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How To Have The Most Seamless Summer Vacation Possible

A summer holiday is the ultimate gift of relaxation. There is nothing more exciting than having a summer holiday booked so that you know you will get time off work and time to relax and reset.

When you go on holiday, you want to have the best time possible. Whether you plan to relax or spend your days out and about exploring a new place, you should consider the following tips to guarantee that you have the most desirable vacation you can imagine.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-sun-hat-33622/

Look up recommendations on travel blogs and websites

It is a great idea to look at recommendations and reviews on travel blogs and websites before you visit a new place so that you can understand where you should and shouldn’t visit.

Travel blogs and websites likely offer the most honest reviews which will ensure that you do not waste your time and that you can find and experience unique places in the new destination.

For instance, if you are traveling to Charleston, you can read more here to find the best things to do and ensure that your trip is everything you dreamed about. When you do plenty of research before your trip and seek recommendations, you can guarantee to get the most out of the trip.

Make time to relax

The one thing you will want to make sure of when you go on a summer holiday is that you have plenty of time to relax.

You do not want to come back from your trip and feel more exhausted than when you went. Therefore, ensure to make enough time to relax during your summer vacation so that the holiday feels restful and rejuvenating.

Find the right type of accommodation for the holiday you want

When going on a summer holiday, you might not want the typical hotel accommodation. You might want to rent someone’s house or hire a villa for the week or two that you are spending in the sunny destination.

You might not want a hotel as you might want to spend more time in your accommodation cooking and looking after yourself. You might wish for the trip to feel like a home away from home and therefore you will want to choose the right accommodation to suit the type of holiday that you want.

Hire a car

For any type of vacation, it is a wise idea to hire a car if you want to visit as many places as possible.

The beauty about hiring a car on a sunny holiday is that you can explore further beaches so that you can avoid the crowds and you will get to visit as many places as possible on your summer trip.

Go with the right people (or consider going alone)

Every summer vacation should result in you feeling relaxed and reset. Therefore, you must go with the right people or consider going alone so that you can achieve this feeling.

When you go on holiday with the right people, you will guarantee to get everything you imagined from the holiday.

All You Need To Know About The New European Passport/Visa Rules!!

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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.

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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:

  1. Your passport must be valid 6 months after your trip return date
  2. 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.
  3. Always opt for the expedited service.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. When in doubt working with a passport company from the start can be helpful. They do charge additional fees. 
https://www.usa.gov/passport
https://cibtvisas.com/?login=travelexperts

Bottomline check your passports now, set an alarm on your calendar and RENEW early.

Elle Marche Has Opened In Larchmont

Elle Marche, the little chic jewel box of a shop that was previously in Greenwich has opened in Larchmont on Palmer Ave. It is the retail store founded by designer, creative director, and architect of the gypset lifestyle, Rita Overzat, Elle Marché is the expanded expression of her luxury handbag brand — Beirn. The Elle Marché woman has, like Rita and her daughters (Beirn co-founders) Ali Trier and Jenna O’Rourke, a passion for travel, a zest for adventure, and a desire for decadence.

The store is full of eye-catching jewels, and luxurious clothing including a wonderful selection of designer vintage and of course Rita’s signature exotic skin bags.

Elle Marche is open all holiday weekend and there is a special opening sale going on too.

We shopped there last week and found some wonderful one-of-a-kind treasures. You can also shop online at their WEBSITE.

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Battle of the Wine Dinner Coming Soon To Westport!!!!!!!!!!

Restauranteur Carlos Pla invites you to Westport for the celebration of La Batalla del Vino at DeTapas on Thursday, June 29th

This unique festival – translated, Battle of Wine – takes place every year on the 29th of June in the town of Haro which is located in the Rioja Alta region of Spain, home to roughly 40% of the region’s vineyards.

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Lore has it that a land dispute between two neighboring towns, Haro and Miranda De Ebro, is how the battle originated and dates back to the tenth century. People from around the world travel to Haro every summer on this day to participate in one of Spain’s most celebrated events. Here they dress up in all white and spray one another with wine from water guns and wine bottles.

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We won’t be spraying wine all over the place at DeTAPAS, however! We will bring the essence of the wine festival to you in the in the form of a Six Course Tapas and wine pairing featuring six different wines from the Rioja region.

The Special Rioja tasting menu is as follows:

(Wines are still being selected)

Caracoles a la Andaluza

Longaniza (sausage), confit tomato, brandy, and garlic 

Venison Carpaccio

With roasted pimentos, almond brittle, lemon oil, watercress

Monkfish and Prawn Skewers

Featuring Garlic, lime, and an apricot glaze

Oxtail Stew

Sherry braised with roast tomato purée, and a carrot and parsnip mash

Wine poached Cod

with Mediterranean cod, olives, capers, white wine, saffron, and a tomato broth

Poached Pear

Valdeon Blue mousse and a Cava reduction

Each course will be accompanied by a specific wine to create the ultimate wine-tasting experience.

