Traveling Luxuriously

There may be a definition for luxury in the dictionary, but there is no real definition for luxury travel. At least not from how I see it and how you may see it.

lux·u·ry /ˈləkSH(ə)rē/ noun

1. the state of great comfort and extravagant living.

Do you see what I’m getting at? What DOES that mean? Your comforts and my comforts are in fact completely different and our expectation of our stay at a hotel will also be very different. So what do you expect from your stay at a hotel and the inclusions that come with where you lay your head at night? Something beyond the necessities, what could they be?

Luxury. It’s actually a word that I’ve grown tired of, just like the word “boutique” or “authentic” and even “foodie!” They now feel overused and underwhelming. Luxury, isn’t a description that I can work with when people are trying to describe their ideal holiday. Or as I hear pretty often “we don’t need something really luxurious.” Yes, even my millionaire clients say this to me. It’s my job to break down what they mean by that. Luxury can also be assumed to feel stuffy, super high end, white glove kind of service. When in fact there is also something out there in the world called barefoot luxury, which makes me giggle, but I can understand it, since I’ve experienced it at several properties.

Do me a favor and google "Luxury hotels in Rome”. You will be surprised by what pops up. Hint: not all hotels are luxury! Every hotel wants to market their property to the best that they can, so in their description on their website, they may state that you will have a luxurious stay at their property in one of their luxury rooms. You’re already feeling relaxed or intrigued, am I right? When in fact they are a hotel in a sad area of town and they haven’t updated their linens in over 25 years. That’s not screaming luxury to me, but how would you know those details without working with an advisor that knows their properties that they work with? Words mean nothing, that just happens to be a good marketing scheme, using words that draw people in!

When I break it down with clients, I can hear from each traveler what they have in mind for their own type of luxury. A lot of couples aren’t on the same page about this, but someone will usually take the lead and the other will agree with their spouse for the sake of their comfort. Some people even say, I’d love to have breakfast included in our stay or the option to have in room dining. Others say- I’d love to have a Sea View Room. The travel partner may disagree and say, “the room isn’t as important to me, as to what I’m doing while in the destination.” Real luxury for some, is a special experience, such as a private guide or private cooking class.

In the time that I started writing this post and I’ve stopped to check my inbox, I have two new emails. One from a hotel and one is a tour company and in the subject line, low and behold there is our infamous word “luxury.”

As an example, I’d like to share what I have come to find as a luxury when traveling. True luxury is the service that I receive when staying somewhere. I like to be greeted, acknowledged, asked how my stay is, if the staff can assist with anything, if I need directions in the city while I’m visiting. I want to know that whoever is running the show, is taking care of each guest. I don’t want to feel like just another person checking into their hotel. From the moment I arrive, my first impression with the staff is what I’m going to get excited about. They will be setting the tone for my stay. If I’m arriving in a hot destination, a cold towel to wipe my hands with and then a refreshing welcome drink to sip on during my check in. Someone has already grabbed my checked luggage from the back of the taxi or transfer and they are already arranging for my luggage to be delivered to my room for me. You guys, that is my luxury.

Then something else that I’m a sucker for, is turn down service. It’s the silliest of things, but after a long day of being out and about, when I open the door to my room and I catch a glimpse of a soft glow from my bedside lamp…that is so appealing. I step further into the room and see the blinds have been pulled down, my pillows set up differently, the corner of the blankets on the bed are pulled back slightly, slippers next to the bedside and a fresh bottle of water with a glass are on my nightstand. The extra mile is when there is a note, addressed to me, with the weather or the schedule for the next day.

This isn’t how I always travel and I don’t expect that at every hotel, but this level of service is my luxury!

Think about your luxury; your expectations while traveling. A detail that is significant enough to be memorable for you and this particular trip. These are fine points that I like to discuss with clients.

Travel with a purpose and I’ll select your hotels, your tours and your guides with careful consideration.

Language Barriers- a beautiful misunderstanding

Let’s talk about language barriers! When clients discuss potential trips with me, may it be Italy, Mexico or Thailand, most people ask a similar question: “Do I need to learn the local language?” or they will mention, “I’m nervous about finding my way around, will people speak English?” The best answer that I have…is to not expect everyone to speak English. After all, you’re the one visiting their country, right?

If we all stayed home and worried about not being able to speak to each other, we’d never even start to try and understand each others cultures. Which should be a major reason that we travel to new and exciting places- leaving behind our own world and all of the comforts that come along with it. Languages for me are a big, wonderful insight to a foreign destination. I try my hardest to learn at least a greeting, how to thank someone and how to bid someone farewell. I find it’s always best to first learn the “formal” way for each of these, then you can learn the slang- which will definitely give the locals a laugh!

People are very appreciative and will respond with kindness when you try to speak their language. It’s not about perfecting the accent. Just be present, try and connect with the people in the destination that you’re visiting. It’s a rewarding experience that I’m sure you will treasure when you think about your trip. When I mention to people that I lived in Italy, most people will ask what level my Italian was. Pizza, pasta, ciao bella and grazie, were basically the extent of “my Italian.” However, languages have never been something that I’ve thought to be intimidating. I was/am curious and love hearing people speak languages, watching their gestures and hearing the different tones. I remember wanting to learn Spanish after my first visit to Mexico at the young age of 11. I wanted to be able to order with confidence, to ask questions and honestly, I’m a chatty Kathy. Good conversation makes me happy. It’s something I crave. So when I’m adventuring, I want to connect with the people there.

