We’re going to Paris – and we’d like you to come with us. Seriously. For the first time ever Chimera Travel is leading a very small group trip, and we’ve chosen to head to Paris. Here’s the unique part though – it’s not a “group tour” in the traditional sense (ie “If it’s Tuesday it must be Belgium”). It’s still a highly personalized, customizable trip. We’re simply starting with a place and date, adding in a few options for activities that you can participate in if you choose, and helping you plan the rest to fit your specific interests.

Why are we doing this? Have you ever looked at a friend’s pictures from their most recent trip and though, “I would love to do something like that” or “I can’t wait until my next trip… whenever that is”? Sometimes I find that my clients (and people in general) want to travel, but need a little inspiration – maybe they’re wondering if it’s the right time, or they don’t speak the language of a desired destination and are nervous about getting around. Or perhaps it’s just that with everything else going on in their day-to-day lives they don’t have the chance to think about their travels. This small group trip offers potential vacationers a specific travel goal (they don’t have to come up with the plans on their own), the comfort of having a professional travel planner right there in the destination and the freedom to still customize their trip.

The basics:

• Date: May 17, 2012 (evening departure, arrive May 18) through May 21, 2012
• Group Size: Maximum of 12 people, but trip will run with 8 or more

What’s included:

• 3 nights at a 4-star hotel in the heart of Paris (breakfast included)
• One ticket to the Louvre per person (can be used at any time during the trip)
• One hop-on-hop-off bus ticket per person (good for two days)
• Half day tour to Versailles – this is the only “group” activity, and it is optional.

Chimera Travel will work with each traveler individually to plan their airfare. We can also arrange for additional activities on an individual basis if requested. Finally, we can provide customized trip extensions outside of the city, either before or after the small group trip. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Provence and the French wine regions
• French Riviera
• Chunnel to Belgium or London for several days (did you know you can reach either in under two hours by train?)

Sound like something you might be interested in? We’d love for you to join us! If you are interested, please email us and we will happily answer any questions that you have and keep you informed of trip updates (there’s no obligation in contacting us for details). We look forward to helping you explore this fantastic city!

Despite the growing trend for upscale adventure vacations, many are skeptical. Can you have an authentic adventure experience while staying in a 5-star hotel? Don’t you feel bad spending so much for a fancy hotel when the country’s residents have so little?  Why would you spend that for an eco-tour when you can do it for way less?

While this is certainly a subjective topic, here is my take on the debate.  It is entirely possible, and even probable, to love exciting adventure and the finer things in life at the same time. Among my top activities to purse are an East African Safari, a Galapagos eco-vacation, a walking vacation through Tuscany or France, a biking vacation through any number of beautiful countrysides. However, I always joke that I “camp” at 3-star hotels. I can’t help it, and it’s nothing against those more hearty than I who enjoy roughing it I (or against three star hotels). I just like to come back to my creature comforts. Sure, I might not have the same experience as those who chose to camp out in the wilderness, but it doesn’t mean it’s not authentic or worthwhile. It’s simply different. Have you ever stayed in a 5-star tent resort in the desert? Those who choose the budget option don’t have this one-of-a-kind experience, just as those who go luxury might not have other experiences.

The next issue might be the biggest concern I hear regarding luxury travel – spending money in suffering countries.  This I can speak to first hand. I traveled to Zimbabwe a year and a half ago. This country is in such a bad state they can’t even accept their own currency – they use that of surrounding countries as well as U.S. Dollars and Euros. Our tour guides there told us it was perfectly fine if we paid them in old clothes or shoes (we would have brought some to donate if we’d known, though not to pay with). Our guides also said that they were incredibly excited to have us there because when tourism season gets quiet, they are out of jobs and don’t know how they’ll buy food for the next few months. The more money we spent there, the greater chance these people could feed their families through the down season. People often think that the tourism dollars don’t reach the local people struggling. These guides demonstrated  explained quite the opposite – that they didn’t know how they’d survive without tourists coming to Zimbabwe. While this might not be the case in every country, it certainly was here. So the answer is, no I don’t feel guilty one bit. I feel proud that I helped my tour guide feed his family for an extra week.

