Tag Archives: vacation

Travel

Boho Living In New Hotel Perched Above Turkey Aegean Sea

Leave a comment

Bobo by The Stay Opens in Bodrum

Bringing refined bohemian living to Türkiye’s Aegean coast

Image: Bobo by The Stay

London, England – (June 2024) Bobo by The Stay, the newest of the Stay Hotels, has now opened in Bodrum, Turkey. Perched high above the sparkling Aegean Sea, Bobo offers guests ​​exclusive access to the turquoise waters of Cennet Bay, on the Turkish Riviera.

Bobo was designed by visionary architect Mahmut Anlar and his team at Geo ID.

The hotel, tailored for adults, opens with 24 exclusive rooms and suites, each with nature-inspired curved walls and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing breath-taking views of the surrounding coastline and centuries-old olive groves. The hotel’s layout ensures space and privacy for every guest.

True to its name, Bobo has been created to celebrate refined bohemian living, and offers a unique fusion of entertainment, gastronomy, and the arts. Guests can look forward to a vibrant array of cultural and artistic events, including pop-up comedy festivals, guest chefs, and sunset parties throughout the summer. For those who enjoy nightlife, the hotel offers a private nightclub for guests to let their hair down to the beat of international DJs.

Image: Paraliaki Restaurant located in Bobo by The Stay

Bobo brings the flavours of Istanbul’s Bebek Hotel by the Stay to Bodrum, featuring locally sourced dishes, live music, and signature cocktails by the sea.

Dragon, famed for its stellar Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine in Istanbul, opens its second restaurant at Bobo, while the Greek-inspired Paraliaki restaurant creates menus focused on fresh seafood. As evening descends, guests are treated to an unforgettable dining experience. With dishes created to celebrate the region’s rich maritime heritage and seating on grass or sand, guests can unwind in a laid-back atmosphere that captures the essence of Bobo living.

The hotel’s private beach club, Bobo Beach, features sun loungers on a secluded stretch of Cennet Bay, creating a perfect spot for relaxing and sampling gourmet dishes by the sea. The hotel also offers an exclusive yacht catering service for those who are exploring the beautiful waters of Cennet Bay. In keeping with the relaxed coastal vibe, there’s an outside gym and holistic Stay Spa with saunas and rejuvenating ice baths overlooking the forested bay. The Bobo Store, a boutique housed in a domed tent, will offer beachwear, artisanal wares from local craftspeople, and Turkish brands that reflect the local Aegean culture.

About The Stay Hotels

The Stay Hotels group is a collection of design-focused, culturally connected properties across Türkiye, including four in Istanbul, one in Alaçatı on the Çeşme Peninsula, and the newest on the Bodrum Peninsula. Each hotel combines modern, stylish design with respect for local heritage, offering intimate stays with attentive service.

In Istanbul, guests can choose from The Stay Nisantasi Boulevard, an art-filled mansion in the Fashion Quarter; The Stay Nisantasi, a sleek retreat in the same area; The Stay Bosphorus, a revamped 19th-century waterside mansion; and the Bebek Hotel by the Stay, a glamorous hotel overlooking the Bosphorus. In Alaçatı, The Stay Warehouse is a beautifully restored former warehouse near the coast. With the opening of Bobo by The Stay, the Stay Hotels adds a coastal retreat with light-filled rooms, cultural events, and pop-up restaurants to its stable of hotels.

Travel

This is Where Canadians Want to Travel to This Summer

Leave a comment

The trending destinations Canadians want to go on vacation this summer based on Google searches.

Where do Canadians want to go on their summer vacation in 2024?

With soaring inflation prices and the cost of essential shopping skyrocketing, millions of Canadians will plan to cut back on vacation spending. According to data from Ipsos*42% of Canadians say they plan to minimize their spending on vacations in 2024 as a way of dealing with the increased cost of living. Now, as the season changes into spring, more people are wondering what this summer has in store for them from a vacation perspective.

Are Canadians really looking to cut costs when it comes to their annual trip? Or has the economy got us looking outside of our usual go-to destinations?

Our friends at Top10casinos.ca, have used Google search data looking at terms around ‘summer vacations’ to find out which destinations around the world are most in-demand by Canadians looking to book their summer vacation in 2024. So, whether you need some inspiration for your next big trip, or just love a good list, here are the trending destinations Canadians want to go on vacation this summer based on Google searches.canada's favorite summer vacation

Revealed: Canada’s Top 10 Most in Demand Summer Vacation Hotspots in 2024

Research Reveals New York Will Be Canada’s Favorite Summer Vacation in 2024 – Getting 1.9 Million Searches Every Month

With 1.9 million monthly searches and a 6% increase in searches in the last 30 days, the metropolis of New York is officially Canada’s most desired destination for a summer vacation this year. Analyzing individual attractions that Canadians are most interested in visiting, searches for ‘new york broadway shows 2024’ are up 9,900% and people searching for ‘new york yankees schedule 2024’ are up 5,800%. For Canadians looking for an early Spring vacation, searches for ‘new york weather in April’ are up 750% in the last 30 days.

City Break Destinations Incredibly Popular for Canadian Summer Vacations in 2024

Half of the top 10 most-searched for summer vacation spots by Canadians are city break destinations with San Francisco, Las Vegas and Honolulu topping the list. The data shows that Vancouver residents are getting heart eyes for San Francisco. In the last month, there were 16,550 searches for summer vacations in the Golden Gate City and searches for ‘Vancouver San Francisco cruises’ are up 29% since the same time last year.

  • The Cold European Country of IcelandThe Cold European Country of Iceland Has the MOST Search Increases – Ranking Above Beach Favorite, Mexico Beaches, relaxing by the pool and all you can drink cocktails are usually synonymous with summer, but according to our study, Canadians want to escape the heat in favor of colder climes. With an average of over 689,980 monthly searches and a huge 122% increase in 30 days, Iceland surprisingly ranks in front of Mexico as a go-to vacation destination this summer. Looking at why Canadians might be interested in visiting the land of ice and fire, searches for ‘northern lights’ are up 10,900% and people looking at ‘portugal v iceland’ have increased 1,043% on Google. According to the regional data, Niagara Falls residents in particular are looking for a totally unique experience this summer, with searches for ‘Iceland summer vacation’ up 200% since the same time last year.
  • Cuba Revealed as Canada's Most Desired Beach DestinationCuba Revealed as Canada’s Most Desired Beach Destination This Summer – Ranking Above Mexico and Costa RicaWith more than 712,000 monthly searches and an increase of 36% in 30 days, Cuba is revealed as Canada’s most desired beach vacation destination for summer 2024. According to the data, Canadians are researching long distance swimming in the country, with searches for ‘swim from cuba to florida’ up 3,500% and ‘vacations to cuba’ up 333%.
  • The Dominican Republic Ranks in Top 10The Dominican Republic Ranks in Top 10 With over 97,000 monthly searches for ‘The Dominican Republic summer vacation’ and a 35% increase in the past month – it’s evident the Caribbean Island will be one of the most coveted destinations by Canadians this summer, which is why it features in the top 10. When analyzing search trends on a city level, Montréal has seen a 25% increase in residents’ searching for the beautiful beach spot, and Ottawa shows a 20% surge.

