IN THE FAR EAST, you can explore undiscovered corners from primeval forests and volcanic landscapes in Japan to fascinating wildlife encounters and island expeditions in Russia.  Along the coast of Japan you will find a timeless empire steeped in tradition, lore, and natural beauty.   The islands give you a true feel for the past, present, and future in this land of the rising sun.There is a profound serenity in the mountain ranges of Kanazawa, ancient Samurai houses in Hagi, and mystical collection of gardens and temples in Kyoto. There here are also a myriad of escapades beckoning you in the Philippines, Borneo and Indonesia.  From jungle treks in Malaysia and the misty valley views of Indonesia to unexplored beaches in the Philippines, each destination is a chance to encounter mesmerizing island beauty.  You can marvel in a mosaic of colors and cultures while discovering ancient Komodo dragons and/or standing on the edge of an active volcano!

IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND, you will discover a vast paradise of islands teeming with untouched wilderness and secret underwater worlds of colorful marine life and dancing corals.  Visit jade-colored islands and revel in the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Experience Outback adventures along the rugged coastline of Australia’s and New Zealand’s most breathtaking islands. Get a glimpse into the world of fairy penguins.  Feast your eyes on pink granite mountains, and uncover rushing rivers and golden beaches beyond the Tasman Sea.  Perhaps, explore beyond the ethereal beauty with a visit to New Zealand’s wine region, nestled amid charming fishing villages.  Either way, you will find an escape to this untouched corner of the world, where rugged peaks, thermal valleys, hidden inlets, and rainbow-colored lakes all add to the magical landscape!

IN ANTARCTICA & THE ROSS SEA, you will find a world of immense scale and visual splendor in the vast white wilderness of Antarctica. Iceberg prisms and glittering glaciers, historic explorers’ huts, bellowing elephant seals and the world’s largest penguin colony are just a few of the sights you can expect to see on this trip of a lifetime. Wake each day as if in a snow globe!

ADVENTURE CALLS on a luxury expedition cruise.  Itineraries balance days at sea with scheduled ports of call, and is intentionally designed to be flexible, allowing the Captain and his team of experts to incorporate unplanned “expedition days” when favorable weather conditions invite the opportunity for uncommon discovery.  The Expedition Team will maintain a keen eye so that if an opportunity arises and conditions allow, the Captain will attempt to position the vessel accordingly. 

The pros and cons of taking a red-eye flight are obvious: you arrive at your destination in the morning and you don’t lose a whole day traveling. However, you’re too exhausted to be productive because you spent the previous night shifting positions in your uncomfortable airline seat. Here are a few tips to make sure you leave your next red-eye flight somewhat rested so you can work the next day.

Beat Jet Lag in Advance – Try to advance your body clock when traveling eastbound. You will have to wake up earlier and go to bed earlier than you normally would. Do the reverse when headed westbound. Try this before your trip so you have a better chance of being into the right time zone when you deplane.

Choose Your Seat Carefully – The right seat is critical. Avoid seats located near the restroom and the seats that don’t recline. Sitting in the aisle makes it likely you’ll get an elbow injury. If you sleep on a certain side of the bed at home, choose a window seat on the side of the plane that provides you with a more comfortable experience and maybe some additional time to sleep.

Eat Light & Right – Look for the healthiest, leanest meal you can find, preferably at the gate before you board. Avoid spicy foods that might cause an upset stomach. In-flight meals are overly processed and salty, so they may make you feel bloated or more dehydrated during the flight.

Hydrate Like It’s Your Job – Drink water, and skip the alcohol and caffeine. The pressurized cabin usually leaves passengers a little dehydrated, so buy a large bottle of water at the gate before you board the plane and drink water steadily throughout the flight.  

Come Prepared to Sleep Well – Bring a comfortable travel pillow, sleep mask, earplugs or noise-canceling earphones—worth every penny to frequent fliers. Take off your watch and accessories to remind yourself that it’s bedtime. And be sure to buckle your seat belt over your blanket so that the flight attendant doesn’t need to disturb you to check it.

Freshen Up – Bring a toiletry bag with all of the usual items you use to get ready in the morning, including a toothbrush, mouthwash, deodorant, hairbrush and a fresh set of clothes. You will feel mentally more prepared to tackle the new day after freshening up.

Use a Travel Pro – Of course, the best way to sleep on an airplane is to be relaxed! They'll take care of all the details and save you any worry.

ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com
#tet4u

Swimming Pigs Adventure - Enjoy a fun filled, action packed excursion aboard a 35 foot custom designed Power Cat while you  swim with the pigs, snorkel, beach comb and experience all the beauty of the Exumas in one tour. Your captain and first mate will entertain you with excellent knowledge and first class service as you cruise in and out of over 75 magnificent, little known cays with several stops along the way. Take incredible photos atop an island with 360-degree views of the Exuma cays. Visit the endangered Bahamian rock Iguana at an island, which the original natives of the Bahamas once called home. Circle past the million dollar privately owned islands of celebrities, and speed across waters only inches deep as Stingrays race across the bottom. No journey into the cays is complete without feeding the always hilarious Swimming Pigs. Afterwards snorkel and swim along a lively reef with magnificent colors while a nearby virgin sandbar awaits your exploration

​Dolphin Encounter - Enter the world of these gentle bottlenose beauties with a special kiss and caress while you get a chance to make friends, touch and have an up-close experience with the dolphins.  Also, learn some interesting facts about these wonderful creatures from a knee deep water platform. You can also view the exciting Shark Show, performed by our very own pirates of “Little Port Royal.” Interact with the colorful birds, exotic snakes and iguanas on the nature trail. Enjoy unlimited mini-boat rides, a 40ft. water slide and interactions with the gentle stingrays (with barbs clipped).

MINI-Routes To Negril - Buckle up and take the wheel of your own MINI Cooper during this first-of-its-kind journey along Jamaica’s beautiful north-west coast to the ‘capital of casual’, Negril! This exciting new experience puts you in the driver’s seat as you follow behind an expert island guide to local spots and famous landmarks. Your journey begins with a short stop at a local coconut vendor. Then hop back in your MINI and drive through the historic town of Lucea. Once you arrive in Negril it’s time for some delicious food and a relaxing break on the Seven Mile Beach. In the afternoon drive to the iconic Negril Lighthouse at the westernmost point of the island where you can see the lighthouse and take in the gorgeous view. Next, visit the legendary Ricks Café where you’ll have the opportunity to witness the daring cliff-divers, snap a few pictures and enjoy the stunning views.  On your way back to Montego Bay you’ll make a final stop at an authentic jerk shack for a quick cooking demonstration. It’s time to take your island experience into your own hands on this fully-loaded adventure, but get ready because there’s nothing ‘mini’ about it! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to benefit the local communities that we call home.

Luminous Lagoon Experience - Join in at sunset for a trip to Jamaica's famed Luminous Lagoon on a night cruise like no other! With a complimentary rum or fruit punch in hand, hop aboard to head out to the magical glistening waters. Surrounded by mangroves, at night the waters of the lagoon are home to microscopic organisms that emit a phosphorescent blue light when disturbed. Once you’ve cruised to the middle of the lagoon, you can jump in and really experience the true beauty of this unusual natural wonder. Luminous Lagoon is one of the few places in the world to have such a high concentration of these harmless organisms, this is truly something not to be missed!

Moriah Sea Park Adventure - ​Head over to the Exuma’s famous Moriah Harbor Cay National Park and become one with Mother Nature! Spanning across 10-miles of diverse land and sea, this park is home to reef fish, stingrays, turtles, dolphins and more! Basque in the Bahamian sun while keeping your eyes on the water, for you never know which ocean animal will swim by to say hello! Then, come face-to-face with these exotic sea-creatures as you cool off in the aquamarine sea and snorkel to your hearts content!

