A Paradise for Adventure-Seekers

Happy 4th of July! The summer travel season is upon us. Travel demand continues to soar. Covid restrictions continue to ease across many destinations making travel feel like it’s returning to normal. Our global supplier network is receiving a record volume of travel requests. Itineraries are taking longer to prepare and confirm than usual. While everyone is excited to hit the road, there are some increased challenges at the moment. A reminder for tips as you head into summer travel:

• Flights have been a pain point as there have been many instances of cancellations, delays, strikes and lost luggage. Travel with a carryon when possible and ensure you keep essentials in your carryon if you do check luggage. It’s also recommended that you arrive at least one day in advance of your cruise or tour start date.
• Make sure you have flight seat assignments and whenever possible check-in online in advance. Leaving seats unassigned and not checking in online puts you at more of risk for being bumped.
• Consider adding Airport VIP services to your trip. This small investment can help smooth arrivals and international to European domestic connections.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended to help offset the stress of any travel hiccups experienced along the way.

Any questions, reach out to your Departure Lounge advisor! Our team is here to help you plan your travel and navigate around these challenges so you can have the best vacation possible!

Maybe you’ve spent too many beach vacations lolling about the sands of Mexico and the Caribbean. And maybe, just maybe, you are ready for a destination that’s a little more adventurous, then it’s time to start planning an escape to Southeast Asia. The region is back on the radar for travelers eager for its warm waters, incredible beaches, rolling surf, and cultural diversity.

All 11 countries of Southeast Asia—Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam—have dropped quarantines for vaccinated travelers. Book a five-star train journey to explore this incredible part of the world or base yourself in one country; the choice is yours.

Bali – A beach resort is a great spot to get over your jet lag, and then start exploring. The terraced rice fields near Ubud, the black sand beaches of Tabanan, the majestic island temple of Tanah Lot—Bali is about so much more than the beach.

Balinese people are warm and kind and happy to talk to visitors about their country. Make sure you book a temple tour with a private guide to explore off the well-worn tourist path. And if you want to live your Eat, Pray, Love best life, there’s a yoga studio in Ubud for you.

Thailand – Honeymooners are booking this favorite getaway again. Popular exotic beach towns such as Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui, Krabi, Phuket, and Phi Phi Island are gorgeous and relaxing at the right resort, and new ones have opened up. Thailand is famous for its fantastically fresh and varied flavors—lemongrass, chili, kaffir limes—what better place to “go for Thai” than in Thailand?

Combine your beach getaway with the nightlife of Bangkok (just watch out for the wild and crazy traffic). Shop, eat, and see if you can count the number of Buddha statues you see—Bangkok has its largest one looming over the city at 230 feet high.

Vietnam – This country hugs the eastern edge of the Indochina peninsula and is famous for its beaches and beach resorts. In the capital, Hanoi, explore the labyrinth of streets in the old quarter and stop at a food stall to taste the cuisine—a yummy blend of Chinese and Thai flavors. And don’t leave before wandering the UNESCO world heritage site, Hoi An, an ancient trading village on the coast with well-preserved architecture and charm.

Grandparents who want to make up for lost time with their grandchildren are scooping them up and heading out to explore the world—leaving the kids’ time-stretched parents at home. SkipGen travel is becoming one of the best ways to reestablish family bonds that grew thin during the isolation and lockdowns of the pandemic. SkipGen travel works so well because it combines two generations with oodles of free time (once school is out).

Whether you’re showing the grandkids your favorite ports of call on a cruise, castle hopping through Europe, or watching their confidence grow on horseback at a ranch out west—this is your chance to experience new things together that brings such joy.

Younger children love beach days, no matter where you want to walk in the surf—expose them to new cultures and new foods in new countries. With older grandchildren, build a trip around historic sights in your own country or across the globe—seeing Petra or the great pyramids in real life is more memorable than reading about them in textbooks.

You will need to start planning now for next summer, while there’s lots more availability in resorts and ranches and castles. Booking ahead gives you all something to look forward to and plan for. Just imagine the epic “What I Did This Summer” school essay the grandchildren will write after you’ve taken them traveling.

We’ve been busy leveraging our buying power and relationships to get our clients the best possible perks! We’re excited to announce three new VIP Partnerships:

In England, the Corinthia London is an elegant retreat where grandeur meets exquisite, intelligent design. Located in the heart of the city, it’s a short stroll away from Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Covent Garden and West End theatres. Those seeking memorable dining can enjoy Champagne Afternoon Tea served under the splendid Baccarat Chandelier in the Crystal Moon Lounge, sample the best of British cuisine at The Northall Restaurant or relax in the jazz-influenced Kerridge’s Bar & Grill. The flagship ESPA Life is the perfect retreat to re-charge after a long flight or touring day!

In Greece, the Katikies’ collection of luxury Greek hotels on Santorini and Mykonos combine enchanting settings with legendary hospitality and are the essence of sumptuous authenticity. With warm Mediterranean sun, wonderful beaches and countless historical sites to explore, Greece is one of the world’s foremost holiday destinations. Home to the quintessential getaway islands of Santorini and Mykonos, the Cyclades are famed for their whitewashed villages that tumble down to crystalline azure bays. Katikies’ unique, magical spirit compliments the sense of excitement that these Greek islands awake in the heart of every traveler!

On the water, AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises sailing through Europe, Asia and Africa. “Ama” means love – and they put love in everything they do, from their exquisite locally-sourced cuisine to the variety of complimentary shore excursions in every port to their warm, personalized service. They are also proud of their innovations, which include their twin-balcony staterooms, fleetwide wellness activities and the AmaMagna, which is redefining the river cruise experience on the Danube River. Finally, for those foodies, AmaWaterways is proud to be the only river cruise line inducted into La Chaine des Rotisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations.

The Brando, a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa 30 miles northeast of Tahiti, is now easier to access with direct flights from Bora Bora once per week – and from July 1 through October 31st 2022, make the most of your Tetiaroa break with a 10% discount on your room rate for stays 5 nights or more. With access to the island by private plane, the resort has 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. This is tropical paradise is the perfect, luxury bucket list escape!

Seabourn has launched The Sail Away Event including Complimentary TWO-Category Veranda Suite Upgrade with Reduced Deposit for bookings by August 31st. They are also offering past Crystal Cruises guests 5% discounts on new Seabourn bookings (excluding inaugural sailings) and giving instant Seabourn Club status (based on prior Crystal Society level). Seabourn is passionate about travel and understands traveling for pleasure has a redemptive power that enriches people’s lives. Seabourn offers an experience that is luxurious, yet relaxed -elegant, yet casual -sumptuous, yet understated. Their intimate ships sail to landmark destinations & hidden gems where larger vessels cannot follow. Start planning your unforgettable Seabourn Moment now!

Here are a few of the current promotions available to Departure Lounge clients: