November 1, 2025 • 53 mins
The Wishing Well's Terrie Dean and Harry Reif discuss this week's travel news and Hot Deals!
Get ready to pack your bags and embrace the festive spirit! In this episode, we explore the best holiday travel destinations for the season—both international hotspots and domestic gems. Whether you're dreaming of snowy European cities, tropical escapes, or cozy U.S. towns full of holiday charm, we've got travel tips, destination highlights, and insider recommendations to help you plan the perfect getaway.
Get ready to pack your bags and embrace the festive spirit! In this episode, we explore the best holiday travel destinations for the season—both international hotspots and domestic gems. Whether you're dreaming of snowy European cities, tropical escapes, or cozy U.S. towns full of holiday charm, we've got travel tips, destination highlights, and insider recommendations to help you plan the perfect getaway.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is a Lifeless Ordinary to travel show and podcasts
from your friends at the wishing Well two forty three
f avenue in Harsmert and online at the wishing Well
dot this. The wishing Well is your ultimate luxury concierge
travel agency and a Lifeless Ordinary is a travel show
and podcasts hosted by Terry Dean, bringing her over forty
years of experience in the travel industry to help guide
(00:21):
you to great experiences in your travel, whether it be
around the block, around the country, or around the world.
Let's bring in Terry Dean and say hello, Hello, Chris Carmichael,
how are you. I'm doing well, Terry Dean, and let's
say out to Harry right, a lot of joy in
the room today.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
It is it is.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
It is the day after Halloween, which means it's officially
the Christmas season. Well, sure, so that's one of a holly,
jolly mood today, all right.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
On top of all the holidays. Now now it's coming.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
I'm not one hundred percent sure if my wife's going
to let me decorate the house when I get home today,
but that's the plan.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
Do you know what I'm most excited about. I'm going
to get an extra hour of sleep.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
Oh yeah, I am just happy.
Speaker 2 (01:03):
I am.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
I could do my happy dance right now, Harry, I
know you could.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
I can sleep. I don't care what time it is.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
You know that.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
I'm sure. I don't like.
Speaker 4 (01:13):
Having to do all the work of changing the clocks.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
I mean, what clocks you have left to change? Your
phone changes the time on its own.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Right, my watch is still laying along. Okay, well that's
an effort. You got an effort that.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
I'm not gonna lie. I had a wall clock in
the kitchen that half the year. I just had to
add or subtract an hour because I wasn't changing it.
I was like, I'm like, it'll be right again before
the year's over. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:37):
Well, I'm not excited about losing daylight, but I am
excited about that extra hour sleep.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
I won't lie.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Have you seen these maps where they show you if
we didn't switch back and forth the time the sunrise
and sunset would be.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
No, I haven't.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
It's crazy. So like in the summertime, the sunrise would
be at three in the morning and sunset would be
at like eight in the evening, but in the winter
it would be the same as William now unless we
went the other way, and then in the winter it's
some point sunset would be at three in the afternoon,
but it would rise at eight in the morning. Well,
we can't win on that.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
One, No, you can't.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
No.
Speaker 5 (02:13):
It was Chicago had a song about what time it is?
Speaker 1 (02:16):
It was twenty five or six to four, that's it. Yeah,
I think they were talking about the fourth of July. Whateverkay,
cool song. We've gone way down the rabbit hole on
this we were. Yeah, how was your week, Terry?
Speaker 3 (02:30):
My week was very busy and eventful in just about everywhere.
It was a Monday all week long many of those week, Yes,
it was, but we did have some news come along.
And I'll tell you for the poor folks in Jamaica,
it certainly was a Monday all day long. But they
are in Jamaica they are eyeing a full restoration of
(02:53):
their tourism offering in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which
by now I'm sure all of you have heard about.
They are expecting to be up and operational and having
tourism back on its feet by December fifteenth. I thought
that was very ambitious. It is amazing, and that's just
days after this category five storm wreaked havoc across the island,
(03:16):
country and other parts of the Caribbean. Jamaica's Ministry of
Tourism announced it has activated a high level Hurricane Melissa
Recovery Task Force and a companion Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee
try and say that fast three times to ensure public
and private sectors move forward with recovery hand in hand.
(03:37):
The effort is going to see officials channel relief and
support to the impacted local tourism workers, as well as
deploy clear communication regarding tourism recovery and the ultimate restoration
of tourism infrastructure such as roads, airports, resorts, attractions, and
a whole lot more. They say recovery can't be left
(03:58):
to chance. I agree with that. They are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure, repair, aid, logistics,
and every enabling support behind a single objective, and that
is full industry operation by December fifteenth. Tourism strength, they say,
lies not just in its product offerings, but in its
(04:20):
people and its partnerships. The speed and synergy of their
response show the industry's resilience and their unwavering commitment to
recovery with empathy, compassion, and innovation. And I would add
that one of the strongest vendors that is in the
Jamaican area that was impacted or potentially could have been impacted,
(04:44):
is a little company called Sandals. We've talked about them
a time or three here on a lifeless ordinary. They
actually have seven properties in the island of Jamaica. I
am happy to report they were all safe, all of
their crew and all of their where vacation travelers were safe.
(05:05):
And if you are somebody who was impacted your vacation
got canceled as a result of this, I have been
instructed to have you call one eight hundred Sandals for
any assistance you might need on that front.
Speaker 5 (05:17):
And we've had communications at the end of the week
through the end of this week from a lot of
the vendors, and I applaud them for doing that. They're
letting us know what's going on, and they're relying on
agencies like the Wishing Well to communicate with travelers and
to support the travelers. And they have been very, very
very proactive even before the storm hit in terms of
(05:41):
preparing for what went on. I saw the same things
on TV about somebody's stranded. Well, there's nobody that got
stranded there that probably didn't have an opportunity to change that.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
Yeah, I would say probably communications during this particular hurricane
event some of the best I've ever seen in the industry.
We had full streaming information about what was going on
almost all the time.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Yes, So it was great.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Not great for the people in Jamaica, not great for
the people in the other islands that were impacted. Our
hearts go out certainly to those families and to the
rebuild efforts that are going to be going on. But
good communication, I will say, and that continues to be
the case.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (06:30):
Now I want to talk about the airline CEOs meeting
with the White House to avoid holiday air travel disaster.
I mean, as we know, it's no secret our government
continues to be shut down, but American Airlines CEO Robert
ism and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby were among the
aviation industry leaders to meet with the White House officials
(06:53):
to discuss the ongoing government shut down devastating impact on
air travel this week. Along with you, unions and other
industry officials. These executives were on hand to seek out
solutions to end this shutdown before the busy holiday travel
season occurs. The shutdown is now in its fifth week,
forcing approximately thirteen thousand air traffic controllers and fifty thousand
(07:16):
TSA officers to work without pay, leading to crippling staff shortages.
The big four US airlines, American, Delta, Southwest, and United
have already called on Congress to pass a stopgap funding
bill known as a continuing resolution or CR that would
allow the government to reopen while conversations continue over healthcare
(07:39):
policy disagreements between Democrats and Republicans. So where we are
right now is this And I will say, actually had
somebody in my office just yesterday who said, you know,
we were expecting to have flights delayed, canceled or whatever
that they said, you know, things were running amazingly on time.
(08:00):
I applaud those people who are doing that work. I
really do. I did want people to know that where
we stand on this, we do have airline CEOs reaching
out and trying to plead on behalf of our traveling industry.
And I think that's good. I hope that we're going
to see some positive resolutions soon.
Speaker 5 (08:19):
Again, proactive kinds of actions make a huge, huge difference,
is they do. If you have somebody that you're talking to,
you're writing to your legislator about something, or voting for
your legislator or about something. Remind them how important it
is to pay people who do come to work.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
The other thing I wanted to touch on that was
in the news is, actually, you know, I am so
proud of our show here a Lifeless Ordinary because oftentimes,
and I don't know if it's by accident or really
I can chalk this up to some intelligence in the
travel industry, but we always seem to have our finger
on the pulse here on a life less Ordinary with
(09:01):
what's coming out in the industry. And just this week,
Chris as we closed our show last week, which was
part two of a Lifeless Ordinary called Rolling on a River.
If you didn't listen to a Lifeless Ordinary from the
last two weeks entitled Rolling on a River Parts one
and two, please do that and catch up with some
(09:22):
of the latest industry knowledge on river cruising. It might
be just the idea you're looking for as you begin
planning your twenty twenty six vacations. But immediately after that
this week news came out about river cruising and I
really did want to share that because It just proves
that we were on target. The river cruise market is
(09:44):
now one of the powerhouses of luxury travel, driven by
soaring client satisfaction and strong repeat business. That is according
to the Travel Market Reports River Cruise Outlook twenty twenty five.
And this is a multi page document. I shared with Harry,
my business partner, the other day and said, you know, hey,
(10:06):
look at this. This is exactly what we were talking
about on the last two previous Lifeless Ordinary shows. This
report paints kind of a bullish picture of the river
cruise industry, a segment that has depended on travel advisors
for its growth over the last decade, and an area
that shows no sign of slowing down, with new entrants,
(10:27):
including one of Ocean Cruis's giants redying to make their
own way on the river, and that is Celebrity Cruise Lines.
One of the most notable findings of the report is
how many clients return to river cruising again and again
and again. And this report found that nine out of
(10:49):
ten river cruise passengers will return within the next two years.
Speaker 5 (10:55):
And it's for the reasons we talked about over the
last couple weeks of show. And that is all the
advantages of river cruising, Terry, You're right on to have
people go back and listen to that. Please do you'll
see the advantages of river cruising. Nothing against ocean cruising,
but river cruising has some unique advantages that we spoke about.
And for me, the best advantage of river cruising. The
(11:18):
best too are small size and you drop off right
downtown in all of these cities instead of having to
worry about moving around.
Speaker 4 (11:28):
You're there.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:30):
So that's it for the news front this week. I
did have a couple of sales that I wanted to
encourage our listening audience to kind of put on their radar.
New York Holiday is coming and is coming fast. And
for the people who keep their finger on the pulse
of those good folks at Radio City Music Hall, the Rockets,
(11:55):
they are kicking off New York's festive season. Tickets go
on sale November sixt' See what you did there.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Yeah, yep.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
This has been a tradition since nineteen thirty three. By
the way, the Rockets have kicked off New York's holiday
season for ninety plus years. No other show captures the
city's festive energy like this one does. Biggest stage biggest spectacle.
Think live orchestra, one hundred and forty dancers. Yes, they
are kicking it up, and high tech visuals that turn
(12:29):
Radio City into a living snow globe.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Have you seen the Christmas Spectacular?
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Yes, outside of the you know the kicklimb with the nutcrackers.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (12:42):
What is the rest of the show. I've always been curious.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
Yeah, it's it's singing, it's dancing, it's a festive welcome
to the Holiday.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
It's a variety show. Yeah, that's a great way to
put it. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Kind and if you're somebody who is a regular viewer
of what is it Dancing with the Stars, you would
love the Radio City music hall dance routines because they
mix it up. It's not just the can can line,
but it's a great deal of variety. As Harry said, it's.
Speaker 5 (13:15):
Fun and it doesn't matter if you've got you know,
a little kid from you know, a kindergarten age kid,
or you know your gray haired guy like me.
Speaker 4 (13:24):
You're in there smiling.
Speaker 5 (13:25):
Because it's just an infectious kind of joy inside that theater.
You expect it, You go in and guess what it happens.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
Yeah, and they've got one of the best sound systems anywhere.
I mean, it's second to none. And they like to say,
Chris that they have old school charm that meets new magic.
They've got classic numbers like the Parade of the Wooden
Soldiers that you talked about, but they blend that with
some dazzling new scenes and some pure nostalgia and have
(13:56):
just a little bit of a modern twist. You can
do some back stage tours as well when they open
this up, and those backstage tours started only about forty
four dollars, so it's kind of nice. Also opening up
some more holiday spectaculars in New York. The Lion King
is opening back up again with tickets starting at one
hundred and fifty three dollars per person. They've got the
(14:19):
Rockefeller Center guided tour and dyker Hart Heights Christmas Lights
bus tour that you can get. So a lot, a
lot of interesting things going on in New York.
Speaker 1 (14:29):
And it's not a very long trip to get up
to New York City.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
It's not and I love to do it by train,
you know, we've talked about that before. Amtrak. I love
to take Amtrak up to New York and on the way.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
Up to New York.
Speaker 5 (14:39):
You pass through you know, Philadelphia and other cities, you
get to see the lights there too. It's just fantastic.
Christmas lights are exciting. I don't care what anybody says.
Speaker 1 (14:50):
I particularly like Rockfeller Center with a Christmas tree. Oh yeah,
the angels with their trumpets or horns that they're blaring.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Yeah, it's surreal. I mean when you're in New York
and you see it a Christmas time, it's really surreal.
I mean you're like, I can't believe I'm here and
seeing this. It's one of the major attractions I think
at the holiday time, something we're going to be talking
a lot about today. But next on my list of
sales is coming from our good friends at Globis. I
think we may have mentioned this last week. I don't
(15:18):
want this to go by though, without people really letting
this sink in. Globis Escape Tours are offering right now
five hundred dollars savings and for some of their select
twenty twenty six tours, no single supplements. So if you
are someone who likes to travel by yourself you don't
have a travel partner, no problem. Globist has some great
(15:41):
options to hook you up for example, their Scottish Highlands
Escape six days from six hundred and sixty nine dollars
and Irish Escape seven days starting from seven ninety nine.
So those are some good offers, especially if you are
again among those folks who love to travel by yourself
or just don't have somebody to travel with. It's a
great opportunity for you to find new friends who like
(16:05):
to do the same thing you do, like minded travelers together.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (16:09):
Last on my list of sales today, Chris comes to
us from our good friends at Montage, and I love
this particular hotel. I'm not going to say chain because
it really isn't a chain. It's a few curated hotels
across the United States that are few and far between,
but they are fabulous. They are offering a ski package
(16:30):
so you can make the most of your ski season
with the Ski Montage Package featuring a complimentary fourth night
when you stay three. Who doesn't like free nights? Plus,
they'll give you two hundred dollars in sports credits to
enhance your on mountain experience with ski in ski out
access at the Montage. They have personalized lessons, lift passes,
(16:53):
and a pre ski indulgences from Spa. Montage. Guests can
embrace the best of winter luxury at Montage Deer Valley,
and I will tell you, folks, I have been there
and it is sweet as can be. I don't ski.
I'm not a big fan of skiing or any kind
of snow sports, but I did love this property, and
(17:16):
I love the fact that they give you a beautiful
Cadillac SUV to use during your stay. That didn't hurt
my feelings.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
Talk about that in the show.
Speaker 3 (17:25):
Yes, So that's it for the sales that we have today,
and we're going to be talking about the holidays today
as well.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
I think one of the things that you and I,
I'm not sure where Harry falls and this have in
common is our love for the holidays.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
Absolutely, I entertain my family. I give one of my
gifts to my family during Thanksgiving, which is I invite
everybody in. They don't have to bring anything. I set
them down for a home cooked meal. Harry has been
a part of that many times, and I think it's
safe to say Harry's as good as anything you'd get
at the Williamsburg.
Speaker 4 (17:59):
N Oh my gosh.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Yes, Yeah.
Speaker 5 (18:03):
Terry's been searching for recipes for weeks Chris, and she's it.
I've got enough signiority in this now that she'll come
And what do you think about this?
Speaker 4 (18:12):
What do you think about this?
Speaker 1 (18:13):
I love it.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
I just have that to look forward to.
