The most complete GUIDE to the INSIDE
The Insider’s Club Hot Spot of the Month
August 2015
Bermuda
+ Things to Know About Where to Go + Suggested Itinerary + Tips From the Locals Featured Experience
Royal Caribbean
+ Featured Expeditions + Exclusive World Travel Experiences
Tech News
Travel Toys Shared Discoveries Every edition of The Insiders Club comes with the latest Virtuoso Life!
Choose Your News Explore: Bermuda 1-2 Bermuda: What to do while you are there 3-4 Tips From The Locals 5-6 Featured Experience: Royal Caribbean 7-8 Exclusive World Travel Experiences 9-17 Tech News: Travel Toys 18-19 Shared Discoveries 20-29
A WORD FROM YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR Dear Fellow Travelers & Adventurers, In this month’s newsletter we are featuring Bermuda, as well as our monthly tech news, travel tips, things and places to see in our Hot Spot, and exclusive travel deals around the world. As always we welcome any suggestions you may have for this newsletter. Please let us know if there is a specific location, hotel, restaurant, excursion, etc. you would like us to feature. Thank you for your business and the opportunity to collaborate on your travel dreams. I look forward to arranging your next great adventure.
-Joanne Backpacking Magazine - page 3
Explore
Bermuda
Explore
Bermuda
+ Things to know about where to go Bermuda is a British Island territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, located off the east coast of North America. Known for its distinctive blend of British and American culture and pink-sand beaches such as Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay Bermuda is the paradise any beach lover is looking for. Although usually referred to in the singular, the territory consists of 181 islands, with a total area of 20.6 square miles. The largest island is Main Island, sometimes called Bermuda.
Bermuda What to do while your there
Elbow Beach
If you make it to Bermuda you have to make sure to take a stroll down the pink sand along the world famous Elbow Beach. The beach is very close to the city of Hamilton so it is very easy to get to and definitely worth the visit.
Dolphin Quest Meet a new friend while visiting the island . Dophin Quest is located at The Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination and cruise ship terminal, and just a short taxi ride from anywhere on the island.
Crystal & Fantasy Caves Deep, clear underground pools of azure blue water, Incredible formations of every size and shape imaginable it is no wonder why the Crystal & Fantasy Caves are a must see while visiting Bermuda.
Don’t forget to check out the latest Virtuoso Life!
Bermuda’s Water Sports Whether you want to be high in the sky parasalling or deep below scuba diving Bermuda has every kind of water activity you can think of. Suppliers are at every major hotel as well as waiting for you at the beach.
Horseshoe Bay Beach Rated #8 best beach in the world Horseshoe Bay Beach is another must see while visiting Bermunda. The main beach is about quarter of a mile but extends to other south shore beaches to the east. Horseshoe Bay Beach is also known for its fantastic snorkeling!
Golf Full of stunning ocean views and breathtaking Bermuda landscapes the courses in Bermuda are must plays for any golfer. If you are looking for a quick fix the #5 ranked best par 3 in the world Turtle Hill Golf Club is the course for you!
Dining Whether you are looking for beachfront dining or simply indulge in the local flavor there is truly something for anyones culunary desire. With 159 different restaurants located on the island it would be hard not to find what you are looking for.
Bermuda
Tips from the Locals
The best time to travel to Bermuda for warm weather is May to Mid-November Do drink the water. It’s safe. The locals are friendly. Tourism is one of the major sources of income for Bermuda, and they embrace visitors joyfully. This is a very friendly, English-speaking country.
Standard Time in Bermuda is Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours. In other words, the clocks on the island read: One hour ahead of New York Two hours ahead of Chicago Four hours ahead of Los Angeles
Currency Legal tender in Bermuda is the Bermuda dollar, which trades at the same rate as the US dollar and carries the same symbol ($). Bermuda and US currencies are accepted interchangeably, but change is almost always given in Bermudian currency. Canadian dollars, British pounds and other foreign currencies will need to be exchanged at local banks. ATMs may be your best bet for exchanging money. They are fast, accessible and usually offer a great rate.
Attire
Bathing suits, abbreviated tops and short shorts may be worn at the beach and pools, but a cover-up is wise when off the beach. Casual sportswear may be worn at lunchtime at restaurants, but many dining establishments and nightclubs ask gentlemen to wear a jacket in the evenings When making dinner reservations, it is always wise to check on dress requirements
Featured Experience Royal Caribbean
One of the best ways to see Bermuda is on a cruise. Royal Caribbean offers a unique and valuable option for travelers to see more of Bermuda as well as the Bahamas. Aboard Royal Caribbean you will discover Bermuda and the Bahamas in a brand-new way intimately getting to know each destinations sights and sounds as well as their amazing culture and cuisine. 10 day recommended itinerary for your next trip Itinerary Day 1 Baltimore, Maryland Day 2 Day at Sea Day 3 King’s Wharf, Bermuda Day 4 King’s Wharf, Bermuda Day 5 Day at Sea Day 6 Nassau,, Bahamas Day 7 CocoCay, Bahamas Day 8 Day at Sea Day 9 Day at sea Day 10 Baltimore, Maryland
Exclusive
World Travel Experiences
Ladera Resort St. Lucia
Valid through December 25th 2015
Experience Includes: Book 3 nights get the 4th night free $25 credit per room, per day Upgrade upon arrival, if available American breakfast for two daily $100 resort credit, once per stay Early check-in/ late checkout, if available
Exclusive
World Travel Experiences
The Regent Palms Turks & Caicos
Valid through December 18th 2015
Experience Includes: Every 4th Night Free for all 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Suites and Penthouses $50 resort credit per day $100 resort credit per reservation Full American Breakfast daily Free long distance calls to USA and Canada Early check-in/late check-out if available
Exclusive
World Travel Experiences
Le Mas Candille Mougins, France
Valid through April 29th, 2016
Experience Includes: Breakfast for two daily Room upgrade, early check-in and late checkout upon arrival, if available One 30-minute spa treatment per guest, once per stay Complimentary use of hotel car and driver, if available, when staying in a Suite for a minimum of four nights Free airport transfers for Suite reservations
Tech News: Travel Toys
M M h w a w
Trakdot Thanks to Trakdot, you will always know where your luggage is (even if the airline doesn’t). The tiny device texts you with the location of your bag when you land, and its accompanying app can let you know when your suitcase is headed your way around the baggage carousel.
TO LEARN MORE OR TO ORDER CLICK ON PRODUCT IMAGE
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Ministry of Supply Clothing Ministry of Supply makes its clothing using the same Phase Change Materials used in NASA spacesuits. That means your dress shirt will help regulate your temperature throughout the day, keeping you cool when you’re out in the sun and warm when you’re checking out that air-conditioned museum. Even better, the clothing is also built to defy wrinkles and odor.
Tylt Energi Backpack Tylt’s Energi Backpack not only carries all your gadgets, it charges them as well. The backpack has built-in compartments for things like your laptop and iPad, plus a built-in battery for powering everything up.
Shared Discoveries In addition to my own personal travel research and experiences, I have access to many travel team associates who gladly share their discoveries to our mutual benefit. Please enjoy their insights, and let me know how we can utilize this knowledge to plan your next adventure.
Tauck River Cruise..through the eyes & heart of Beth Mollo I was delighted to experience a fascinating art themed exploration along the Rhone and Saone Rivers. Our (9) night river cruise offered the ease and elegance of travel aboard the Tauck’s beautiful MS Emerald, starting in Monte Carlo and ending in Paris. Throughout the journey we were hosted by Tauck’s knowledgeable art historians and daily lectures and guided museum tours. Their expertise & passion brought the works of art of Chagall, Matisse in Nice and Cezanne in Aix-en Provence all to life. Walking in the footsteps of Van Gogh ,I fell in love with the quaint cities of Beaune,Dijon and Lyon. The pace was comfortable with walking tours and free time to explore before returning to our riverboat for lunch. As we relaxed and cruised the river, our Art Historians on board had presentations and activities. The food was exceptional and the service was intimate and personal. Luxury travel experience traveling with like minded people that had a shared passion for art, Wine and great cuisine.
Shared Discoveries
Arizona escape...as experienced by Marianne Kochanek After (5) nights in Las Vegas, I took a short flight to Phoenix, Arizona. After a visually satisfying (3) hour drive, I arrived in Sedona surrounded and hypnotized by the energy & majesty of the desert and red rock formations. Staying at the Enchantment Resort, which is located in one of the awe inspiring box canyons, was the perfect venue for hiking, shopping, and of course.. Spaaaaing! Back to Phoenix , we stayed at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa where we were lulled into their “secret garden” atmosphere peppered with amazing Virtuoso Amenities. My suggested itinerary: (3) nights Vegas, (3) nights Sedona, (2) nights Phoenix – a perfect combination to get you going and slow you down!
Shared Discoveries
Azamara Club Cruise...as seen by Lori DelBuono I was fortunate to experience and immerse my senses aboard an Azamara Club Cruise.The Journey is a quaint ship with a mรกximum capacity of (680) passengers. . Because of the intimate size we were able to cruise to exclusive ports that larger ships could not access. Additionally, the itinerary featured longer port stays allowing for a less hurried experience and the opportunity to enjoy the nightlife as well. Loved the daily pampering provided by an attentive & experienced staff and crew We visited the beautiful Greek and Turkish Isles, one was more beautiful than the other.. Included amenities on Azamara are standard spirits, international beers and wines, gratuities and an AzAmazing Evening!
Shared Discoveries
British Virgin Islands..as witnessed by Jeannine Bottorff Barefoot cruising done with style ,grace.. and lots of laughter.. To celebrate my husband’s (50)th birthday, I recently sailed to the British Virgin Islands (BVIs).Six lifelong friends hired a (50) foot catamaran, complete with a seasoned captain and a chef to leisurely sail amongst the BVIs .. each famous for different things: bars, snorkeling, sailing, lobster dinners and more. It was an unforgettable life experience, not only because we were so well taken care of, but also because the captain and chef (his wife and first mate) took us to places we would have never found on our own.. and showed us marine life that would have otherwise eluded us. Calgon & barefoot crusing.. take me away..AGAIN! The boat. crew, and captain can all be customized depending upon your respective needs.
Shared Discoveries
The Great Wall..as hiked & enjoyed by Deb miller In Chinese, the name for the Wall is literally translated as “The ImmeasurablyLong Long Wall” and it is. Immense, Enormous, and frankly just plain Amazing.. and these adjectives describe it far better than “great”. If in addition to viewing the wall visitors are interested in hiking the wall be aware that The Wall has several hike-able sections - the one closest to Beijing where everyone tends to go who may be doing a quick group tour from the city, however this is where the masses are. If you want to have a more intimate experience, the more remote sections are worth the drive to get there. The Mutianyu section ( about an hour from Beijing). is the best restored section of the wall The coolest thing here (aside from the hike) is the ability to ride a self-controlled bobsled to the base. Not for the feint of heart, but very fun ! I also hiked the Jinshanling section (approx.3 hour drive from Beijing) is partially restored so you get some beautiful ruins mixed into the hike. Also, on a clear day, the views from this section of the wall can’t be beat. I spent most of time time staring at the layers of mountains surrounding the Wall probably as much as the Wall itself! Regardless of which section you explore it’s DEFINITELY worth the effort to experience it!
www.Largaytravel.com
P lease Go Away!