spend time together away from all other distractions, and while you could argue that there’s something more glorious about seeing somewhere further from home, it’s also safe to say that there’s more stress involved.
When we go abroad with kids, there’s a lot to think about, whether they are babies or teens. You might worry about keeping them happy and comfortable on the flight, finding food that they’ll enjoy, and keeping them safe. You may also have concerns about buying everything that you might need at your destination. So, here are some tips to help you enjoy your first family trip outside of your home country.
Choose a Safe Destination
At the moment, finding a safe destination has a whole other range of concerns. You might want to check current Covid-19 infection levels and local restrictions, as well as the likelihood of facing a period in quarantine either when you arrive or when you get home. Many families are choosing to delay trips abroad until next year when the rest of the tips on this list will still be relevant.
Of course, even without a global pandemic, there are other safety considerations when traveling abroad, and you should always take your time to do some research before booking. Find a safe area, with positive reviews, and good access to health and security services, and consider staying in an English-speaking hotel for further support. Checking local news sites is always a good idea if you want to get a feel for how safe a destination is, away from the ever-positive travel guides and adverts.
Make Sure it’s Family Friendly
The accommodation that you choose should be family-friendly. Ideally, it should offer a kid’s club (even if you don’t use it, it’s a sign that they prioritize kid’s needs), a safe pool, a room with an extra bed, or cot and other things that you might need. Make sure your hotel offers food that your children will enjoy, and that there’s plenty for them to do.
Besides this, check if the location offers you to safeguard your luggage or not. For instance – places like Paris offer you the liberty of securing your luggage with luggage storage Paris services while you enjoy traveling. Seek details about such services from your travel agent in advance.
Think About What You Want from Your Holiday
A holiday with children isn’t the same as a holiday with just your partner or your friends. It isn’t even the same as a trip with family members who have children. It’s different. But that doesn’t mean that all family holidays are the same. Before booking your trip, think about what you want from yours. Do you want to spend a lot of time in the hotel, enjoying the facilities on offer? Do you plan to try local activities, or explore the surrounding area? Do you want plenty of tourist hotspots? Think about the kind of holiday you want and look for a destination that gives you what you need to achieve your family holiday.
Don’t Expect it to be the Same
Your days of being able to lay by the beach soaking up the sun, drinking cocktails, and reading in peace are over. So are your days exploring local nightlife? Prepare for a very different holiday and you won’t be disappointed.
Pack Carefully
When you are on your own you might wing it by packing your Emigre gear, knowing that you could probably get everything you need or at least something close to your destination. When you’ve got kids, things are different. They might need specific medications or sunscreens. You might also need nappies, creams, and wipes, and they’ll certainly need a sunhat and shades. Think about what your kids need, and make sure you pack them. If there’s no laundrette on site, you might want to take some hand wash detergent to prepare for accidents. Make sure you have all of these Travel Essentials for Family Getaways and you should be fine.
Take Some Home Comforts
Your kids might need some home comforts to help them to stay comfortable and sleep. Younger children might want a teddy or blanket. Older kids might want a favorite toy, and teens probably just need a phone charger.
Pay for Insurance
When you travel with kids’ insurance can be essential. Make sure any health needs, unexpected cancelations, or other issues are covered.
Prepare for the Journey
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Traveling with children can be stressful, and you’ll definitely need your holiday by the time you arrive. You might decide to drive, but most people fly, in which case, these tips might help.
Hand Luggage
Your hand luggage is very important when you’ve got kids. Make sure passports, tickets, and other documents are easy to find, that you have the cash to hand, and plenty of snacks for the journey. You’ll also want some activities to keep the kids happy, and any nappies and toiletries that you might need, and a spare set of clothes, just in case. Remember, if you are paying for a seat for your child, they also get their own hand luggage allowance.
Plan 20-Minute Activities
Kids have very short attention spans, add that to the excitement of a flight, anxiety, and any nerves that they may have, and keeping them calm might be difficult. So, plan activities in 20-minute blocks. Pack books and games, as well as electronic devices to keep them occupied.
