TRAVEL NEWS, TIPS, AND TIDBITS Q3 2018

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H U F F M A N T R AV E LC H I C AG O • DAY TO N

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS • MUSTIQUE • DOLOMITES • EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES • PARIS • PUNTA CANA

The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 2

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

—Saint Augustine

Travel finds so many ways to enrich our lives.

As you can imagine, I build on all of them in an

attempt to create a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle. Most

recently, I tapped my travel experience as a means

of education for our 14-year old daughter through an

experiential trip to China.

We started our Chinese-immersion in Beijing, where

our days were spent learning about people, history, and

politics. Climbing the Great Wall, riding rickshaws through

historic neighborhoods to visit elders in their traditional

hutongs, using Chinese characters and calligraphy tools

to write our names, and fighting crowds in Tiananmen

Square were unique ways to begin to grasp this foreign

culture. A rich culture that locals themselves are trying to

understand better, as we discovered when reflecting back

on the protests of 1989 and how our impressions of what

occurred varied significantly from what our wide-eyed

guide lived right there, as an 8-year-old boy.

As we continued our journey through China, we

spent time in the countryside, visiting Taoist temples

and fortune tellers, and hiking gorgeous national parks.

Our day of volunteering as a Panda Keeper was both a

highlight and a humbling experience.

By the time we arrived in Shanghai, we were ready

for the blast of modernity that welcomed us: trendy

eateries, luxurious hotels, and a people so excited to

integrate our global culture to their historical ways are

the face of the new China.

Our journey took us from the Ming Dynasty to the

21st century in a way that was so impactful that it’s

hard to imagine we will forget what China gifted us

anytime soon. Our daughter is definitely not the only

one who grew a little more from these experiences.

P L E A S E S H A R E T H I S N E W S L E T T E R W I T H F R I E N D S A N D FA M I LY !

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by Shawna Huffman OwenPresident & CEO, Huffman Travel

shawna@huffmantravel.com

The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 3

One of the most popular trips we book for clients is to the Galapagos,

a collection of islands off the coast of Ecuador. It is a fascinating

trip in so many ways. The Galapagos was where Charles Darwin did the

research for his theory of evolution published in On the Origin of Species.

Being there is like taking a science class without even realizing it! The

animals having no predators, travelers can get up close and personal

with the exotic wildlife: giant tortoises, marine lizards, blue-footed

boobies, sea lions, and more. I snorkeled with 20 hammerhead sharks;

that was an experience I will never forget!

The Galapagos is particularly popular with families and multi-

generational groups, because there’s something for everyone. Active

types can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, and hike, whereas those

who prefer a more relaxing vacation can hang out on the beach and

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 4

enjoy the animals and scenery. It’s a great trip for all ages, but probably

easier if the kids are old enough to swim.

The most popular way to visit is on a small ship (96 people or less)

because that is the most efficient way to see a lot of islands. However, for

people who don’t like boats, there are now some interesting properties

from which to explore the islands.

The ideal trip length is about a week and you can go year-round since

the Galapagos is so close to the Equator. Christmas being one of the

busiest weeks there, you’ll need to book far in advance if you want to go

then. The Galapagos are accessible by plane from Quito or Guayaquil,

Ecuador. Quito is a popular city that is definitely worth visiting for a few

days either before or after the Galapagos.

continued from page 3

“Being there is like taking a science class without event realizing it!”

byAndreKoester

Luxury Travel Advisor

andre@huffmantravel.com

The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 5

While Mustique is a mystery

to many, it should not be

overlooked as you put your

warm-weather-getway short list

together.

Yes: Mustique is exclusive.

Yes: Mustique is not easy to

get to.

Yes: Mustique has some of the

best beaches in the Caribbean.

While the image of Mustique is

often intimidating, I’m here to tell

you that there is a reason that so

many of the island’s visitors are

long-time repeat guests. Mustique,

located in the West Indies, is an

extremely safe island filled with

lovely people, a simple boutique

hotel (Cotton House), villas to rent

(in all price ranges) and beaches

that are simply out of this world.

Your Mustique vacation is all

about relaxed luxury. Each villa

comes fully staffed, and your

only decisions are as stressful as

what time you’d like your beach

The MYSTERY of MUSTIQUE

The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 6

picnic. The experience

is relaxed chic: traverse

the hilly island on ATV

golf carts, dress low-key,

and regardless if it’s

your first visit, or your

10th, everyone is invited

to roving cocktail parties around

the island. You won’t want to miss

Tuesday night’s all-Island cocktail

party followed by dancing at Basil’s

Bar. You might just find yourself

leaning on the bar near a Rolling

Stone, while speaking to a retired

officer of England’s MI5 …it’s

simply Mustique.

continued from page 5

nTIP: The last week of January/first week of February is the Mustique Blues Festival at Basil’s Bar. World-famous artists like Joe Louis Walker, Dino Baptiste, and Rick Estrin take over the stage and play into the wee hours at this infamous Caribbean institution. Sometimes famous artists (wink wink) get up and sing with the bands.

nTIP: Plan to book a snorkel/scuba trip around the island, or schedule a day trip to Tabago Keys.

byStephanieFisher

Luxury Travel Advisor

stephanie@huffmantravel.com

bySandiTodorovich

Luxury Travel Advisor

sandi@huffmantravel.com

Just returned from an awe-

inspiring trip hiking around the

Dolomite Mountains and fell in

love with this beautiful region of

Italy. The Dolomites are located

in between Venice and Innsbruck

airport, just north of the famous

Prosecco region. In the summer

they are known for hiking,

mountain biking, and climbing the

famous Via Ferrata.