Reggae Catamaran Cruise - ​Sway to the sounds of reggae on one of the Caribbean’s most wet ’n’ wild adventures! Indulge in delectable appetizers and unlimited exotic cocktails while enjoying the best panoramic views you’ll ever set your eyes on. There’s nothing quite like this ‘club on water’ to feel the pulse of the island and see the wonders of the Caribbean. Snorkeling is included.

Contact ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com today to plan your customized all inclusive trip to the Caribbean! Chris is an all inclusive expert, as well as Antigua, Jamaica, St Lucia and Honeymoon specialist!! You can count on her for professional reliable recommendations. 

Yet by some accounts, it was also Escobar who (in his own way) helped to turn the city in a new direction when in 1982 he launched a campaign known as Medellin Without Slums, an effort to do away with the city’s poorest neighborhoods and provide a life of dignity for its most downtrodden residents.

Escobar’s effort is just one small highlight in what’s been a massive, years-long undertaking for the city, which some are now calling a “journey to redemption.” That effort has included strategic plans to set a new agenda for Medellin in 1995 and 1999, for example, and numerous socially minded, architectural interventions in poor areas including libraries, community buildings and cultural centers.

All of which still merely scratches the surface of the activity that has been taking place in Medellin, but the result of the ongoing efforts has been a new reputation in the world community, and increasing optimism amid a growing tourist economy.
​
“Years ago, Medellin was one of the most violent cities in South America and now people come here and can see the transformation, from an economic, political and a cultural perspective. This is a destination on the rise, a place that's become an emerging arts and culture hub in Latin America, while also showcasing remarkable social and urban transformation, all of which has attracted an increasing number of business and leisure travelers.

Highlighting this point:
—From January to August, Medellin saw an 18 percent increase in U.S. visitors over the same time period in 2017.
—Between January and August Medellin experienced a 23 percent increase overall in foreign travelers
—In January, Medellin won the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award in the category of “Top Destinations on the Rise,” an achievement based on millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travelers worldwide.
—Between 2010 and 2018, Medellin has welcomed a variety of new hotel brands including CityExpress, Accor Hotels, Hilton, Atton, Marriott, Best Western, Intercontinental, La Quinta, Bluedoors and NH.
—Medellín went from having 176 hotels in 2016 with 7,370 rooms to 197 hotels and 8,628 rooms in 2018. By 2019, 34 new projects will be part of the territory of Antioquia.

Medellin also welcomes an average of 83,000 business travelers per year since 2014. The boom in business tourism, events and conventions is one of the sectors responsible for driving the big investment for the destination, and has led to the arrival of international hotel chains like those mentioned above.

Colombia as country was also recently recognized as one of the top 10 places to retire by International Living. Records show an 85 percent increase of U.S. Social Security payments to Colombia in 2017, as compared to 2010, making it the top country in Latin America and the Caribbean in Social Security receipts after Mexico, according to the Medellin Convention & Visitors Bureau.

None of this is surprising given private entities, public entities and academia came together and created a plan with milestones and when different groups in city come together and have common goals, it’s much easier. The progress has been quick and successful because of the numerous collaborations.

The city’s new, more positive status is also helped along by its variety of natural attractions, array of museums and yearly festivals and celebrations. Other tourist attractions include visiting coffee plantations or flower farms, providing an opportunity to learn about a way of life and engage in a cultural exchange.

Perhaps most unique, are the graffiti tours in neighborhoods that were once among Medellin’s most violent and overrun with crime. The most well-known of these offerings is in Comuna 13, in one of the most notorious neighborhoods, which has had a miraculous transformation. Led by locals, these small walking tours receive glowing reviews from those who have participated in them.

And as Medellin expands and refines its tourist offerings, airlift has also been ramping up. There are now some direct flights serving the city from Miami and others in the works from Orlando.

Medellin is now a place with a great deal to offer both business and leisure travelers. It has become a one-stop destination where you can have a variety of life-changing experiences.