Carefully Consider Snacks
Snacks are a very useful tool when it comes to keeping kids happy. But, think about it carefully. You don’t want anything too sticky, too smelly, or too likely to make them hyper or sick.
Don’t Stress
If you stress and worry, everything will be worse. Keep calm, take it as it comes, and try to enjoy yourself.
Get on the Plane Last
Many airlines will let passengers with young children get on the plane first. This can be a mistake. Let them burn energy running around the airport for as long as you can before they have to sit still.
Know the Rules
Make sure you know what you are allowed to take on the flight, and what has to go in the cabin bag. Check with the airline before leaving home if you have any doubts.
Don’t Strive for Perfection
Your holiday is unlikely to be perfect. Things will go wrong, there will be stress and the kids will get upset. This doesn’t mean that the whole holiday is ruined. Forget perfection and let yourself enjoy the adventure.
It’s been a long long pandemic and people are getting excited about the possibility of traveling again. I am so looking forward to discovering new places with my own family and friends. I recently was flattered to be asked to share the wonderful centrally located Hotel Mediterrano in Rome with you. This hotel is rich in history and style and the perfect addition to your must-visit list.
Boasting nearly 150 years of Italian hospitality in Rome, Bettoja Hotels just announced the reopening of the iconic Hotel Mediterraneo featuring recent renovations and stylish new additions including a new rooftop panoramic terrace and lounge bar!
After a year of being closed during the pandemic, 4-star Hotel Mediterraneo has reopened its doors Celebrating the inauguration of the reopening, the hotel now features a beautiful, renovated panoramic rooftop terrace with breathtaking city views of the Eternal City. Soaring 50 meters high, the hotel’s Roof Garden Restaurant and Terrace also welcomes a new addition with its Ligea Lounge Bar. With an elegant vintage atmosphere, the new lounge bar serves as a prime meeting point for guests and non-guests from around the world to gather in its eclectic indoor and outdoor areas.
Precious 1940’s lamps and restored Art Deco interior design pieces designed by Mario Loreti and Gustavo Pulitzer Finali furnish the Ligea Lounge Bar on the tenth floor of the Hotel Mediterraneo, creating a new location to be discovered during the magical days and evenings of one of the best cities in the world. The lounge is adorned with velvet sofas, mirrors, and fine vintage pieces with exotic plants that create an exclusive green nest in which to take refuge, all with a spectacular 180 ° view of the capital.
Chef Antonio Vitale completes the gastronomic offer of the new Ligea Lounge Bar with and fresh snacks, with menus that will follow the seasons. A robust list of cocktails and wines offering fine labels will accompany the evening and dinner menus daily from 5 pm until midnight. Guests can also experience this space by choosing to reserve it completely for private events, gala dinners, or standing cocktails.
The Bettoja flagship property, Hotel Mediterraneo, was designed in 1938 by the architect Loreti and has recently been restored following a careful collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, featuring the participation of master artisans and the most meticulous of Italian restorers. The timeline of restorations began in 2018 and recently concluded with the restoration of the Mosaic Room featuring the “Medieval Hunt” by Franco d’Urso, a beautiful mosaic based on a sketch by the painter Achille Capizzano. These restorations have brought the historical heritage of the Hotel Mediterraneo to the forefront, highlighting the charm of its monumental architectural feats and the value of its artistic elements. As part of the restoration of the hotel, the rooms feature carefully restored and preserved period furniture.
This is so amazing…..Thanks to the deep love and dedication for hospitality, the Bettoja family has always kept the hotels open through the two World Wars and the pandemic and remains a true point of reference in Rome.
