The best way to explore an off-beat destination

Interviews by Adam Erace Avoid checking a bag at all costs, always wear comfortable jeans, and understand your destination – we asked three notable globetrotters for their go-to packing philosophies and must-have travel essentials.   Clare Vivier – Founder and CEO, Clare V. fashion line Because I travel a lot, I think about packing often. It sounds ridiculous to talk about this, but a recent trip to Africa stands out in my mind as the best packing I’ve ever done. We went to Tanzania and ran the Kilimanjaro half marathon, and then we were in Arusha and Zanzibar, traveling with Every Mother Counts, an organization we work with at Clare V. that funds maternal health care around the globe. Because we were traveling by Land Cruiser, we couldn’t have hard-case luggage, which takes up too much room. I packed two Weekenders – that’s one of our classics at Clare V. – very lightweight leather, small enough to fit under the seat in front of you on an airplane, but big enough to be a ...

By Gay Browne Many of us who love to travel are continuously seeking ways to preserve the places we adore and find greater purpose on our trips. The travel and tourism industry is leading the way in sustainability, from establishing philanthropic projects to striving for cultural and environmental preservation around the globe. Beyond choosing to travel with companies that hew to sustainable practices, one solid step is to make a conscious effort to reduce your carbon footprint and take your green lifestyle on the road. Here, four easy ways to travel with sustainability in mind: Choose an airline leading the way in sustainability.   We know that air travel creates a substantial carbon footprint (the amount of greenhouse gasses released into the air by a person, event, or product), but there are ways to balance it. Some airlines are investing in alternative fuels, while others have created plans to improve sustainability in the areas of energy, greenhouse gases, and water. According ...

After Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck the Caribbean late this summer, questions endure on when (and where) we can book our next trips. Industry resource Travel Weekly has put together a comprehensive map covering each island and what’s open and closed in the region. The map is continuously updated as new information is received. Some media reports erroneously warn that the entire region should to be avoided, but numerous islands, such as Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Jamaica were not affected at all. The Bahamas had very little damage and hotels there want travelers to know they are most definitely open for business. Of course, Puerto Rico and others face incredible challenges for the foreseeable future. Virtuoso recently hosted a webinar with Caribbean hotel executives and experts – along with top travel advisors – to discuss the latest information. The consensus? If you want to travel to the Caribbean during “festive” or holiday season December through February, look to islands suc...

Two weeks after Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, a week after Hurricane Irma left her destructive mark on the Caribbean and Florida, and today as Hurricane Maria barrels down, Virtuoso cruise partners continue to assist in relief efforts. “From delivering supplies to impacted areas such as the Caribbean Islands and helping to evacuate stranded tourists and families, cruise line leaders continue to work with officials to best lend their support,” says Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line have made aid missions to deliver supplies such as food, ice, animal supplies, water, and clothing, and both lines have made rescue missions to help those stranded in the Caribbean.  The Norwegian Sky rescued more than 900 people in St. Thomas. As part of their ongoing cruise itineraries, many lines will continue to deliver supplies including medical necessities over the next several weeks. And though Royal Caribbean...

Today’s professional travel advisors help clients plan trips all over the world, fulfilling needs and wants clients didn’t even know they had The days of the old-style travel agent who sat in a storefront office and booked tickets are long gone. If that’s the image you have, you wouldn’t recognize today’s new breed of travel advisor. They’re full-service counselors who design trips in partnership with their delighted clients. They’re experienced and knowledgeable about virtually every aspect of global travel and fulfill needs and wants clients didn’t even know they had. Read on to discover 8 travel advisor facts that will likely surprise you.