Speaker 3 (18:16):
And I know you do a little entertaining yourself.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Yeah, I like to cook.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
I know you did, and.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
So I don't have a problem inviting lots of people
over and cooking food for them. I also like the
very quiet, simplistic time when it starts snowing. Oh boy,
And I wish we had a fireplace in our house,
but you have the Christmas tree lit and you can
just sit and be Yeah, that's nice too.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
It is, it really is.
Speaker 3 (18:45):
But then there's a lot of people who really like
to travel during the holidays.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
Talk about that, and we will next because our show
today we're going to be celebrating the holiday travel season,
and we'll talk about it next year on My Life
Less Ordinary.
Speaker 5 (18:58):
Haven't taken your summer vacation yet or do you need
just one more? Let the wishing Wells Experts help. We
offer fee free travel planning with built in expertise. Listeners
voted us Valley's best. Check out our group trips tab
on our website, The Wishingwell dot biz, or let us
create a trip just for you. Stop by two forty
three nef Avenue, visit us at the Wishingwell dot biz,
(19:20):
or call us at five four zero nine zero eight
two three three three five four zero nine zero eight
two three three three.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
Welcome back to you a lifeless sordinary. Every Saturday morning,
we get together as friends do, and we talk travel
with a cup of coffee and our good friends from
the wishing Well Terry Dean Harry Rife. You can call
and talk to him today if you'd like. After the
show five four oho nine oh eight twenty three thirty three,
you can find them online at the Wishingwell dot biz
(19:49):
or stop i and see them. They're on neph Avenue
in Harrisonburg. And our show today is all about holiday travel.
We're gonna celebrate the holiday travel season. We are Are
we in that season?
Speaker 2 (20:00):
Or were there?
Speaker 1 (20:00):
Start around Thanksgiving?
Speaker 3 (20:02):
We are there, We are there, and Chris today we
are gonna you're gonna see what I'm doing here. We're
gonna unwrap a truly special episode. Now I think that's
my only one, but you know, as we know, the
holidays there we talk about that it's one of the
(20:22):
most magical times of the year, and it really is
if you're traveling too. And twenty twenty five is already
shaping up to be an exciting season for extraordinary escapes.
I've got a lot of my clients traveling over the holidays.
I've got some clients who have chosen to do that
(20:42):
with their family members as opposed to doing Christmas gifts anymore.
People have said to me, who decide to do this,
they go, we don't want more stuff. What we want
is time with each other. And I think, you know,
something happened during the shutdown that we went through, and
it made people really appreciate each other more. And I
(21:05):
love that, you know. I love that families have become
important again.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
I like that.
Speaker 3 (21:10):
Maybe this is the year you trade your own wrapping
paper for passports, or maybe that noisy family kitchen for
the calm of someplace spectacular. And in the next hour
here we're going to be exploring some hand picked destinations,
both international and domestic, that are perfect for luxurious, meaningful
(21:31):
holiday getaways. And of course we're going to talk about
a few of my favorite travel planning tips along the way. Too,
So I want to begin by taking a look at
a few of these extraordinary international destinations. I want to
start there where holiday travel truly feels like an art form.
Rome is a masterpiece that comes alive every season, but
(21:54):
during the holiday it is absolutely glowing with something very special.
The streets in Rome are lined with these twinkling lights
that reflect off of those century old buildings. You've got
carellers that drift in and out of churches older than
most nations. These churches are not the carollers, but the churches.
(22:19):
But Rome is just fantastic. I mean, visitors often say
that Rome teaches you how to slow down, and that's
primarily because they know just how to linger maybe over
an espresso in a coffee cafe, or stroll through the
piazzas when they have their Christmas markets out, not once
(22:40):
checking their time. They just do that without even looking
at the time. And that's what people in Rome typically
will do now to get right in to the holiday
feeling Rome, I want to tell you where a lot
of guests might like staying to really pick up that
vibe of the Christmas holiday or the necessarily Christmas, but
(23:01):
just the holiday season in Rome, and that is the
Hotel d Rusi. This is a rocoforte property. It's just
steps from the Spanish Steps and it's treated anybody who
stays there. They're treated to the lush gardens and the
private terraces that overlook the rooftops. Even the entry level
superior rooms here at Hotel de Rusi are another level
(23:26):
of elegance. Definitely should check out this property if you
ever have a chance to visit Rome and Chris, you
and I have talked about this before when we've recorded
a Lifeless Ordinary. If you're listening to us and you
have the luxury of being by your computer or have
a laptop handy, pull up some of these properties as
I'm talking about them today, because they are extraordinary. Another
(23:49):
exquisite choice is the Baglioni Hotel Regina, one of our
fabulous virtuoso properties. I might add this is where kind
of art decorps glamour meets Italian warmth. Absolutely beautiful. This
little lesser known trivia. If you've ever been to the
Caribbean or Mexico, you may have unknowingly stayed in some
(24:10):
of her sister properties like the Cancun Palace or the
Moon Palace and many of the other Palace hotels, different location,
same family of brands. A week long stay for two adults,
including your virtuoso style amenities like daily breakfast and spa credits,
they're going to average a stay rate of about six
(24:31):
to eight thousand dollars at either one of these two
properties for a week long stay, and you can spend
your days visiting the Vaticans Nativity Display, maybe admiring Michelangelo's frescoes,
and indulging in a Christmas Eve dinner of fresh pasta
roasted chestnuts. Italian wine. Doesn't sound too bad, does it, Chris?
Speaker 1 (24:51):
Sounds good to me.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
I'll tell you. Rome doesn't just celebrate the holidays. It
elevates them to an experience of history, culture and grace.
Rome is all about quintessentially Italy. I mean, it immerses
you in that Italian vibe, and I mean very so ever,
(25:12):
so often people even report having seen the Pope. I
know Harry's sister, Bless her heart, before she passed away,
she spent some time in Rome, and she sent me
a text message and said, you won't believe this. I've
seen the Pope now three times.
Speaker 4 (25:26):
She thought he was stalking her yes, she did. Everyone.
Every time she walked onto a new.
Speaker 5 (25:33):
Corner, the Pope, you know, the Pope's motigate or something
would pass by.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
And as the Pope will often do, he's a stoker.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
He's a stalker. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
But Rome is certainly someplace that if you haven't thought
about it before, and you know we've we've talked about
this too here on a lifeless ordinary. If you are
choosing just one city to visit, where you do air,
hotel and transfers and you're just in that's a very
affordable adventure for you to take on because you're not
(26:07):
trying to see more than just one city. And believe
me when I tell you the Christmas markets in Rome
are a site to behold. Certainly if you can take
a private tour to the Vatican, which, by the way,
I just hook some folks up just this week with
private tours to the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. I mean,
that's a great way to immerse yourself in one city
(26:29):
and still really get the flavor of an entire country.
It's not impossible to do. I did it myself here
recently when I went to Barcelona. So it's a great
way to travel if you have limited time and limited resources,
don't be afraid to just put one city on your
list exactly right.
Speaker 5 (26:49):
You can see it, learn about it, and you come
back with wealth of memories and a lot of knowledge.
Speaker 2 (26:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (26:56):
Absolutely, Now next on my list, half a world Away
going to travel to a much more tropical but exotic
location of Bali, Indonesia. Bali offers a different kind of holiday,
one that replaces rush with rhythm, and most travelers who
choose to go there want to just breathe. They want
(27:18):
to reconnect with nature and themselves. And you know, as
I was kind of compiling some of the cities that
we were going to talk about today in the destinations
for this particular show, Chris, I actually got in my
mind the faces of a couple of my travelers who
are desperate for some rest and relaxation. I mean, I
(27:41):
deal with a lot of folks on a daily basis,
and some of my I love my clients, I really do.
I mean I build relationships with them. I know where
their kids go to school. You know, I know what
they're going to dress up for for Halloween. These are
the people that I also know could use a break.
And Bali represents that kind of holiday vacation, but around
(28:07):
the Emerald Rice Terraces and Lotus Field ponds. There is
a place called the Four Seasons Resort at Bali Seyon.
It welcomes guests with riverside suites and serene yoga pavilions.
A week for two adults runs between seven and ten
thousand dollars. Here that's going to include private transfers and
(28:29):
a wellness program designed specifically for you. And if I
may say so, I'm a four Seasons girl. I think
I told you that, Chris. After I went on my
adventure with Talk Tours my certification class, they put us
up in the Four Seasons in Nashville. Buddy, I'm a
four Seasons girl all the way now that that is
(28:51):
my new home away from home. And they treat you
like that. The Four Seasons hotels go out of their
way to learn your name the very first day you
check in, and from then on they kind of get you.
They know what your likes dislikes are. So if you're
one of those people who for the holidays, you would
love nothing more than to relax, rejuvenate, and just redo you,
(29:17):
this Four Seasons Resort in Bali should be right up
your alley. If you're really beat up, you're seeking total restoration.
There's another property there too, called the Como Shambalai Estate.
We talked about this here on a Lifeless Ordinary couple
of weeks ago. This was one of the places that
we visited during our talk. But during the holidays at Como,
(29:39):
the air is fragrant with the frange panny blooms, and
local villages celebrate with intricate offerings of flowers and music.
And instead of sleigh bells, you're gonna hear bamboo instruments,
and instead of icy streets, you're gonna walk bare foot
through temple courtyards and maybe some velvety sand. Doesn't sound
(30:01):
too bad?
Speaker 1 (30:02):
Does what I'm here?
Speaker 2 (30:03):
I do too.
Speaker 3 (30:04):
Yeah, Bali reminds us that peace itself can be the
greatest luxury and the greatest gift we gift ourselves. So
that would be my second of places to go is Bali.
And I got to tell you, I've been pricing this
out lately for folks. Bali also winds up being in
the affordable realm. I mean, you can do Bali for
(30:25):
a lot less than you might think. The two properties
that I mentioned, yes, they do command about a seven
to a ten thousand dollars budget, but I can promise
you I can get you there for a lot less,
including airfare with some of our other vendors and operators
that we use, So don't be afraid to put Bali
on your list.
Speaker 2 (30:43):
It is affordable.
Speaker 3 (30:46):
Next on my list, our International Excursion is going to
take us from Bali to Japan, another very very red
hot destination for twenty twenty five and twenty twenty six.
And I think it's because few countries balance beauty and
precision as gracefully as Japan does, and the winter season
(31:06):
is a time of renewal. I can tell you that
my trip to Japan was a life changing experience.
Speaker 2 (31:12):
I think I've told you that before.