trending destinations canadians want to go on vacation

Mapped: Most Desired Vacation Destinations Across Canada, Revealed

  • Las VegasLas Vegas Named the Most Desired Destination The gambling capital of the world is the most searched for city across the 10 cities of Alberta with searches spiking by nearly half (48%) since the same time last year. With 1.7 million monthly searches and a 12% increase in Canadian’s searching for the desert oasis summer vacation, Las Vegas has seen a 6% increase in search increases than topspot New York, the city also ranks above favorites Cuba and Mexico.
  • GreeceGreece Ranks Second as Research Reveals European Summer Vacations Most Popular with Ontario ResidentsThe data shows there’s a rapid number of Canadians looking to experience a European summer vacation this year, with both Greece and Italy coming up top in Ontario. Looking at the most searched for destinations, searches for Greece’s picturesque Santorini have increased by 67% since the same period last year across Canada, and Italy’s Rome have spiked 25%.
  • Costa RicaCosta Rica is the Most Desired Destination by Two ProvincesFilled with rugged rainforests, pristine lagoons and beautiful beaches, it’s little wonder the Central American country of Costa Rica is the most desired by two parts of Canada. Provinces of Quebec and Manitoba both had Costa Rica as their favorite destination, with searches for the tropical country up by an average of 81% across 10 cities in Quebec since the same time last year. Looking at locations on a city level, searches for ‘all inclusive Costa Rica vacations’ are up 300% in Quebec City, highlighting a need to escape busy metropolitan life.
  • Toronto's 3 Favorite Summer Vacation SpotsToronto’s 3 Favorite Summer Vacation Spots are all City DestinationsResidents hailing from Ontario’s capital, Toronto, are interested in keeping the summer city spirit alive, with 3 favorite destinations also being city spots. According to the data, Toronto’s favorite destination is Dubai with a 49% increase in searches since the same time last year. Closely followed by Rome (22%), and Miami (20%).

Methodology

  1. Using articles around the topic of “bucket list travel destinations”, “best vacations in 2024” we were able to collect a list of approx 100 dream global travel destinations. To allow for us to make sure we’re focusing on those who want to holiday in these locations we assigned the prefixes “summer vacations in” to all locations. These terms were then entered into keywordtool.io to collect the average monthly search volume and search trends (over the last 12 months) per state.
  2. Search volumes and trends were gathered using https://keywordtool.io/
  3. All data correct and accurate as of 11th April 2024

Sources

https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/canadians-cut-back-2023-and-plan-continue-cuts-2024

For the Silo, Amanda Evans

Travel

Top Reasons Why So Many Tourists Visit Jamaica

Leave a comment

As the cold weather and winter arrives back to North America and Covid is (hopefully) finally behind us, it’s time to start setting travel records again.  For example, 2017 saw a record number of tourist arrivals in Jamaica, with 4.3 million vacationers. That was a huge 21.1% increase from the previous year and that trend continued for 2018 and 2019. It seems safe to expect the same pattern to start up again in 2022 and beyond and visitors won’t just be staying in hotel rooms but also opting to stay in luxury villa rentals.

So why the expected increased interest in Jamaica again as a travel destination?

Part of the reason is that the movies tend to portray Jamaicans as fun-loving people. But the real truth is that it’s always been a popular country, and also because the trend for “authentic experiences” in tourism has enticed more travelers to visit the country without going to a hotel.

Frankfort Ocho Rios Jamaica

If you’re still thinking about visiting the country, take note of the following reasons why you really should drop by for a visit:

  1. Gorgeous beaches. Many of the most impressive beaches in the whole Caribbean are in Jamaica. The sands along the beach are spectacularly white and pristine, the waters are crystal blue, and the sunrises and sunsets are utterly dramatic. You can relax in the famed Seven Miles Beach, or perhaps indulge your need to explore by visiting the rocky coast of Cosmos Beach. Just about every city along the coast will provide you with a fantastic beach to relax in.

  2. Water sports. When there are beaches, water sports are also part of the fun. It’s virtually axiomatic. Here in Jamaica, that kind of fun includes scuba diving and snorkeling, along with surfing as well. You can rent jet skis too.

  3. Exotic wildlife. You really need to bring a good digital camera, as your smartphone may not be enough to capture the real beauty of the local plants and bird species. But you really must see them for yourself. You ought to try scuba diving as well, so that you can be mesmerized by the creatures and plants under the sea.

  4. Tropical climate. Just how cold is it where you are right now? If it’s still winter, then it’s time to head on out to warm Jamaica where you can swim in a flimsy bathing suit even while it’s snowy back where you live.

    In some places, it’s also not too warm at all, so you can feel pleasantly cool.

  5. Golf. Are you a links fanatic? If so, you will definitely love the luxury golf courses on the island. You can drive and put amidst the fantastic landscapes and enjoy the beautiful gardens. It’s in Jamaica where you will find Half Moon, which is widely considered as the best golf course in the whole Caribbean region.

  6. Friendly people. Haven’t you noticed how in the movies Jamaicans are stereotypically portrayed as fun-loving friendly folks? That’s because the people here are just that way. They tend to regard tourists as personal friends, so it’s like every day there’s a party here to celebrate meeting new people.

  7. Local cuisine. The food items here are mostly locally grown, so you tend to enjoy fresh meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. You really need to try the jerk-seasoned dishes, this jerk and curry seasoning can expand your horizons when it comes to chicken and pork dishes. But that’s not the national dish. It’s ackee and saltfish, with just caught seafood along with the ackee fruit that’s been sautéed and served with salt cod, tomatoes, peppers, and onions.

Visit here even once, and you’ll certainly want to come back time and again. In fact, it’s always hard to leave. It’s always a fun time here, and that’s what makes for a great vacation.

Travel

Travel To Sustainability Pioneer Tongsai Bay

1 Comment

On a regular basis The Silo informs you about companies who do their part in changing our world to a better place.

Green Pearls® Unique Places is dedicated to the Tongsai Bay in Thailand and recognizes the amazing work that created a sustainable tourism industry there nearly four decades ago.

How it all began

In 1986, Khun Akorn Hoontrakul was on a boat trip with his twelve year old son Thanakorn and they spotted the bay from the sea. Khun Akorn immediately felt passionate about it – something Thanakorn did not understand back then. “My 12 year old mind didn’t really appreciate its beauty at that time. The sand was coarse and the water was dark blue because of its depth. It was my Dad who saw the potential and later said to me: ‘It was love at first sight'”, recounts Thanakorn.

Sleeping under the stars

Within one week Khun Akorn bought the land and started building the hotel. At a time when nobody thought about sustainable tourism, he believed in the responsibility to protect nature. To ensure that no tree was felled and the impact on nature was kept as low as possible, he slept at the beach for three months.