Finally, why do I spend money to do a more pricey adventure trip when I could save so much and do it on a budget. I think I’ve answered this in the above paragraphs. I like the experience of a luxury trip, and I also love adventure. I don’t need people fanning me and feeding me grapes, but a nice fluffy mattress and large bathroom are right up my alley. These are part of what makes me feel like I’m on vacation. If it helps the local economy, all the better! It’s truly that simple.

I certainly don’t think luxury adventure vacations are for everyone. First of all, everyone can’t afford them (I can’t always either, but I often travel with others and we can split costs). Secondly, if you feel more connected to your adventure by doing it on a budget, than that’s how you should do it. I don’t think there are too many arguments against people wanting to do budget adventure travel, but there are against luxury travel and I simply wanted to examine the less popular sides.

What are your thoughts? Do you prefer one over the other? Why? Would love to hear from you, as always!

I recently had the pleasure of working with two fantastic women at CaboVillas.com, Julie Byrd and Melisa Alvarez. These women impressed me so much that I had to feature them on my blog to bring attention to their customer service, CaboVillas.com and Cabo as a destination (which I learned much more about through working with these women). I decided the best way to do justice to them and their destination was to let them pass along their experiences first had via an interview. Here’s what they had to say:

Maya: In a two to three sentences can you describe what CaboVillas.com does?

Julie: CaboVillas.com (Earth, Sea & Sky Vacations) has specialized in Los Cabos travel for over twenty years. We represent 135 villa rentals and 50 resorts in the region and have long-established relationships with the very best vendors in the area. In addition to accommodations, we arrange weddings, catering/chef services, ground transportation, activities, fishing and yacht charters, golf reservations and in-villa spa services. Because we focus on Cabo, our entire team is intimately familiar with the destination.

Melisa: We have helped hundreds of happy couples and groups plan perfect events in Los Cabos, from casual beach weddings to lavish galas in private villa rentals. Whether it’s a memorable anniversary party or a completely customized destination wedding, our team of caterers, wedding planners, entertainers and vendors is the best in Cabo and we love working with each guest to customize their perfect day.

Maya: How long have you been with CaboVillas.com, and what is your main role/title?

Julie: I’ve been with the company for 9 years and my role is Director of Sales. I oversee our awesome team of sales agents and serve as the primary liaison with our villa owners in addition to handling in-travel client needs in conjunction with our Cabo concierge/service team.

Melisa: This is actually my second time working at CaboVillas.com. I left for a while to pursue my education but am thrilled to be back on the team as the Weddings/Events Specialist.

Maya: What are you top 3 favorite things about Cabo, particularly that make it stand out from others as a destination?

Julie: I love Cabo’s easy accessibility; it’s just a short flight from many US gateways and, because English is widely spoken in the resort areas, it’s a friendly, easy introduction to international travel. I also love Cabo’s gourmet dining options, there really are a wealth of outstanding restaurants.

Melisa: The natural beauty of the destination can’t be beat. There are pristine beaches, the unforgettable Sea of Cortez and that dramatic desert landscape. I also really love the unbeatable variety of accommodations available, from over-the-top luxury resorts like Las Ventanas al Paraiso and Capella Pedregal to beautiful villa rentals and even the fun all-inclusive hotels. There’s something for every taste.

Maya: Can you name 2 or 3 “surprises” about Cabo – things that people might not realize when considering it as a destination (ie everyone knows it for it’s beaches and resorts, but maybe other features/highlights)?

Julie: Many people think of Cabo as just a Spring Break destination, which definitely does not do Los Cabos justice. Cabo San Lucas is definitely a party town but there are also the tranquil beaches of the Corridor area and the historical charm of colonial San José del Cabo. I like to think that there’s a special Cabo for any visitor, whether it’s a group of buddies coming for a fishing/golf trip, families looking for variety, eco-tourists or couples looking for a romantic wedding and honeymoon destination.