Speaker 3 (31:14):
I have never regretted visiting Japan and would highly recommend
it to anybody looking for a more out of the
box kind of travel experience. And in Kyoto there are
these ancient temples that just shimmer under especially the frost
of winter, and visitors participate in New Year's rituals of
(31:35):
purification and gratitude. In Kyoto and in Tokyo, there are
multiple rooftop celebrations and countdowns to midnight on New Year's
with panoramic views of Mount Fuji. Where else are you
going to get that on New Year's Eve? Let me
tell you want something new and amazing. That's it what
(31:55):
I mean. Can you imagine telling your friends what did
you do for New Year's I we had beautiful views
of Mount Fuji in Japan from the rooftops of some
of these fabulous places. I would suggest staying at aman Kyoto.
This is a resort set along some of the moss
covered gardens there, which really could look a whole lot
(32:17):
like a Showgun movie set. If you've ever seen the
Showgun movies, this would be a close call, I think
to say, could look just like that. If you'd rather
stay closer to the city of Tokyo, you might quite
like Hoshino Tokyo, which is an urban hotel that kind
(32:38):
of blends Japanese heritage with some sleek design. There they're
a little more modern. This is about as authentic as
you can get though for Japan. A week at either
one of these places is going to run in the
nine thousand dollars mark for about two adults, and that's
going to include some private, guided tours of shrines, a
couple of tea ceremonies, and your fine dining. And when
(32:58):
I say fine dining, talking gourmet. These are chef prepared meals,
so you're not settling for anything if you stay here.
It's absolutely marvelous. Japan offers not only great scenery but symbolism.
It's a perfect place to close the year with reflection
and intention, I think, and for anybody who's looking for
(33:21):
a very different holiday celebration experience, Bali and Japan, I
think definitely definitely offer that. Now I want to step
back just a quick second to address a couple of
great tips for holiday travel before I lead you into
some of the best domestic destinations. What we can all
(33:42):
agree on is that the holidays are definitely one of
the busiest times to travel. I will tell you this,
Like the Sunday after Thanksgiving they always say is the
busiest travel day of the year.
Speaker 2 (33:52):
It is. It continues to be.
Speaker 3 (33:54):
So you know, here's a few insights to make your
experience maybe a little less hectic. And number one is
book early, I mean really early, like we're there, yeah,
we're there. Like the first week of November is always
the sweet spot to book holiday travel. And that allows
(34:15):
you to secure sometimes the very best airfare before peak
price is hit. And really after this week this all
bets are off. It's going to be catch as catch
can and pay whatever you will because it's going to
be horrendous what prices may go up to. Also consider
shoulder dates. Okay, traveling a day or two before the rush,
(34:37):
and as an example, I would say, try to leave
on maybe December the nineteenth instead of December twenty second.
That's going to maybe save you hundreds of dollars on
your ticket.
Speaker 1 (34:49):
Is it true that if you fly out on Tuesday
it's going to save you more than flying out on
a Friday or sometimes?
Speaker 3 (34:56):
You know, sometimes I tell people a lot of that
is just travel industry hubu. You know, it's like these
are old wives tales that people once upon a time
made up, right exactly, But you know, there are some
things that are worth looking at, even if it doesn't
yield anything. I'd look at it just to make sure
I'd covered all my bases. Because if you're trying to
(35:17):
save money, why not travel on a Tuesday as opposed
to a Wednesday. Go ahead, at least look at that
to see if it's going to save you any margins.
Also treat yourself to private transfers. I'm going to tell
you right now this is my best, hottest tip for you.
And if you're listening, go get your crayon because you
don't want to write this down. During the holidays, airports
(35:39):
and shuttles can be overwhelming, even uber I mean, I
can tell you right now in Barcelona, if you go
during the busiest times of the day, even forget ubers,
they just don't answer or they're not available. But not
only they can they be downright impossible in certain locations
(36:01):
to obtain without coming to fists flying between people sometimes.
But you can just take your best shot as to
how long you're going to wait. Private airport transfers or
chauffeur services, which we can actually build in to your
trip at the wishing Well itineraries. That's going to remove
(36:21):
a lot of stress and it's going to set the
tone from the moment you land. And I will tell
you too, this goes for a lot of our mature
audiences who travel out there. We can offer you sometimes
door to door service for your transportation, so you don't
(36:41):
even have to drive. If the best fare for you
is out of Washington, Dulles or National No problem. The
wishing Well can hook you up with transportation right from
your home.
Speaker 5 (36:53):
And what a great feeling when you walk off that
plane and walk down to the baggage claim area.
Speaker 4 (36:59):
It really makes you feel important.
Speaker 5 (37:01):
When there's somebody standing there with an iPad with your
name on it and you're waiting for you.
Speaker 4 (37:05):
You seem like you're a VIP all of a sudden.
Speaker 2 (37:07):
Yeah, and all of a sudden makes feeling.
Speaker 3 (37:09):
It kind of kicks your holiday travel off to a
much better level, you know.
Speaker 5 (37:15):
And if you can arrange the travel so you're avoiding
connections by traveling maybe by car to a different airport
so you can get those direct flights that we always
talk about, you've just also avoided one of the potential
pitfalls of holiday travel, and that's a connecting city exactly.
Speaker 3 (37:32):
And another thing I would like for folks to remember,
especially as we're talking about some of the places to
visit and destinations that are appealing for holiday travel, is
remember experiences over excess Well what do I mean by that, Well,
a well planned itinerary doesn't have to be overbooked. You
do not have to spend every waking second with an
(37:55):
itinerary in your hand, not knowing what the next thing
is going to be every five minutes, that's exhausting. You
want to build in time to rest and wander and
just let serendipity unfold.