These climbs use steel cables

built into the rock to aid in ascending

the mountain, and were originally

created during WWI as a means for

troops to get across the mountains.

They have become so common

with climbers that many more have

recently been opened and the sport

is extremely popular in Italy. In the

winter, the area turns into the world’s

largest ski area under just one ski

pass, with 12 ski regions of more

than 1,200 kilometers of slopes, 450

lifts, 30 snowparks and 50 towns.

Locals ski from slope to slope,

with lunch breaks at the numerous

rifugios scattered throughout the

area, known for their great foods

and drinks.

This part of Italy used to belong

to Austria, so there is a large

Austrian influence here, and in

certain regions over 70% of the

population speaks German as

a first language. This is also an

area known for its food, including

numerous Michelin-starred

restaurants, and of course their

prosecco and wine. It’s a mix of

immense beauty, differing cultures,

family-friendly activities, and the

highest quality food and wine –

what’s not to love?

The DOLOMITES

The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 7

KAYLA✔ I hate to travel with a lot of

makeup on, especi ally for longer

trips. So, I always keep some

Tinted Burt’s Bees lip balm with

me. I can swipe it on and still

look good without spending too

much time getting ready.

✔ Anytime I’m traveling, I switch

my purse out for a cute leather

backpack. My wallet, phone, and

snacks fit right in it comfortably.

Plus, I know it’s safely with me

at all times and way more stylish

than a fanny pack!

✔ I always keep my phone with

me so I can access my flight

information, keep in touch with

friends and family, download an

e-book or listen to music. The

worst thing is when my phone

has 5% battery life when traveling.

So now I remember to bring

my Samsung Fast Charge

portable battery pack.

GEOFFREY✔ One flight can be both hot and

chilly… a happy medium doesn’t

seem to exist so I always carry

a light sweater or an extra-large

scarf around me.

✔ There is no lighter water bottle

than Vapur. It’s always folded

small somewhere in my carry-on,

ready to be expanded and filled

at a fountain or with mineral

water at the lounge.

✔ A nice foldable tote can prove

really useful when going to the

beach, exploring a local market,

or on any short excursion.

✔ Netflix! There’s no place I

use Netflix more than an

airport. Watching series or

documentaries is a great way to

wait for your flight and isolate

yourself from the thousands

of people around you. Plus,

Netflix has a different selection

in every country, so you might

be able to download programs

while overseas that are not yet

available in the US!

STEPHANIE✔ Rimowa Salsa

Deluxe Hybrid

Cabin Multiwheel:

The accessible front

pockets allow me to

grab a cord, headphones or

laptop without pulling down my

bag. Easy!

✔ Bose QuietControl 30 Wireless

Headphones: Blocks out the

world around me when I need to

work, sleep or relax. One charge

lasts 8 hours… and that is a

restful night’s sleep (even next

to a chatty seat partner).

✔ Worldwide Travel Charger: Not

only can it plug in for power

anywhere in the world, it has 4

USB charger ports so you never

have to pick what to charge first!

✔ Sony Digital Camera:

The Wi-Fi ability to

download instantly

into the Sony App on

my phone is a game

changer!

Our AdvisorsWHAT’S IN YOUR TRAVEL BAG?Get to know the Huffman Travel Advisors a bit better by learning about

what they can’t leave home without...

When traveling, protect your necklaces from tangling by inserting into a paper straw.

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EXPLORE EUROPE’S GREATEST RIVERS IN LUXURY

From Austria’s enchanting Wachau Valley to the dazzling tulip fields in the Netherlands,

explore the great rivers of Europe aboard the all-suite, butler-serviced luxury ships

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ELEGANT FRENCH AUTHENTICITY AT LE BRISTOL PARIS

Welcome to Parisian life at its most elegant. Le Bristol Paris is a completely

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Kids Club, babysitting arrangements and a Family Offer that includes breakfast,

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gastronomic experience right in your hotel. Through August 30th, receive 10% off Best Available

Rate and guaranteed early check-in. Ask your Huffman Travel advisor for details, including a

double upgrade at time of booking!

PRIVACY AND RELAXATION AT TORTUGA BAY PUNTACANA

Fall in love with the Dominican Republic at the luxuriously comfortable and

exclusive Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club. Five miles of white sand

beaches and traditional Dominican warmth and hospitality make Tortuga

Bay the perfect getaway. Unwind with breathtaking panoramic views and

uncompromised privacy in this untouched, serene location. Decorated by

the late Oscar de la Renta, the 13 luxurious beachfront villas offer a variety

of spacious interiors and balconies. And how fun is this: guests are given

a golf cart to travel throughout the resort! Recent renovations include

updated technology in every suite; a new kitchen, bakery, and bar; a wine

cellar offering 600 bottles of fine wine, and a humidor featuring a rich

selection of cigars. Don’t miss the Six Senses Spa and Wellness Center that

offers a haven of luxury and amenities for complete comfort from workout to

relaxation. A truly relaxing adventure.

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the Bristol’spersonal

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