About Bettoja Hotels
Located in the heart of Rome, surrounded by the famous artistic and cultural wonders of the Eternal City, Bettoja Hotels is a family-run hotel chain born from the passion of the Bettoja family for hospitality. The Bettoja group was born in Rome in 1875 and has borne witness to the history of Italy since its Unification. With its four facilities, 650 rooms in total, and a number of business meeting rooms, Bettoja Hotels are the perfect mix of tradition and innovation. Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio, the first property to be acquired by the group, maintains its “Umbertino” style and exudes all the charm of the Risorgimento: it boasts a precious cellar of fine wines where the suggestive Italian atmosphere of the turn of the century reigns supreme. The Hotel features one historic restaurant- the Ristorante Massimo D’Azeglio which is part of the Italian Historical Places Association, and three modern meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 180 people theater style. The Hotel Mediterraneo stands out for its severe and monumental luxury and is amongst the best examples of Art Déco in the capital. A classic example of 1940s architecture, the interiors are dominated by wood and marble and the recurring sea theme, from which the hotel takes its name, is clearly evident throughout the structure. With its seven meeting rooms that accommodate up to 120 people theater-style, two restaurants, and a Roof Garden that boasts a 360 ° view of the capital, it is the largest building of the group, and one of the tallest in Rome. The Hotel Atlantico, also located on the Esquiline, welcomes guests in a charming building from 1935 with 3 meeting rooms with natural light with a maximum capacity of 45 pax theater-style. The Bettoja offer has now added the presence of Hotel Nord Nuova Roma, a 3-star hotel, which boasts cozy rooms, three meeting rooms for up to 50 people, and a splendid terrace overlooking the Baths of Diocletian. www.bettojahotels.it
Do you love the outdoors but can’t imagine sleeping without the comforts of home? Then glamping is for you. A luxurious take on camping, glamping brings many of the amenities of city life to the backcountry. This has become such a popular getaway lately. Here are some tips to prepare for your next adventure.
Book Online
Many different websites allow you to browse glamping options throughout the US. You can choose from teepees, large safari tents, treehouses, yurts and cabins. These options are all trendy, so become familiar with how far out reservations are released. It’s not uncommon for locations to book up as far as six months to a year in advance. Websites list the amenities provided, show pictures and give you an idea of how secluded the area is. Many of these glamping sites offer pillow-top mattresses, cooking stoves and showers, so decide how glamorous you want your vacation to be and search for those items specifically.
Pack the Appropriate Clothing
Once you know your location and date, you can review the weather expectations for your trip. Even if heating or fans are an amenity you seek out, always bring an extra layer such as a jacket or coat to prepare for any weather changes. Evenings in the wilderness are sometimes chilly. Since you won’t have access to laundry facilities, be sure to include extra pairs of your necessities such as your Lulalu bras, socks and bathing suits. Include shoes that can hold up to hiking, an outfit for canoeing or fishing, and an extra sweatshirt for the campfire at night. Keep in mind, if your location is a hike-in and not located adjacent to the parking area, you have to carry in all your items, so pack wisely.
Bring Your Own Linens
Even if your destination includes bedding, it’s always a good idea to bring your own. These give you an extra layer if you are cold or a touch of home comfort for sleeping. Everyone’s opinion of luxury is different so having your own bedding guarantees you relax comfortably. It’s also a good idea to bring extra towels, too. Things get dropped, muddied, or don’t dry quick enough when you are in the wilderness. Having extra towels ensures you and your belongings stay dry.
Plan a Menu
If you choose a Glamping package that does not include meals…..It is good to know that not every glamping option includes a small refrigerator, but if yours does, you are in luck. This makes packing perishables, such as milk, eggs and meat much more manageable. If you don’t have a fridge, you need to pack cold food in an ice chest. Since this is only good for a short-term stay, be sure to pack many nonperishable foods. Items like cans of chili, soups, instant noodles and peanut butter sandwiches don’t require cooling and always fill you up.
Taking a weekend or week-long excursion glamping is a great way to get outdoors and comfortably enjoy a break. There are many options available depending on what amenities and location you seek. When you’re ready to hit the road, pack your clothes, linens and food, and you are set to go.