Speaker 2 (38:08):
I mean, you do want to do that.
Speaker 3 (38:10):
And of course, having your trip customized through somebody like
us at the Wishing Well, that's going to give you
your twenty four to seven support. You're going to have
exclusive amenities and access to properties that just simply aren't
always available to the public. So it's a great idea
to do that. And Chris, you're looking at some notes
there about some previously I'm sure discussed tips.
Speaker 1 (38:34):
From our show Travel Tips and Hacks Part one. Yes,
rule number one slow down.
Speaker 2 (38:39):
Amen to that.
Speaker 1 (38:40):
Amen. Can you see which number it was on the list?
Speaker 2 (38:42):
Yeah, and it's worth repeating.
Speaker 3 (38:44):
You know. I'm glad it's a part of this show too,
because holiday travel can be stressful, So really do that
slow down a little bit. So those are a couple
of tips I think that are probably important for people
for the holidays. Chris, I know that we're going to
take a break and we're going to head into the
next half of our show, and we're going to discuss
(39:05):
domestic holiday options.
Speaker 1 (39:07):
Next here on a Lifeless Ordinary.
Speaker 5 (39:09):
Haven't taken your summer vacation yet or do you need
just one more? Let the wishing Wells experts help. We
offer fee free travel planning with built in expertise. Listeners
voted US Valleys best. Check out our group trips tab
on our website, The Wishingwell dot biz, or.
Speaker 2 (39:25):
Let us create a trip just for you.
Speaker 5 (39:27):
Stop by two forty threef Avenue, visit us at the
wishingwell dot biz, or call us at five four zero
nine zero eight two three three three five four zero
nine zero eight two three three three.
Speaker 1 (39:38):
And welcome back to a Lifeless Ordinary. Every Saturday, we
like to talk travel. This Saturday, we're talking holiday travel,
and as we've already discussed some international travel options, we're
getting ready to talk about domestic locations. If at all
throughout this show your interest has been peaked, why don't
you give Terry or Harry a call. I'd love to
(40:00):
talk to you. You can talk to him right after
the show at five four oh nineh eight twenty three
thirty three. You could stop either open today at their
location on nef Avenue in Harrisonburg, or you can check
out the website at the wishingwell dot biz. We are
celebrating holiday travel. The holiday travel season is upon us, terry,
and there's some great destinations right here in the States
(40:22):
that we can go and visit.
Speaker 3 (40:23):
I know. And one thing I'm pretty sure you know,
if you listen to a lifeless ordinary with any regularity,
you know you don't have to cross an ocean for
a world class holiday. Some of the most inspiring getaways
are chris as you said, right here in the United States,
offering luxury, comfort and that familiar spirit of the season.
(40:46):
And one of them we've kind of touched on just
a little bit already. I don't think it would be
a surprise to anybody to know that New York is
our number one ultimate December stage. Fifth Avenue just glitters
with windows displays. There's Broadway that sells out every night
during the holiday season, and even the chill in the
(41:07):
air feels electric. And I'll tell you I've been to
New York during that time of year. It is fabulous,
absolutely fu.
Speaker 1 (41:14):
One of my favorite places I've been at the holidays.
Speaker 3 (41:16):
I know, right it is. I mean, there's it's always
something new about it and go to places like Fao Schwartz.
Oh yeah, and they've got the teddy bears that are
big enough to fill the entire living room.
Speaker 1 (41:28):
Just fun stuff to do in the hall.
Speaker 3 (41:30):
Yes, and when you go to New York during the
holiday season, you're going to want your accommodations to be
ultra special too. I would suggest spending the week if
you're going to stay a week at the Langham Fifth Avenue,
Oh yeah, it's a nice place where art and architecture
meet timeless service. Or my next choice would be the Peninsula,
(41:51):
New York. It's known for their rooftop views and the
iconic afternoon teas. These are just two very iconic New
York hotel great locations. It's kind of like the Savoy
in London. I mean, you know, I mean, it's just iconic.
You know, these are two of the best, and they're
going to certainly take care of you, provide those great
holiday memories that again you're never going to regret splurging
(42:14):
on even just a little, you know, a seven nights
stay for two adults there might run you somewhere between
four and five thousand dollars, including those some really special
holiday menus. Concierge arranged theater tickets, so it's really it
is an elevated experience. Are there some lesser expensive hotels. Absolutely?
(42:37):
And if you're not in the market for staying at
the Langham or the Peninsula and that doesn't appeal to you,
just check us out at the Wishing Well, we'll tell
you what other options there are. But don't miss New York.
It's great.
Speaker 4 (42:50):
How can you talk.
Speaker 5 (42:51):
About New York and not mentioned skating in Rockefeller Center. Yeah,
taking a carriage ride through Central Post.
Speaker 3 (42:56):
Well, there you go. There's plenty to do. Like you said,
the Christmas Street, Rockefeller Center, it's the horse drawn carriage
in Central Park. Ice, skating, Yeah, it's all there, and
it's for everybody.
Speaker 5 (43:08):
And everyone's in a great mood because they're all there
for the same reason you are, and that's to enjoy
the holidays exactly.
