What’s Trending Now: Feeling Grateful for...
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Close Friends & Family Gatherings
Gosh, we’ve missed each other. Not that we didn’t appreciate Zoom and FaceTime, but boy-oh-boy will it be good to meet face to face again. To see each other in three dimensions. To hug our vaccinated grandparents and playfully pinch the little ones’ cheeks. Here are a few tips on how to ensure those gatherings are healthy and fun for everyone. Families with Children It’s never too early to start exploring, and traveling with your children will introduce them to a life of wonder. Involve your kids in the planning Plan a date night Consider a theme park vacation. At Universal Orlando, there’s Moe’s Tavern from The Simpsons where you can get a Duff Beer, locally brewed exclusively for the resort, and Hog’s Head Pub from Harry Potter serves an exclusive cinnamon Firewhiskey.
Intergenerational Family Reunions Unless she was an Olympian, your 85-yearold grandmother probably won’t appreciate a ski vacation and your toddlers and teens probably won’t love trudging through art museums. Think about activities for all ages and plan in advance Schedule alone or small group time Take everyone’s budget into account Consider an all-Iinclusive resort. Paradisus Los Cabos has kids clubs, teen activities, a serene spa and a well-equipped fitness center. Dining options are virtually limitless and include buffets and elegant bars with tequila tastings. And it’s all included!
Gathering with Friends After so little togetherness, some of the our best vacations will be girlfriends' getaways, male bonding adventures, or just a bunch of old friends hanging out. Understand each other’s travel styles and destination interests Be flexible Consider renting a villa. Set on an idyllic white sand beach, Villa Casa del Mar, Riviera Maya is an 11,915-square-foot paradise with six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, a private pool, gym, 24-hour butler service, and a private chef who prepares three meals a day. The oversized private pool and outdoor Jacuzzi, set in lush gardens, make an ideal tropical lounge where close friends can unwind enjoying an exclusive experience. 10
ENSEMBLE VAC ATIONS I SPRING 2021
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Creative Work-Travel Options “The Long Now” is a concept that’s been building steam for a while. It’s the idea that we can accomplish bigger, more meaningful things if we focus our sights farther out into the future. One of the ironic blessings of 2020 has been the opportunity to get a fresh perspective on our overscheduled lives. For the first time in forever, we lifted our heads from our computers and got comfortable looking farther ahead. While serious “long now” activists are talking thousand-year projects, many of us are using the concept to re-imagine travel. Instead of short getaways, we’re looking at long-haul flights, months-long adventures, and living overseas for a year … or two. There’s even a new “Bleisure Class” emerging of remote workers with extended-stay visas.