I’m here in China now and thank goodness for the fabulous guides that I’ve had or I would seriously be missing out on some things that I’ve needed assistance or more explanations with. I won’t say that even though you try, it will come easy. Funny enough on this trip, I had a problem in my room one night, my bathroom light wouldn’t turn off. I called down to the front desk and the lady thought I was asking for laundry service. I took a deep breath, tried to phrase things differently and then more simply said things like “housekeeping”, hoping they would send someone up and I could show them what’s happening. I can’t say that it’s always been easy getting by, but I certainly have a LOT of stories that I look back on and can laugh whole heartedly. I’ve most definitely learned to not say something if you’re not completely sure of what it means hahah. I’ll leave that to your imagination.

So be patient while traveling, be open to learning phrases in other languages and be kind to people if they don’t understand you. Getting frustrated won’t get you anywhere, but a smile, some practice and some courage can get you far!

Pro tip: if you’re looking for someone to help you with directions, you may want to look for someone that is a bit younger. Those are the generations that are learning other languages and probably have studied a little of English in school.

In my next blog post, I’m going to point out some ways that you can be a better communicator while traveling abroad. I’ve never thought of writing something like this, because it seems silly, but there are very silly things out there on the internet. Hopefully this will be helpful to someone!

Thailand: A fun day in Phang Nga Bay!

I’ve come to find out that I really, really enjoy spending time on a boat. Island hopping around Phang Nga Bay was the highlight of my most recent trip to Thailand. We spent a couple of our days island hopping in the area, but one day in particular certainly stood out for me. It’s a day that I could relive over and over again. Yes, it was that close to perfect.

The beautiful, traditional, long-tail boat waited for us at a nearby port. We hopped onboard and we were off to explore the unique beaches in the bay. Chaya the resort manager explained that she was taking us to a place that the Thai people called “the room.” She didn’t give much away and I’m so glad that she didn’t, because it was such a fabulous surprise once we were there. Before we reached it, we passed by these beautiful limestone stalactite formations, coming out of the cliffside. The boat slowed and we idled into a cave, above us were the great, big pieces of stone. It was quiet, everyone stared up at these masses of rock.

The boat sped on. Soon we saw a narrow opening between two walls of cliffs and the boat turned in that direction. All of us got to our feet, anxious to see this room we’ve been hearing about.

I’m pretty sure the first thing that came out of my mouth was “WHAT?!!” We sailed into the room, where walls of cliffs fully surrounded this stunning pool of water. What really surprised me was how shallow the water was inside this area. We took the kayaks off of the boat and the others jumped off to have a walk around. My travel buddy (mom) and I paddled around the rim of the room, noticing that the water was only waist deep everywhere that we went, never deeper. Both of us were surprised we had this area all to ourselves. This kind of day trip is certainly kid friendly. I know my niece and nephew would just go crazy exploring these “secret” coves, in the bath-like, calm waters. Thailand is a destination that the whole family would enjoy. Perfect for multi generation trips if you ask me!

Nu from ANI (left) showing off a star fish and my mom sitting in the bay.

After taking the photo of the starfish, I looked up and couldn’t believe how beautiful of a shot the entryway to the room was (below). With those tiny islands dotting the background of the scene, the tranquil water and not another boat in sight, I swore I’d remember this day for the rest of my life.

We stopped in front of another beach, only one other boat was anchored there, two people snorkeling in the crystal blue, clear water. I had just mentioned to my mom that I was anxious to see some marine life and wondered what type of fish they had in this region. My mom had the ladder over the side of the boat as soon as we stopped and she was back in the water. Little did she know she wasn’t alone- all sorts of different schools of fish swam around her. I couldn’t believe my eyes! The water was so clear, I was watching fish swim in around the boat, from all different directions.

Our next stop was for lunch. Which was another pleasant surprise. We were back on the boat, headed to another island. We saw three boats anchored on another beach, but not a soul was at the one we were pulling up to. The ANI team said they packed a picnic, but as we had come to find out day after day, they don’t do anything simple. A picnic to you and I may mean a cheese plate, some snacks and don’t forget the wine! Of course the ANI team also didn’t forget for our little rendezvous. Ice cold rose was pulled from a cooler, as well as go-vino plastic wine glasses. I think I high fived myself when I saw this. (I do that some times…)

Lunch wasn’t a picnic in my opinion. Though I’m sure chef Yao from the villa would argue that it’s very casual and simple. Tae, Nu, Narin, Berb and the team quickly set up these adorable wooden tables and mats for us to sit on in the sand. Place settings, all of the the glorious food, individual sauces were set out, our wine glasses filled and we were happily saying cheers to one another in the shade of the tree, looking out at the bay.

Why does swimming and being in the water make you feel so hungry? We ate until our bathing suits began to talk back and then rolled into the water to float in the cool water. I am far from being the cool, stylish girl, but I sure wish for this trip I had found myself a great beach hat. Something I could have taken into the water with me. Next time!

Our last stop for the day was the monkey island. Which the staff had told me about and I basically insisted that we stop the boat there. I didn’t know there would be THAT many monkeys. Some off the ANI team tossed a bit of fruit into the water and the monkeys were already jumping into the water when they saw our boat pulling closer to shore. They were swimming out to the boat!! I was shocked. I had never seen a monkey do this, not that I hang out with monkeys all the time, but this was just crazy to see in person. The little buggers weren’t just out for a swim, some of them made their way onto the boat, which was even more of a shock. Their sweet noises when they were eating just cracked me up. I could have watched them forever.

We made it back to the ANI Villa and were greeted by warm smiles. It was one of the best days, my mom and I had been smiling and laughing all day. I’m sure both of us will cherish these moments for a very long time. A huge thanks to the ANI team for showing us your beautiful island and all of the ones surrounding you in the gorgeous bay. This is a very special part of the world, I look forward to sharing it with other travelers!