Setting a good example

Today, the hotel is led by Thanakorn and his wife Saisiri. They share the same passion about sustainable tourism believing that everyone is responsible for the protection of the environment. Their deep belief is that every little step makes a difference. They set a good example for everybody in their private and professional life: “It’s a way of life, to not destroy the environment. It’s a constant thought to make sure habits don’t contribute to waste. If we forget our water bottle, we won’t drink, as we do not drink from plastic”.

Acting sustainable is a holistic approach

Leading the hotel in a sustainable way does not only mean to take green aspects into account. Furthermore it involves a holistic approach, taking into account environmental as well as social aspects, like fair salary, staff training and education. Just as in their private life they focus on waste prevention: kitchen waste for example is composted and reused as fertilizer in the own garden.


Open for everyone: the organic garden

The hotel’s own horticulturist and gardeners are responsible for the organic garden which provides the vegetables and herbs for the kitchen. They developed a fermenting process from oranges and limes using different kinds of micro organisms for an efficient cleaning process. The garden and its plants are open for guests, who can use for example the aloe vera to treat sun burned skin. Additionally there is natural mosquito repellent made by locals, glass cleaner made out of pineapples as well as natural toothpaste.

What has changed since the opening (or in a good way not changed)

Many trees have been planted along the walkway leading to the Cottages providing more shade and in the space of ten+ years there will be a tree tunnel with shade all day long which makes walking much easier in the heat. This is to say that Tongsai is even greener than it used to be. There are 66 kinds of birds spotted in Tongsai in the past 12 years. The star resident bird is the colorful Pink-Necked Pigeon, and even a slow Loris had been spotted near NangGong Villa by Gob and Goya back in 2002. There is still a lot of natural space left in the territory but instead of building more man-made structures the business is not being expanded and natural areas are left untouched.

Pink-Necked Pigeon

The German Green Pearls GmbH ( based in Darmstadt, Germany ) unifies international tourism companies that support environmental protection and demonstrate social commitment. Thereby, Green Pearls is the first holding company worldwide that consolidates sustainable hotels, destinations and restaurants in a global data source.

Among the criteria of admission to Green Pearls® Unique Places, are a sustainability plan on management level, sustainable architecture, comprehensive water, energy saving and waste recovery measures, the use of seasonal and regional ingredients in the kitchen, as well as a large commitment for the social balance in each of the vacation regions.

Reviews

Noteworthy Gifts And Gadgets To Improve Your Summer And Beyond

Leave a comment

With upcoming summer temperatures in North America forecast as  “lingering on the high end of the spectrum”, many are still out and about enjoying the longer days and extra leisure time. Of course, during the summer our desire for gadgets and gear that eases our travels, enhances our self-care regime, and just makes life more enjoyable is always in high demand. With that in mind, I’ve found some noteworthy gifts and gets sure to improve the rest of your season and far beyond.

myFlipShade (www.MyFlipShade.com) – $9.99 usd

Maybe the best accessory for smartphones since the PopSocket is myFlipShade—a newly launched item that provides a pop-up shield that prevents glare and other weather conditions from affecting your ability to see your screen.

It attaches to the back of your phone using an adhesive strip and flips around to not only prevent annoying glare, but also serve as a privacy shield to block peeping eyes from reading your screen. It also functions as a horizontal and vertical smartphone stand. Even though the shade is an all-in-one phone accessory, it can still be used with other accessories like credit card holders and stands. myFlipShade is compatible with iPhone 6 and up, including Plus models, and comes in several fun colors and patterns to match various mood or personalities: black, pineapple, summer print and marble white.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: myFlipShade

Skinit, MacBook Skins, iPhone Cases (www.Skinit.com) – $29.99-$45.99 usd

Speaking of stylish phone accessories, you can express your unique style with Skinit’s authentic case collections and premium vinyl decal skins featuring your favorite iconic brands, characters, and professional sports team…or you can custom-create your own! Skinit collaborates with Marvel, DC Comics, Looney Tunes and Hello Kitty to offer you official and original artwork, so you can let your inner character shine and express yourself with killer pop-culture brands and characters. Skinit is also an official licensor of the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS so you can show off your team pride and let your team passion be known. Skinit iPhone Cases can also be fully customized, including personal photos, and also provide maximum protection from damaging falls. Featuring a dual-layer case construction, the Skinit Pro Case will provide maximum style and solid protection for any iPhone model. No matter what device you have or who your all-time favorite character is, Skinit will likely have you covered.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Skinit

i-Top (www.GoliathGames.us) – $16.99 usd

Leave your cellphones behind, disconnect from the world, and embrace quality family time this summer—and as often as you can, really! Goliath Games has introduced a new generation of spinning top toys called i-Top. Using smart technology, this high-tech top keeps track of the number of spins while LEDs light up the display. Spin your way to the top score by competing in multiple challenges. Unlock hidden features by spinning the top an exact number of spins to show special animations, or you can challenge your friends and family to a high score. With over ten different ways to play and tons of animations, the fun with i-Top can be non-stop. Have a friendly family competition to see who can spin the highest score and unlock the most hidden challenges and determine who’s the ultimate i-Top master? Also super portable and travel-friendly, the i-Top—available in Mega Gear Blue, Infinite Purple and Vortex Red—has a spinner that folds down so it easily fits in a pocket or bag. Keep it handy for hours of fun and laughter. Kudos to Goliath, which celebrates and facilitates quality family time and bringing people together.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Goliath Games

RCA Sound Soother (www.RCAAudioVideo.com) – 29.99 usd

There’s no better time than summer to catch up on your sleep and with RCA’s Sound Soother device you can relax and get a good night’s slumber (or daytime nap) while listening to your favorite of 10 pre-loaded sounds. You can also use it block out ambient noise, so it’s great for hotel use and while studying among other scenarios. Users can choose from white noise, waves, rain, brown noise, pink noise, campfire, Canon in D, Clair De Lune, Gymnopedie No. 1 or Greensleeves. Set your sleep timer for 30, 60 or 90 minutes or keep it on constantly to keep you sleeping soundly through the night. AC powered with included adapter or use anywhere with 3 AAA batteries and of course adjustable volume controls. You can also enjoy your own music from your smartphone through the aux input—making this a totally customizable product for your preferences.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: VOXX International Corporation

Minetan (www.MineTanBodySkin.com) – $34.95 usd

During the summer months there’s nothing better than having that perfect, sun kissed glow.

So it’s great news that Aussie self-tanning powerhouse Minetan has landed in the U.S. This one-hour self-tanner contains skin loving, PETA-approved ingredients that truly benefit skin, including moisturizing antioxidants and oils like argan oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, coconut water, shea butter and more. Every product is free of parabens, contains 100% natural DHA, and is even vegan friendly—all quite unique for a tanning brand. You can achieve a streak-free, bronzed babe look in just one hour, or leave it on longer for a darker result. Minetan has an inclusive color range, challenging the industry-wide standard of three size-fits-all (light, medium, dark) approach to tanners, by exploring the nuances of undertone. Offering a comprehensive range of highly advanced tanning products, Minetan’s one-hour tan is just one of their many world-first, skin-friendly formulas that’s been introduced to North American customers—both online and in Ulta Beauty stores. Other notable groundbreakers include a range of nourishing coconut-water based tans, a fitness tan, and a personal spray tan kit. With all of their one-hour tans, you choose your preferred custom color depth skin finish by deciding when you shower after application. You wash off for 45 seconds and you are good to go, with a personalized tan that looks and feels great and is actually good for your skin.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Minetan

Luster Pro Light Dental Whitening System (www.LusterPremiumWhite.com) – $43.99 usd

Want dramatically whiter, brighter teeth without a trip to the dentist, without messy strips and trays, and without sensitivity?

No problem! Luster Premium White offers just that with its Pro Light Dental Whitening System. Developed by dentists and clinically proven to deliver results, this trusted brand lets consumers enjoy peace-of-mind and professional-grade teeth whitening right at home…quickly, safely, conveniently and comfortably. Luster Pro Light Dental Whitening System is unique among teeth whitening brands in that it uses a patented Dual Power Xenon Whitening Light and Stain Lifting Serum to whiten teeth up to 6 shades in 30 minutes! It gently whitens without sulfates (SLS) and is enamel-safe. The system includes everything needed to deliver amazing results: Dual-Energy Whitening Light, Accelerinse, Stain Lifting Serum, Power White Pro Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste in Mint. The Pro Light Whitening System can be purchased online as well as neighborhood retailers such as Walmart and Walgreens.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Luster Premium White

OMM Collection Haircare & Skincare (www.OMMCollection.com) – prices vary

The OMM Collection was inspired by the provincial South of France approach to “naturalism” and the company’s natural “farm to beauty” concept.

Indeed, OMM Unique hair formulas are blended with revolutionary Green Apple Stem Cell and Clover Flower Seed Extract to stimulate natural growth, strengthen hair follicles and deliver nourishment and thickening. The Shampoo is formulated with this Apple Stem Cell Extract with natural oils of Marula, Moringa, Amla and Prickly Pear. It’s a gentle concentrated light wash without sulfates. The Serum is a powerful infusion of hair treatment with Apple Stem Cell Extract and Capixyl, which preserves the hair follicle, providing thicker, healthier hair. The company’s Hair Mask is a rich, deep conditioning, weightless leave in treatment to rejuvenate, strengthen the overall health of hair. The Body Butter Soufflé is a rich, velvety and ultra-hydrating body butter containing natural ingredients that moisturizes the skin and locks in hydration. In addition, their Hand and Body Milk Crème is a rich, non-greasy, hydrating body cream enriched with Shea and Cocoa butter to help nourish, protect skin. The company also offers OMM signature fragrance essential oils of White Tea Jasmine and Dark Chocolate that were custom-developed with exclusivity and excellence in mind by a globally recognized international fragrance house.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: OMM Collections

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (www.Liquid-IV.com) – $24.99 usd – 16 pack

Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier is a great-tasting, Non-GMO electrolyte drink mix that utilizes the breakthrough science of Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to deliver hydration to your bloodstream faster and more efficiently than water alone. So effective, Liquid I.V. can provide the same hydration as drinking 2 to 3 bottles of water! Just add the electrolyte powder to your water and let CTT do the rest. Proper hydration allows your body to perform at the highest level, increase calorie burn, helps you stay mentally alert and energized, and even reduces signs of aging. Liquid I.V. is available in three flavors: Lemon Lime, Acai Berry, and Passion Fruit. I also love that Liquid I.V. is committed to defeating dehydration at a global level. With every order received, they donate one serving of Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier electrolyte drink mix to someone in need around the world. This includes the poorest regions of countries like Haiti and refugees in Uganda to helping those in need during emergency and disaster situations such as Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and the Southern California wildfires.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Liquid I.V.

Empower Cosmopolitan Martini (www.EmpowerCocktails.com) – $21.99 usd

For refreshment of a different sort, try the Empower Cosmopolitan Martini for happy hour, while lounging by the pool or whenever you’re in the mood for a tasty spirit.

While the distilled beverage market is a booming industry, it’s one that continually targets men while often leaving women out as an afterthought. But Empower Cocktails seeks to change all of that. This new disruptor puts celebrating and empowering women at the forefront of its mission, while dazzling and delighting with its ready-to-pour line of delicious cocktail drinks. They recently launched their first cocktail, the refreshing but not too sweet Empower Cosmopolitan Martini. The beverage contains Sweet Potato Vodka that’s locally-sourced from a family-owned farm in Northern California, as well as triple sec, cooling white cranberry and zesty lime. It is best-served refrigerated; all you need to enjoy it is a martini glass and—if you so desire—your favorite garnish. The drink is 25 proof and contains only 80 calories per three ounces. Also cause-conscious, Empower Cocktails partners with several non-profits that champion women’s initiatives including the Voss Foundation, Dress for Success Boston, Kicked it in Heels and the Metro-Manhattan Community Foundation to name a few.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Empower Cocktails 


For the Silo, Merilee Kern. As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority—a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. She reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her online at www.TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList and on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReviews.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

 

Culture

Tips For A Relaxing Staycation Can Include Legal Canadian Edibles

Leave a comment

Just because you have the days off, it doesn’t mean you need to leave town. There’s no mob of townsfolk chasing you out of town with pitchforks just because you’re “technically on vacation”. Sometimes, you just don’t have the money, energy and/or desire to go anywhere. Sometimes, when you get a week or two off work, all you really want to do is relax.

Go for it: have yourself a staycation. But if you are going to commit to the staycation, to really sink your teeth into relaxing, you need to follow a few simple steps. In this article, let’s look at a few tips you should follow if you want to squeeze the most relaxation out of your time off work.

Set Up an “Out of Office” Reply

If relaxation is like a balloon lazily floating in the air, work emails are the needle that’s going to pop it. Over and over and over again. They are constant, daily reminders of a stress you are supposed to leave behind, where it belongs – at work. Do yourself a favor and, after you finish your last day before vacation, quickly set up an out of office auto-reply. That lets co-workers and clients know that you are on vacation, and you don’t want to be reached save for the most urgent matter.

Log off Social Media

Social media is a fun sinkhole to fall into, but once you climb back out you might notice that you don’t feel all that good. That’s because people on social media tend to put their best face on, posting themselves doing fun activities, joyously traveling, eating magnificent meals… and nobody ever posts the bad stuff. Over time, this can cause you to unfairly compare yourself to those idealized accounts. And, as the saying goes, “comparison is the thief of joy”. It’s best to stay away, especially while relaxing!

Try a Little Legal Cannabis

Cannabis is legal in a lot of states, as well as in Canada, so why not partake? Even if you’re not much of a smoker, there are delicious cannabis infused treats you can try, or CBD-infused cannabis tea you can sip on. The chemical compounds in cannabis (CBD especially) have been shown to reduce stress and relieve pain.

Image result for canada cannabis

No one’s advocating for you to spend your entire staycation smoking on the couch, but a bit of edibles or tea can help you fully, psychologically disconnect from the stresses of work.

Pick Up a Hobby

If you find that idle hands don’t really look good on you, pick up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Try painting an abstract portrait, or cooking an elaborate Thai meal. Try taking a drop-in pottery class or fixing up a car engine. Everyone has at least one hobby they want to try but haven’t.

Binge Watch a Show

Finally, take advantage of the current stream-site ubiquity and get involved in a good show. Everyone at the office has been talking your ear off about finally watching Deadwood or The Wire? Put the matter to rest and just watch the darn shows.

Who needs to get on an expensive plane, pay for an expensive room and sit on a crowded beach in order to relax? Not you. Follow these easy tips and you’ll be relaxing right away. For the Silo, Mila Urosevic.

Travel

NightSwapping Is New Euro Model of Sustainable Tourism

2 Comments

In a time when the sharing economy is generalizing eco-friendly solutions for a sustainable development, a European startup has brought up to date one of the oldest tourism ideas in the world to lower the carbon footprint on your next vacation. It’s called swapping or more precisely, NightSwapping.

A simple idea that is enjoyed for its human dimension, authenticity and the absence of money between members.

NightSwapping1

It is therefore with the utmost respect for traditional cultures, local territory and people that NightSwapping represents a new model for a sustainable tourism.

Has it not become common for travelers to stay at a local’s rather than hotels or resorts?

NightSwapping2

These new behaviors seem motivated by the desire to draw closer to local cultures and pass down certain values to our young ones…

Within this changing industry, a European concept has found a way to challenge the giants from the Silicon Valley. NightSwapping  is the Sharing Economy at its core: no money exchanged, just sharing and authentic experiences.

NightSwapping3

A promising idea that continues to convince travelers around the world. For the Silo,  Quentin Mittelett.  

NightSwapping4

Have you tried this? Would you try this? Let us know in the comments below.

Travel

Rankings Of One Day Cost At Over 300 Beaches Worldwide

Leave a comment

Amsterdam, Netherlands, – Online travel specialists, TravelBird, have released their annual Beach Price Index, featuring more than 300 seaside locations from 70 countries around the globe. On a year-to-year basis, the price of holiday beaches can change substantially when you take into account factors such as currency fluctuation and inflation. As a company which prides itself on inspiring travelers, TravelBird ranked the beaches in order to provide holidaymakers with the information they need to make a smart decision when booking.

TravelBird first examined an extensive catalogue of the world’s most popular beaches, before reducing this to a final shortlist of just over 300 locations, ranked on the cost of spending a day at each. To calculate their affordability, the price of five essentials were then researched for each destination: the cost of a bottle of sun cream (200 ml), a bottle of water (500 ml), a beer (33 cl bottle), lunch (including drink and dessert for one person), and an ice cream. The sum of these five essentials determined the final affordability ranking of each seaside location. All prices were calculated by standardizing the sizes of products, and with monetary transactions true to exchange rates on 1st June 2017.

Steve Klooster

“It is very interesting for travelers who are planning their trip to see how much the price of spending a day at the beach varies across the world. There are many useful tips in here. One to easily forget, currency fluctuations can make a big difference in the actual cost of your holiday, so keep those in mind. For example, beaches in the UK have become almost 10% more affordable for continental European visitors due to the decline of the pound after the Brexit referendum.” Said TravelBird CEO Steven Klooster. “Also, if you are keen on enjoying local food on the beach, pick Vietnam for instance, where you can enjoy delicious local food on the beach that is very affordable. Another one: in some places you pay a lot for sunscreen, up to 3 times more than you would pay in The Netherlands, so make sure you take some with you!“

The study reveals the 10 most expensive beaches are:

#

Beach

Country

Sunscreen

Water

Beer

Ice-cream

Lunch

Total (USD)

1

Kristiansand Beach

Norway

$21.58

$2.65

$8.48

$4.53

$27.37

$64.61

2

Huk Beach

Norway

$20.67

$2.97

$8.83

$5.09

$24.38

$61.94

3

Solastranda

Norway

$20.14

$2.83

$7.63

$4.71

$25.02

$60.33

4

Mareto Plage Publique

French Polynesia

$21.96

$2.01

$7.30

$3.99

$23.43

$58.69

5

La Plage de Maui

French Polynesia

$20.88

$2.01

$7.49

$3.53

$24.49

$58.40

6

Åkrasanden

Norway

$22.26

$2.57

$8.47

$4.24

$20.44

$57.98

7

Hamresanden

Norway

$22.97

$2.39

$7.42

$4.35

$20.01

$57.14

8

Ribersborg Beach

Sweden

$17.38

$2.12

$6.79

$3.31

$25.73

$55.33

9

Anse Vata

New Caledonia

$15.33

$1.82

$7.42

$2.28

$28.29

$55.14

10

Anse Georgette

Seychelles

$26.63

$0.94

$6.89

$1.24

$17.66

$53.36

Most expensive beach according to study- Kristiansand Beach, Norway. image: kristiansand.norway.com

In contrast, the study reveals the 10 most affordable beaches are:

#

Beach

Country

Sunscreen

Water

Beer

Ice-cream

Lunch

Total (USD)

310

Cua Dai Beach

Vietnam

$1.95

$0.50

$2.04

$0.88

$7.81

$13.18

309

City Beach

Vietnam

$2.32

$0.33

$2.14

$0.88

$8.23

$13.90

308

Long Beach

Vietnam

$2.57

$0.43

$2.09

$0.99

$8.34

$14.42

307

Marsa Nayzak

Egypt

$6.61

$0.21

$1.96

$0.83

$6.83

$16.44

306

Sunken City

Egypt

$7.12

$0.20

$2.02

$0.84

$6.64

$16.82

305

Varkala Beach

India

$3.98

$0.37

$3.32

$0.73

$9.21

$17.61

304

Benaulim Beach

India

$4.65

$0.31

$3.20

$0.61

$9.15

$17.92

303

Palolem Beach

India

$4.65

$0.24

$3.13

$0.67

$9.52

$18.21

302

Cavelossim Beach

India

$4.65

$0.37

$3.41

$0.83

$9.15

$18.41

301

Sharm El-Naga Bay

Egypt

$7.12

$0.21

$1.96

$0.84

$8.44

$18.57

Most affordable beach according to study- Cua Dai Beach, Vietnam. image: vietnamguidenews.com

Click here for the full results: https://travelbird.nl/beach-price-index-2017/

4 Canadian beaches appear in the Index, with the following results:

#

Beach

Region

Sunscreen

Water

Beer

Ice-cream

Lunch

Total (USD)

118

Grand Beach

Manitoba

$9.15

$1.61

$3.59

$2.89

$20.90

$38.14

121

Brady’s Beach

British Columbia

$9.28

$1.74

$3.65

$3.00

$20.00

$37.67

136

Wasaga Beach

Ontario

$9.15

$1.70

$3.59

$3.38

$19.08

$36.90

149

Parlee Beach

New Brunswick

$8.87

$1.66

$3.57

$2.95

$18.87

$35.92

Grand Beach, Manitoba. image: travelmanitoba.com

Other findings from the study include:

Sun cream is most expensive when bought from beaches in The Seychelles, costing $26.63 for a 200ml bottle. In comparison, Cua Dai Beach in Vietnam has the world’s least expensive sun cream, costing just $1.95 per bottle.

The seaside location with the most expensive bottle of water is Huk Beach in Norway, costing $2.97 for a 500ml bottle. The beach with the least expensive bottle of water is Sunken City in Egypt, where the same sized bottle costs just $0.20.

The beach with the most expensive beer globally is Huk Beach in Norway, where a 33cl bottle costs $8.83. In contrast, Soma Bay in Egypt is the seaside destination with the least expensive beer, available for just $0.63.

Norway’s Huk Beach also has the world’s most expensive ice creams, at $5.09 each. Egypt’s El Gouna is the beach with the least expensive ice creams in the world, costing just $0.52.

West Palm Beach in the American state of Florida has the world’s most expensive seaside lunch, costing $28.61 for one person. Egypt’s El Gouna is the beach with the most affordable lunches, available for just $5.63.

About our friends at TravelBird: TravelBird is an online travel company offering a curated collection of holiday and travel experiences – from short inspirational breaks to international get-aways. TravelBird’s passionate local travel advisors work directly with tour operators across the world to offer a selection of travel experiences that invite travellers to discover something new and immerse themselves in different cultures. For more information, please visit: https://travelbird.nl

Methodology:

The study has 310 of the most visited beaches in 70 countries based on local tourism board numbers and data from the UNWTO.  

Total Price = $ Sunscreen + $ Water + $ Beer + $ Ice-cream +$ Lunch

Sunscreen costs calculated by taking an average cost from a store in local resort/hotel, a hostel and local pharmacy or supermarket (all where available). We searched for SPF 30, 200 ml.

Lunch costs calculated by taking full meal cost, including a drink and dessert, for one person from a walking distance of maximum 10 minutes from the beach or the closest establishments to it (largely within tourist areas), outlets include hotels and restaurants.

Beer costs were calculated by taking an average of the biggest local beer brand along with the retail cost of Heineken, Budweiser, Becks, Guinness and Fosters at local prices, where available. Where sizes were not available, calculations were undertaken to make serving sizes equal.

Water calculations were found by taking the three largest local brands and calculating an average of these.

Ice-cream costs calculated by taking an average prepackaged branded ice-cream price in the capital city of each country and applying consumer produce cost differences to each area, where applicable.  For the Silo, Ricky Sutton.

Featured image- Wasaga Beach, Ontario courtesy of expedia.com

Travel

Sharing Economy Travel Market Leader Acquires Spanish Competitor Eyes America

Leave a comment

Nights Exchange Leader NightSwapping Acquires MyTwinPlace   NightSwapping is the first Nights exchange community with more than 250,000 members throughout 160 countries. It pioneered a new concept in 2012 which is unique in the sharing economy travel market. Read the PDF backgrounder by clicking here.

It takes the best parts of vacation rentals, home exchanges and Couch-surfing to let members travel for less or earn money. Whether you’re a traveler or a host, you earn Night credits with each trip which you can them use to travel or convert into money commission free.

Thanks to the innovative idea, you can keep traveling locally, authentically and meet friendly hosts and guests, all the while enjoying improved safety conditions and saving money.

In order to speed up its development, NightSwapping has acquired a Spanish competitor founded in 2013. MyTwinPlace’s community consists of 55,000 members throughout the world.

Serge Duriavig

According to Serge Duriavig, founder of NightSwapping, “this acquisition, which we have been preparing for the last few months, will allow us to significantly strengthen our community by bringing even more travel opportunities to our members, particularly in the booming Spanish market.
This deal affirms our ambition to become a mainstay in the sharing economy travel market. Thanks to MyTwinPlace, our goal to reach 300,000 members in 2017 is already realized. We aspire to reach 1,000,000 members in the next 2 years.”

For Xavier Labollos de Jesus and Jean Noel Saunier, the heads of MyTwinPlace, “the acquisition by NightSwapping is a guarantee that our community lives on serenely.”

In 2014 and 2016, NightSwapping raised 2 million euros successively with venture funds, Family Offices and Business Angels. A fundraising round that allowed the French upstart to grow its community tenfold.
A new round is scheduled before the end of the year, so NightSwapping can keep expanding, with an eye on the American market.

The website is available in seven languages; English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German and Dutch. An app will soon be released on Google Play and the iPhone App Store.

Travel

Explore The World This Summer Via 12 Trendy Family Homes From HomeExchange

Leave a comment

Traveling with kids can be challenging, especially when restricted by a tight budget. As families begin to reevaluate their own homes and hometowns, they are discovering that what they once took for granted can be a huge destination for someone else. Providing travelers with the additional comfort of bedrooms for each family member, a kitchen, garden, pool, toys, bikes and more, a family home away from home can be the perfect base camp to explore a region.

The list below includes 12 family-friendly homes available this summer for families looking to discover the world via HomeExchange:

USA – Colorado – Evergreen

Nestled in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, this beautiful home is within driving distance of Denver, ski mountains, and Evergreen Lake which is best known for its all-season recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and birding. Bordered by mountain parks with miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, the home is equipped with bunk beds, toys, and video games for young children. A Jeep Wrangler and a Kia Sorento are also available for exchange.

Thailand – Phuket

The ultimate in discreet luxury and privacy, this villa comes outfitted with an ocean-facing spa and “concierge.” Overlooking Surin Beach, and only a few steps from two of Phuket’s top beaches, families can enjoy picturesque sunset views over the Andaman Sea in between horse and elephant rides.

Mexico – Manzanillo

Outfitted with a vast collection of Mexican folk art, this Mexican style three-bedroom home overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Miles of beaches with balmy ocean breezes and warm water year-round, Manzanillo is widely known as the sea fishing capital of the world. The house is about two miles from the great beach of Santiago Bay where house guests will be treated to a beach club membership.

France – Seignosse

This large Basque Landes-style house is located right on the beach. The five bedroom home boasts several terraces and is located less than two miles from the seaside town of Hossegor. The area is internationally renowned for its Atlantic surf spots and gastronomy, as well as golfing, surfing, and cycling.

USA – California – Santa Monica

Vibrant both inside and out, this ocean view four-bedroom house is full of light. Situated in a quiet neighborhood of Santa Monica, families will have easy access to shopping, restaurants, bike paths, and the beach. For families looking to venture further into the state of California, a Ford Expedition that can fit up to eight passengers is included in the exchange!

United Kingdom – London

Nestled on a quiet residential road in the middle of East London, this spacious Victorian family home has a lovely garden and plenty of toys for children. The vibrant neighborhood is only a bus ride or train away from Central London.

Australia – Kingscliff

Beachfront luxury on the magical Gold Coast, one hour from Brisbane City. With miles of beach, bicycle tracks, and local restaurants within a two-minute walk, this home is a perfect holiday for families.

Canada – West Vancouver

This waterfront seven bedroom villa with beach access, a private deck, spacious swimming pool, boats, and three cars are all located within a half hour drive from downtown Vancouver and mere minutes from parks, mountains, shopping, and restaurants.

Costa Rica – Puntarenas

This literal treehouse is situated in the canopy of the jungle that National Geographic called “the most bio-diverse place on earth.” This home is the perfect respite after a day of ziplining, swimming, waterfall hiking, and bird watching. Providing a true sense of adventure and an off-the-grid feel, this abode is free of televisions, hair dryers, and internet access.

Ireland – Stradbally

A kid-friendly home located one-hour away from Dublin, this modern home comes with a separate nanny studio in the garden, swings, slide, playroom, and lots of toys and bicycles. Nearby historic castles, beautiful woodlands, an equestrian center in Stradbally, a fishing lake and a championship golf course designed by golf legend Steve Ballesteros make this a must-stay neighborhood.

South Africa – Cape Town

This golf course estate boasting breathtaking views of Table Mountain and modern architect is only 15 minutes away from the city center. With direct beach access to Sunset Beach, the internationally-renowned windsurfing and kitesurfing hotspot of Africa, families will not have to venture far to create lifelong memories.

USA – New York – Montauk

Located directly across the street from the ocean, Montauk represents a classic and relaxed old American lifestyle. For those looking to juxtapose their stay with a trip to the bustling city of New York, several means of transport are available to get to Manhattan. Travelers can also opt for a seaplane for a quick forty-five-minute flight into the city.

For the Silo, Alexandra Origet du Cluzeau.
About HomeExchange  Founded by Ed Kushins, a pioneer of the “collaborative consumption” movement, HomeExchange has facilitated over one million home swaps since 1992. “It was the inspiration for the still popular 2006 movie “The Holiday” starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jude Law. In 2016, 67,000 HomeExchange members made 135,000 home swaps across 150 countries. HomeExchange makes it easy to plan and enjoy a home exchange vacation and offers travelers a memorable, authentic experience. Last year, it was awarded “Best Site for Booking Your Stay” by USA Today readers.

Travel

5 Disruptive Luxury Travel Trends Shattering The Status Quo

Leave a comment

With the global luxury market collectively growing at 4 percent to an estimated $1.15USD (€1.08) trillion in 2016, according to a recent “Bain & Company Luxury Study,” coupled with optimistic forecasts that the luxury goods market will pick up this year, the hospitality industry is gearing up for elevated demand among both leisure and business travelers. This amid evidence that, despite widespread geopolitical uncertainties, luxury consumers are redirecting their spending toward new and more personalized high-end experiences like luxury travel, food and wine.

“The luxury market has reached a maturation point,” said Claudia D’Arpizio, lead author of the study. “Brands can no longer rely on low-hanging fruit. Instead, they really need to implement differentiating strategies to succeed going forward. We are already starting to see clear polarization when it comes to performance with winners and losers emerging across product categories and segments.”

D’Arpizio also underscored that personal luxury market brands that “take an omni-channel, customer-centric approach will rise to the top.” Such is the prevailing wisdom for both the B2C and B2B luxury travel sector, specifically, with personalized experiences, quality of service and private booking options serving as primary distinguishing factors for luxe brand positioning throughout 2017 and beyond.

Here how these key drivers will converge with evolving luxury travel trends to greatly influence various vertical sectors—and, in doing so, the marketplace at large—in the months ahead:

1. Small group cultural immersions loom large.
Group Courtesy TheLuxeList.com.jpgTravelers are increasingly seeking exclusive and regionally-authentic itineraries that cater to small groups. Tour companies like Fort Washington, Pennsylvania-based Gate 1 Travel are capitalizing on this trend with offerings that provide the convenience of an escorted tour with the intimate view of local cultures that large groups just can’t provide. “Our small group tours option has seen, by far, the most significant increase in booking volume–up 50% in 2016,” the company reports.

A City Lodge Hotel Group report concurs that the trend of being “connoisseurs of local culture” will boom this year. It emphasizes that indigenous tourism experiences and cultural immersion will remain a big factor whether traveling within your own home country or jaunting to faraway lands. “We’ll see more people wanting to visit more than the big landmarks and monuments of their destination,” it says. “Rather people are more likely to be interested in knowing about the locals–those that call that place home. Trips to the rural communities will become popular, and travelers are likely to be more interested in private guides that teach them about the traditional ways of life.”

2. Private villa travel surpassing leading luxe resorts.
Today’s breed of private villa rentals have become the ultimate in luxury travel lodging for vacationers and business travelers, alike. This is due to the vast array of benefits and creature comforts it proffers for couples, families and small groups. While maximized privacy and security, uber-tailored guest service and 5-star accommodations and amenities are chief reasons the trend toward private villa lodging is exploding, an elite few have offerings far beyond that don’t just rival, but far exceed, those offered by high-end resorts, including their elite Penthouse suit options.

Courtesy Casa Dos Cisnes.jpgAccording to luxury travel agent Sandy Webb who books elite vacations all over the world “private villa residences offering first class, one-of-a-kind services are ushering in an entirely new era of bespoke hospitality around the globe. They are, in fact, single handedly setting a new and decidedly elevated standard for luxe travel worldwide.”

One private villa exemplifying this new standard is Casa Dos Cisnes–Puerto Vallarta’s foremost premier private oceanfront villa vacation experience. This  10,000 square foot Casa Dos Cisnes property, a five-bedroom colonial style home with breathtaking views of the Pacific that can accommodate up to 10 adults, goes well over-and-above to ensure each guest’s needs, desires, hopes and expectations for an extraordinary private villa vacation are fulfilled.

According to owner Cathryn Arnell, this includes proffering a bevy of premium benefits, including an authentic and stylishly-appointed residential setting, custom-prepared gourmet meals from an on-site private chef, 24/7 bilingual butler service and multiple staff, monitored security, housecleaning services, private infinity-edge ocean view pool, fully equipped state-of-the-art gym, large media-entertainment room, concierge and spa service, musicians for hire, sports and boating excursions, VIP treatment at the city’s leading beach club and most renowned restaurants, and more. “Given that guests enjoy complete privacy and security in the most exclusive area in Puerto Vallarta, commandeering the entire 10,000 square foot space with all of the relaxation, solitude and discretion that affords, the result is a one-of-a-kind holiday providing an unparalleled culinary and luxury living experience.”

3. Higher caliber private jet jaunts.
Jet Courtesy TheLuxeList.com.jpgAccording to Sergey Petrossov, founder and CEO of JetSmarter—an industry-leading private jet company based in Dubai, people are increasingly growing accustomed to personalized experiences, so much so, that it isn’t a demand anymore; it is now an expectation that needs to be met.

In order for brands to be memorable, they need to remember their customers and offer unique customized experiences. For its part, this JetSmarter achieves by placing a heavy emphasis on member relationships, with each assigned a relationship manager who is responsible for creating personalized and customizable private travel experiences.

JetSmarter also cites that there’s a very thin line between high-end and luxury, with the difference barely noticeable. “The travel industry is inundated with both high-end and luxury brands, however the distinction is relatively minor,” Petrossov said. “People often confuse high-end brands for luxury ones. Luxury brands essentially need to heighten their levels of service to be able to distinguish themselves from their high-end counterparts.”

4. Next-gen travel tech eases and expedites.
Smartphone Courtesy TheLuxeList.com.jpgArtificial Intelligence (AI) is another tech trend that will continue to evolve at a rapid pace. According to Advito’s 2017 Industry Forecast, AI has already enabled a range of apps, bots and software that makes it easier for industry purveyors to interact with travelers at every step of a trip to expedite, ease and enhance. AI automates computer processes to work in the same way as the human brain. Natural language processing (NLP) helps computers understand human speech or typing, and AI then applies machine learning to provide a useful response.

Advito reveals that the travel industry is “well-positioned to embrace AI,” and also that the wider travel industry is adopting AI as, for example, KLM passengers are now able to use Facebook Messenger to confirm bookings, get boarding passes and flight status updates. “AI is still in its infancy, but it is in our immediate future,” the report asserts. “As it develops, it will help simplify complex travel decisions, shorten the buying process and deliver a more personalized offering.”

5. Game changing smart suitcases solve perennial problems.
Courtesy Diego Cespedes.Bluesmart.jpgTravel is tough enough in the best of circumstances and is all-too-often replete with challenges. From crowded freeways, overbooked flights, Wi-Fi downtime and generally not having necessary items at hand, getting from point A to point B can be fraught with more than its fair share of frustrations.  Not surprisingly, technologists have responded with problem-solving gadgets and gear that exemplify tremendous innovation and ingenuity both in concept and execution. One glowing example of this is the Bluesmart Suitcase. Billed as “the world’s first smart suitcase,” this carry-on keeps traveler’s belongings tracked, devices charged, bag secure and trips hassle-free thanks to integrated technology that syncs to an associated mobile app that’s compatible with both iPhone and Android.

The suitcase features a built-in battery/charger with 2 USB ports. The substantial 10.000 mAh battery can charge your phone up to six times, juicing up this and any other USB-connectable device from the USB port on the back or the inside. The bag also boasts a 3G+GPS tracker with global coverage to track the suitcase anywhere in the world; a scale built right into the handle that interfaces with the app to tell you the approximate weight of your suitcase; and a remote digital lock that can be set up to lock itself when you step away and to unlock when you return. The TSA- approved smart lock provides distance alerts, notifying you if you leave it behind. Of course, the bag needs to carry you belongings, so the main compartment does provide large space for clothes, shoes, and coats, while a secondary TSA-friendly compartment is able to accommodate up to a 15″ laptop.

Despite the fact that luxury sales fell flat in 2016 as consumers shunned traditional products, it’s experiences—namely travel and entertainment—that are predicted to drive sector sales growth up ahead.  “There is a progressive shift from physical products to experiences, especially in the last year,” Federica Levato, partner at Bain & Company and co-author of the study, told Reuters, predicting that trend would continue. With the world economy poised to regain momentum this year and the penchant among wealthy consumers to spend on travel and gourmet food and wine rather than clothes and accessories, the future is bright for high-end hospitality. For the Silo, Merilee Kern.

MAIN-RT-LO-Tight-2.jpgAbout the author: Branding, business and entrepreneurship success pundit, Merilee Kern, MBA, is an influential media voice and lauded communications strategist. As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List International News Syndicate,” she’s a revered consumer product trends expert and travel industry voice of authority who spotlights noteworthy marketplace change makers, movers and shakers. Merilee may be reached online at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.


Sources:

http://www.bain.com/about/press/press-releases/the_global_personal_luxury_goods_market_holds_steady_at_249_billion_amid_geopolitical_uncertainty.aspx

http://www.thediamondloupe.com/articles/2016-04-12/bain-forecasts-drop-luxury-market-sales-2016-rebound-next-year

www.clhg.com/blog/2016/11/2017-travel-trends/

https://www.advito.com/advito-industry-forecast-2017/

Spotlight image- centraljetcharter.com

Culture

Recover From A Hyper Summer By Using Theanine

Leave a comment

 

While barbecues, sports leagues, family vacations, days at the beach and nights out with friends are fun, keeping up with summer recreation while maintaining a steady work schedule can be challenging, says Budge Collinson.

And before we know it, we’ll be back into the busy fall grind, getting kids up and off to school, participating in clubs and civic groups that have been on summer hiatus, and yes, before we know it, planning for holidays!

“We like to tell ourselves that there will be a period of rest before the next big thing, but usually there isn’t,” says Collinson, a food science expert with a passion for health and fitness. “The truth is, most of us like having full and often fast-paced lives, even if we tend to get worn out more quickly as we get older.”

Don’t resort to caffeine and other stimulants for a temporary energy boost, Collinson says.

“Replacing the nutrients that are depleted when you’re active is a much smarter way to maintain or increase your energy level, and many of those nutrients have long-term benefits as well,” says Collinson, who formulated an effervescent, natural multivitamin beverage called Youth Infusion, to make it easier to get all the essential nutrients and minerals in one 6-ounce drink.

He discusses the revitalizing powers of specific nutrients:

CoQ10 for that extra energy boost. Every cell in your body uses CoQ10 to produce energy, but your heart needs it the most. CoQ10 can help balance your blood pressure, and its mature aging.

Arginine to help with your endurance during workouts and your daily routine. Arginine helps the cardiovascular system by assisting in nitric oxide production, making the arteries more elastic. It also supports the functioning of your hormones and s waste and promotes wound healing.

Theanine helps support better moods. Theanine is a calming extract of green tea. Clinical research indicates that it helps focus a distracted mind. To a lesser extent, theanine has also been shown to reduce anxiety.

Resveratrol: a versatile antioxidant for term peace of mind. Resveratrol promotes healthy circulation, prevents cholesterol oxidation and protects your entire cardiovascular system from the effects of dangerous free radicals. Initial research shows resveratrol helps defend the body against a number of diseases, including Alzheimer’s, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Vitamin D – for when the sun isn’t as bright as Up to 90 percent of the vitamin D the body needs comes from sunlight, which is in much shorter supply after summer. Vitamin D is required for the regulation of the calcium and phosphorus in the body. It also plays an important role in maintaining proper bone structure and supporting immunity.

About Budge Collinson

Budge Collinson was the beneficiary of his mother’s natural health formula as a sick baby, which led to a deep interest in health and wellness at a young age. After years of research and seeing the growing demand for natural products with clinical support, he founded Infusion Sciences,
www.infusionsciences.com. Collinson earned a bachelor’s degree in food and resource economics from the University of Florida and certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Recently, he became a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and consistently attends the Natural Products Expo, where he learns the latest science and news about nutritious ingredients. Collinson is also a go-to source for media outlets across the country for healthy lifestyle and food source discussions.