Reservations are required

Cost is $75 per person

De TAPAS Gastrobar

180 Post Road East

Westport, CT

203-557-0257

hola@detapasrestaurant.com

Have An Amazing Vacation: 3 Top Tips

Almost everyone’s been on vacation, but that doesn’t mean it’s been a great time every time you’ve been on one. While it could’ve been nice, you might’ve felt it could’ve been better. You’ll want to make sure you have an amazing vacation the next time you go on out, but you mightn’t know how to figure that out.

Where you go plays a large role in this, but there are more than a few other things to keep in mind. By using a few specific tips, you shouldn’t have a problem planning and having an amazing vacation. If you’ll be going on a trip soon, it’s worth diving into three travel tips to follow.

1. Don’t Overpack

Nobody wants to lug around a heavy bag when they’re going on vacation. While you won’t have this with you constantly on the trip, you’ll need to worry about it when you’re going there and back. Avoid having something heavy to carry around during this time.

Not only will it make getting to and from the airport more difficult, but you could even have extra charges on the plane because of it. Avoid overpacking and only bring the essentials with a few spare bits and pieces with you.

It’ll make the entire process much easier, and you’ll even save some time packing and unpacking.

2. Have A Positive Mindset

Packing up and going on vacation can often be stressful. Between planning things out and getting through the airport, it’s easy to see why that’s the case. The key to this is having a positive mindset as much as possible. It puts you in the right frame of mind for when you go on vacation.

When you’re going through airport security, for example, think of how much fun and relaxation awaits you on the other end. It’ll avoid you getting stressed, which could end up preventing you from enjoying yourself.

3. Pick The Right Hotel

One of the largest decisions you’ll have to make when planning your vacation is where you’ll stay. The accommodation plays a vital role in how comfortable you are and whether you’ll enjoy everything. Spend some time researching your options and picking the right one for you.

Customer reviews and similar factors should all play a role in this. If you’re heading to the USA, then the ROOST Detroit luxury hotel can be worth considering. With the right option, you’ll be relaxing and having an amazing vacation before you know it.

Have An Amazing Vacation: Wrapping Up

Everyone wants to have an amazing vacation, but it’s often not as simple as just picking somewhere and going. You’ll need to put some thought and effort into it to make sure it’s something you’ll actually enjoy. By following a few travel tips, you’ll make sure that’s the case.

Picking the right hotel, not overpacking, and having a positive mindset are all parts of this. With a little effort, you’ll be having an amazing vacation before you know it.

Benefits of Shopping at Online Fabric Stores

Shopping for fabric online can be a convenient and enjoyable experience. Many fabric sites also sell other craft supplies and materials, making them one-stop shops for customers.

Buying fabric online can be especially beneficial during times when it is not safe or convenient to go out. In-store shopping can often result in purchasing more material than needed.

Convenience

Many online fabric retailers specialize in one or more specific types of textile fabrics. This allows them to offer a curated selection of materials that may not be available at mass-market stores. They also may be able to negotiate lower prices from suppliers since they don’t have the overhead costs associated with a physical store.

Another benefit of shopping at an online fabric store is that it can be done from the comfort of your home. This can be a significant advantage for people who are not comfortable buying unseen fabric. Online fabric stores often offer swatches and other samples that can be sent to you so that you can see how the material looks in your space and with your existing décor.

It is also possible to purchase fabrics in bulk from online retailers. This can save you money on shipping and handling fees. Additionally, some retailers offer a wide range of pre-cut fabrics to reduce the material required to complete your project.

Wide Selection

Whether a professional seamstress or a casual hobbyist, you can find exactly what you need at many online fabric stores. Not only can you purchase fabric, but many of these sites also offer a wide selection of sewing supplies and notions like thread, bobbins, needles, pins, and cutting tools. This one-stop shop is incredibly convenient and can save you time.

Many online fabric retailers offer the option to customize your fabrics with printing and designs so that you can create something truly unique and original. Many of these sites also have budget-friendly options for buying fabric, including frequent shopper programs and monthly specials.

Regardless of whether you are an aspiring or seasoned designer, there are times when shopping in person is just not feasible. Online fabric shops are open all day and night so that you can shop in your pajamas or when you’re sick. This convenience is a big draw for customers.

Discounts

Online shoppers can find discounts from a variety of fabric sellers. This is because online fabric stores do not have the overhead cost of a physical store and can pass on the savings to their customers.

Buying fabric online can also help people compare fabrics and make purchases without wasting time traveling to different stores. Many fabric webshops even offer a service that allows you to order swatches of your chosen material, which can be delivered to your door free of charge.

If you’re considering buying fabric for a project, check out the clearance sections of online fabric stores. Often, you can find materials marked down up to 40%. Signing up for an email newsletter can inform you of sales and exclusive coupon codes! It’s worth the effort. You’ll save money, avoid long lines and unnecessary showing, and have a more pleasant experience shopping for fabric.

Time-Saving

Shopping at online fabric stores can save a lot of time. One can avoid the crowds and long lines by simply shopping from the comfort of their home.

Another great thing about online fabric retailers is their competitive prices. Many online fabric shops offer discounts and sales regularly, so it’s always worth checking back frequently to see what new deals are available.

Finally, online fabric retailers can save shoppers a lot of money by offering free or discounted shipping and delivery options. This can be particularly helpful for those who live far from a fabric store or don’t have easy access to transportation.