I'm off to the home of the great white shark....

Also known as OZ or the 'Land Down Under', and sometimes referred to as the 'Land of the Rising Sun'.

That's right, I'll be in Australia for a month. Check out the tab marked "OZ" above to follow my travels.

Adventure awaits.

What's up for 2014?

So far I’ve been to Baja, Mexico where the scenery is spectacular; to Vegas for a wedding, (we all know that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas); to Montreal;  and then on to Saint-Jérôme, QC  for another wedding.  

Vietnam and Cambodia were fabulous. Click on the tab above to check out the details.

Next stop...BERMUDA!

 

What happened in 2013?

2013 was a busy travel year for me and I've added lots more to the blog (see the tabs above for the various "Travel Pages" and click on the trip that appeals to you).

I've was on more activity-filled trips this year than all my other travel years combined! I was cooking, making chocolates and truffle hunting in Umbria; horseback riding, canoeing and stalking grizzlies in Western Canada; dancing at the Calgary Stampede; fishing for trophy-sized monsters in northern Saskatchewan; canyoning, toboganning and paragliding in  Switzerland; and eating, eating and more eating in Spain.

Next stop Spain!

There's no place like home.

Hi everyone! Made it safely home with no excitement or drama. Hope you are all enjoying your final days in England or are safely home. Missing you already. Keep in touch.  J.B.

Around the World in 21 Days-Part 41

What's it like to Travel by Private Jet?

There are many terrific things about this type of travel.

Efficiency and Convenience... The best aspect of this type of travel is the fact that we had no connecting flights. Additionally, there were no lost bags. Some destinations had expedited processes, or separate areas of the airport for private jet customers; sometimes there was lounge access. Completed customs forms that required only a signature were greatly appreciated. Our direct access to Agra through the military airport was amazingly convenient!

Luxury and Comfort...These two words are synonymous with the Four Seasons organization. Each hotel was extraordinary; each consecutive resort seemingly more wonderful than the previous. The staff knew our names. We were welcomed with gifts and treats in our rooms. The resort grounds were gorgeous and the rooms, spectacular. I recommend choosing some upgrades! It's worth it!

High Level of Service.... The high level of service that we experienced on this trip included having a doctor available at all times to deal with everything from the insignificant to the significant. Also, having a personal concierge on board to take care of every need from spa appointments to special requests ensured that the 'Four Seasons' and TCS quality was maintained.

Enthusiasm and Caring... Our flight crew was fantastic. They made the trip fun and passengers comfortable. The crew knew our names and our favourite drinks. (Now, if only they could make the seats more comfortable, everything would be perfect).

Safety and Security ....We had no worries about our safety. We were always well looked after and protected. One of our guests inadvertently left an envelope with a large amount of cash on her bed in her rush to leave one day. It was returned to her at the next location.

Wide Range of Customized Activities ...Although our stay in each country was short, we were given extensive options for activities that maximized our enjoyment in each location. Alternatively, we could choose to do "our own thing". I might recommend a bit more  advanced research on individual preferences in this regard.

Travel days are long - Even with the conveniences of direct flights,  I would recommend staying 3 nights per location. Otherwise, a lot of time is spent unpacking and repacking.

And speaking of packing..... My travel tips actually worked. (See my first post on this blog).  The small stacking shelf from Tilley Endurables that just collapsed into my carry-on bag actually worked. My advice is to find ways to organize your bags that work for you.

Plan some down time for yourself...Refresh and unwind. Don't get caught up in the constant bustle of activities, (unless that's your thing of course). Whether it was time at the pool, a private trip, sleeping in, or reading a good book in bed, I found that a bit of down time did me a world of good.

The BEST PART of the entire trip was the people I met. About eighty like-minded individuals, both guests and staff, who enjoy adventure and travel.

It's been fun!   

The Four Seasons -Park Lane

The Four Seasons Park Lane in London has recently undergone a massive renovation and it is gorgeous; it's richly decorated in reds and black! In contrast, the rooms are done in light sycamore. The tenth floor houses the beautiful spa! Having traveled the world visiting spas, I can report that this one is top notch- I went twice! 

Readied for tea

After your treatment, you get to relax with tea and music in these 'pods.' And if you're with a friend, there is a secret connecting window through which you can speak to each other. I didn't want to leave.

Around the World in 21 Days-The Last Dance

My apologies, if anyone was missed in the photos that follow....

Our last dinner was a bittersweet affair. Because we were in London, a reincarnation of the Beatles arrived and lots of dancing and celebration ensued. It was fun to be among new friends, but sad to say goodbye. A great many friendships have been forged. What a great trip!