Business travel can be exhilarating, fun and challenging. However, despite all the great experiences you get to enjoy on the road, you also have to deal with not being in your own bed and the lack of sleep that accompanies that. Add long hours, little access to fresh foods, and of course, time away from family and friends, and it’s no wonder the Harvard Business Review found a strong correlation between the frequency of business travel and a wide range of physical and behavioral health risks.

It takes effort to be a healthy road warrior, but it is so worth it. Feeling good while traveling for work leads to more productivity, better output, a superior work product, and an all-around happier life. Here’s our business travel wellness routine:

Stay Hydrated – Drink at least 1.5 liters of water every day, whether or not you’re traveling. When flying, drink at least half a liter of water for every hour in the air. As a bonus, this forces you to get up and move while on the plane, helping to lower the risk of blood clots.

Move Your Body – Make it a point to be up early enough so that you can exercise at least 40 minutes every morning before 7 a.m. A good road warrior workout should involve a balance of high-intensity cardio and free weight exercises to keep metabolic levels up during the day. You should either use the hotel gym, or simply pack exercise bands to use in your hotel room in case time is tight.

Rev Up Your Mind – After you get out of bed and exercise, do some motivational reading, listen to TED Talks or spend time in spiritual reflection to put yourself in the right frame of mind for the day. Stay off social media during this time and challenge your brain instead!

Refresh Your Body – Get at least seven hours of sleep every night, because your brain and body needs restorative sleep in order to work well. To get that sleep, practice good sleep hygiene: turn off the TV in your hotel room and set your phone on silent so you’re not awakened by a 2 a.m. email.

ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com 
#tet4u

While there’s little doubt that the dining inside your hotel or resort will be top-notch, you should experience the full range of culinary experiences Mexico offers. This country is home to arguably the greatest culture of street food in the world, and tasting it is as simple as a quick stop between shops or museums. While there isn’t enough room in your stomach to try every single cart or stand, here are a few quintessential antojitos you need to savor.

Tacos - Perhaps nothing is more iconic of Mexican cuisine than tacos. Of course, these aren’t the mass-produced replicas of chain restaurants; here they’re the real deal. While variations exist based on which state of Mexico you’re in, every taco will likely consist of a warm corn tortilla (often hand-made), tender meat, and a smattering of fresh vegetables, fruits and salsas.

Tamales - Originating in Oaxaca, tamales today can be found and enjoyed all throughout Mexico. Composed of a thick steamed corn dough wrapped in either banana leaves or corn husks, the true treat of tamales is the stuffing: you can find anything from chicken mole to cheese to sweet pineapple inside.

Sopes and Gorditas - Sopes and gorditas are essentially two sides of the same coin: the same delicious corn dough with slight variations in preparation. Gorditas are when the corn dough is fried, then stuffed with meats, beans and cheeses and topped off with delectable salsas and creams. Sopes are the exact same thing, except all of the stuffings go on top of the corn patty, thus making them “toppings.” It may seem like a trivial difference, but you’ll be surprised at how difficult it is to choose between the two!

Tostadas - At first glance, Tostadas look like a mix between a taco and a pizza, but there’s more flavor there than meets the eye. The base is a crisp, salty tortilla that is gratuitously topped with anything from pork to cows’ foot to ceviche or fresh fish. Those traveling to Oaxaca should be sure to try a tlayuda, a huge tostada smothered in chocolate mole sauce, then topped with a salad and meat of your choice before finally being sprinkled with world-famous stringy Oaxaca cheese.

Elotes and Esquites - Elotes and Esquites are essentially the same food, prepared differently. Elotes is sweetcorn, served on a stick and smothered in mayonnaise, cream and chili. Esquites is sweetcorn cut from the cob, mixed with cream, lime juice, mayonnaise and chili inside a plastic cup. Either version is by far and away one of the tastiest options for enjoying Mexican street food.

Comotes - If you’re in Mexico City, you’ll want to try camotes fresh from a stand or cart. Camotes are plantains and sweet potatoes steamed, and then served with strawberry jam and condensed milk. If you can’t tell where they are by the crowds they draw, then listen for the distinct whistle of steam escaping the pot.

ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com visits Mexico 2+ times per year and it remains one of  her favorite destinations.  Contact Chris to learn more and start planning your trip to this wonderful destination!
#tet4u

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) officially announced that Mexico is now the sixth most visited country in the world. The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) originally announced the news in April, but the UNWTO confirmed the country welcomed 39.3 million international visitors (a 12 percent increase), which catapulted Mexico from eighth to sixth overall.  Mexico’s growth as a tourist hotspot is incredible. Since being ranked the 15th most visited destination in 2013, the country has jumped 62 percent to its sixth-place ranking. The increase was the fastest of any large global destination.

“Mexico’s historic ascent on the list of the world’s most visited countries is a testament to the fact that Mexico is indeed a world of its own, and one that people want to discover again and again,” Mexico Secretary of Tourism Enrique de la Madrid said in a statement. “We are proud of everything Mexico, and the more than 10 million Mexicans working in this industry, have to offer visitors. I am confident that this positive momentum will continue as more people discover the incredible experiences Mexico has to offer.

There are many reasons behind the blockbuster growth of Mexico, including the development of new and existing destinations, the diversification of tourism products and improved partnerships with airlines and hotels.  To continue the nation’s growth, the Mexico Tourism Board is working with industry partners in the United States and Canada to host unique events and experiences, such as Formula 1, the NFL and the FIFA World Cup 2026

I visit Mexico at least twice per year.  It is a favorite destination for both myself and my family! Not to mention lots of my honeymoon and destination wedding clients!!

​Contact me for ideas on best ways to visit and to start planning today! ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com
919.589.2437 / 434.333.0837

The Luxe Report, uncovered five trends – all with an overarching movement toward personalization – shaping how upscale travelers will roam the world in 2019.

1. Motivation: Social media's influence is unmistakable, as it drives travelers' desire to find the most captivating backdrops and the best time of day for snapping images. Clients are requesting on-site photography sessions to create Instagram-worthy content, including replicating shots they admired online. Travel advisors are arranging themed photoshoots characteristic of destinations, such as wearing traditional geisha attire in Kyoto or ball gowns in Venice.
2. Transportation: When flying commercial, airlines with state-of-the-art business and first-class cabins are a favorite. Upon landing, VIP airport arrival services that whisk travelers through customs and ease tight connections are growing in demand. Requests are on the rise for private helicopter transfers to and from airports as well as from one city or resort island to another.
3. Accommodation: Experiential travelers who have seen it all are craving stays in unconventional accommodations. Those range from a treehouse to a monastery to an igloo in Norway, a tent in the Moroccan desert, the shores of the Red Sea, and even a bubble nestled in nature so they can gaze at stars before drifting off to sleep.
4. Recreation: People want to explore their passions through bucket-list experiences. Sports fans are asking for tickets to major events such as the Olympics, Super Bowl and Wimbledon. Art aficionados are inquiring about private tours of locales like the Vatican after hours. Shoppers want appointments at high-end stores such as Hermès to purchase signature items like a Birkin bag. Music lovers are booking trips to summer festivals and concerts. Advisors are also arranging private dinners with influential local figures.
5. Conservation: Travelers are expressing heightened interest in animal-related experiences. Some request visits to animal protection facilities or to observe animals in the wild, such as whale watching and viewing rhinos at close range. Some want to interact more directly with animals, such as at the Giraffe House in Nairobi or dog sledding to the North Pole. They also exhibit concern for animal welfare and want to ensure that interactions are sustainable.  

Exploring new destinations is the prevailing travel motivator for 2019, and Japan tops the list of emerging destinations for the first time, having previously finished third and fifth in 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Multigenerational travel maintains its stronghold as the hottest trend for 2019, a position it has held every year but one since 2011. Italy continues its reign as the top global destination as well as the leader for family travel, honeymoons and Millennial travel.

Contact ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com to learn more and start planning your customized trip today! 919.589.2437 / 434.333.0837