Melisa: Within just a short drive from the bustle of Cabo San Lucas, visitors can explore the beautiful “Pueblo Magico” of Todos Santos, a historic surf town chock full of quaint art galleries located about an hour from Cabo on the Pacific Ocean. In the other direction toward the East Cape, visitors can snorkel and dive at Cabo Pulmo, one of only three living coral reef systems in North America.

Maya: What are some important things people should consider/know before coming to Cabo – i.e. any unique customs, requirements, cautions, etc?

Julie: Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Cortez and miles of desert, Los Cabos feels like an island, isolated as it is and thousands of miles away from mainland Mexico and the US-Mexico border.

Melisa: One of the beauties of Los Cabos is how easy it is as a destination. As Julie mentioned before, English is spoken throughout the resort areas and dollars are widely accepted. That said, visitors should understand that they are not visiting an American city. In general, Mexico is known as a country with legendarily warm hospitality, and Cabo is no exception.

Maya: If you had to give your 2-line “elevator pitch”, why should people come to Cabo as a destination?

Julie: Cabo combines the best of luxury accommodations, unbelievable natural beauty and great activities.

Melisa: Our experienced team of wedding and event professionals can help you plan the perfect destination wedding or special family getaway in Los Cabos.

Thank you ladies! Please check out their website at www.cabovillas.com. You can also follow them on twitter @cabojulie and @caboweddings.

*Photos courtesy of CaboVillas.com

A major focus of the show revolved around the question “why luxury travel?”. Furthermore, what exactly defines luxury travel? The second actually is a bit trickier, and as there really is no set definition, I’m going offer my own based on personal experience, that of my clients and my education as a luxury travel specialist.

Luxury travel provides an exceptional experience that caters to the specific preferences of each client and offers the highest quality for each and every aspect of your vacation.

The tricky thing about incorporating the word luxury into a phrase is that it tends to scare off a large number of people. They think that luxury equates to expensive. While it is true that luxury hotels are going to be more expensive than your Holiday Inn, the term luxury is actually referring to the experience, the way you feel during your flight, hotel, cruise, transportation and every other aspect of the trip. Personally, I have experienced luxury at hotels that did not cost much more than any other major hotel brand in the city. Instead, it was the impeccable service, unique amenities and customization of my vacation that made me feel more like a queen.

Given this (rather loose) definition of luxury, it is easier to address the question “why luxury travel?”. Simply put, who doesn’t want to feel exceptional, one-of-a-kind and well taken care of on their travels. Certainly there are travelers who are purposely “roughing it” because that is the point of their journey – to stay in the wild, live like the locals or experience a habitat in its absolute raw form. For these people, luxury travel is obviously not the way to go. For others however, here are a few examples of how luxury travel differs:

Luxury Cruises: Larger cabins, personalized meals, customized shore excursions, on board lectures and private events, unique ports of call not available to tradtional mega ships.

Luxury Hotels: VIP service for everyone, large rooms and suites as the standard, included amenities that usually cost at traditional hotels, top-rated restaurants and spas, butler service

Luxury Air: Things like food, blankets, pillows and drinks are actually included! Plus larger seats, more leg room, more personal service.

Luxury Rail: Private suites, lounge cars, club cars, conference cars for business, complimentary snacks and drinks, meal services

These are just a few examples of the benefits of luxury products offer. This is not to say that every traveler can afford to enjoy South African’s Blue Train or stay at the Ritz Carlton. Instead, it’s to point out that often, for not that much more, you can find an accommodation, cruise or transportation option that caters to you, the traveler, as you wish to be catered to and it doesn’t necessarily have to cost you an arm and a leg. With the economy as it’s been through 2009, people tend to focus on price. What they forget to focus on is value. While the price may be right, who knows what you are actually getting for that price? Instead, focus on getting the best quality possible for what you can afford. Luxury can, and often is, a great value for the service and amenities that you receive, and this is what truly makes your travel experience exceptional.

To learn more about your luxury travel items, subscribe to our blog – we will be focusing on various luxury options throughout the next several weeks.