Speaker 3 (43:15):
Now, Harry, just like we did with our international options,
I got to take you to at least one tropical
destination in the domestic arena too, of course. And if
your idea of the perfect holiday includes sunshine, ocean breezes,
vibrant island traditions, I'll bet you Hawaii would be on
your list.
Speaker 2 (43:34):
It's irresistible.
Speaker 3 (43:36):
First of all, each island in the collection of Hawaiian
islands celebrates in its own way, and each island is
also distinctively different. From torchlit luaus on Maui to festive
parades in Honolulu. Now I'm going to take you back
again to one of my favorites, to Four Seasons Resort
Maui at Waialaya.
Speaker 2 (43:56):
You're going to.
Speaker 3 (43:57):
Enjoy ocean view suites, world class dining, or timbers. Kawaii
offers private residences surrounded by your rainforest and the sea cliffs.
I will tell you Kawaii is one of my favorite
of the four Hawaiian islands, and that's because what's called
the garden now, and it's called that for a reason.
(44:17):
It's just beautiful. It's where Elvis filmed almost all of
his Hawaiian movies, so there's that. I'm a big Elvis fan.
It's also where The Thornbirds was filmed. Also, the Swiss
Family Robinson was filmed there as well, So there's been
a lot of movies that have been South Pacific was
filmed in Kawaii. So a lot of iconic things that
(44:40):
we've already seen and loved. Take place in Hawaiian. When
I sell Hawaii to people, often say, close your eyes
and tell me what you see when you think of Hawaii,
because all four islands are different. I want to know
what they see because I want to know where to
send them so that they capture that vision. And of
the time, Chris, every client will describe Kawaii to me.
(45:03):
When they think of what Hawaii looks like and they've
never been, they will describe that island.
Speaker 2 (45:09):
Yeap, so it's wonderful.
Speaker 3 (45:11):
A week long stay there is going to run you
somewhere in the neighborhood of six to seven thousand for two.
That rate's probably going to include excursions like some snorkeling,
cultural tours, private helicopter rides over volcano craters and here.
The holidays are, of course, less about escaping winter and
more about embracing life. We should do more of that,
(45:33):
I think now. I don't think anybody ever gets enough
of our national parks. I'm going to head their next
holidays are no exception. The holidays reveal kind of a quieter,
more soulful side of the American West. Yellowstone in winter
feels almost otherworldly, and you know there's not a lot
of people who know that you can still go there
(45:54):
during the off season, and certainly the holiday time is
off season. There are snow dusted evergreen's there. You've got
those steaming gaysers and herds of bison moving across the plains,
probably just at a little bit slower pace. And if
you're gonna go, you're gonna definitely want to base yourself
at Amungari in Jackson Hole. This is where guests wake
(46:16):
up to views of the Tetons and relax beside of
roaring stone fireplaces. And Harry, you and I watched a
show The Reluctant Traveler I forget now, who's there? You go,
Eugene with the guy with the big eyebrows. Yeah, and
he actually did a show from a maungary in Jackson Hole.
(46:40):
I want to tell you it. I was hooked. I
was absolutely hooked on this place. It is amazing. Yeah,
the combination of nature in the Yellowstone in American West,
the stillness that's there, refined luxury makes it one of
the most restorative holiday retreats you can experience anywhere in
the US, maybe in the world, but it's just amazing.
(47:03):
So if again you're following along with us on computers.
Do look up almongari am a n GA in Jackson Hole.
It is absolutely wonderful. Next on my list, a few
places capture balance and beauty quite like California's Central Coast.
We've talked about this a lot here on a Lifeless
(47:24):
Ordinary and when we looked at places like Big sur
and Monterey and Carmel by the Sea, there's some accommodations
there post Ranch in where the architecture here just flows
seamlessly into the landscape. There's also Carmel Valley Ranch, which
we did cover here at some length of their known
for their vineyards, cozy ranch style suites, and I'll tell you,
(47:48):
for a lot of people, California just does it. If
you want elegance with ease, California offers that kind of
understated holiday elegance. But that's you know that I think
is what attracts people to the holidays or all these
fabulous places to go.
Speaker 5 (48:06):
Yeah, you're talking about some magnificent places, and the beauty
of holiday Traveltaria, in my opinion, lies not just where
you go, but why you're going there. And for me
absolutely that connection that family time. So I want to
take a minute and reflect on that and stepping away,
rediscovering the joy of those moments between celebrations, when you're
(48:27):
spending time with family, as you're considering destination, it's got
to align with your personal rhythm. If you like cultural
immersion and history Rome Kyoto, they're going to speak to
your soul. If you need the renewal you spoke about Bali,
that slow pulse kind of resets your perspectives. And if
you want adventure, Yellowstone. Nothing more beautiful than international parks
(48:51):
or Malis Surf, but each one becomes a mirror looking
back at who you are and what your aspiration are
and what you value most. At the closing of the year,
I want to venture out in a little different tact
and hit what I think is a fabulous that's a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where adventure meets meaning.
(49:14):
And we're talking about things that go beyond just sight seating.
What if you have sight seeing and you can do
something you really enjoy the journey that awakens the spirit
inside you. I'm speaking of Italy and the Dolomites. You're
talking about twelve ski resorts spanning seven hundred and forty
five miles of slopes. You buy one pass that gets
(49:38):
you on all of these slopes. What a tremendous family opportunity.
Northern Italy, the Dolomites, they rise like a cathedral of
stone and snow. Families come here during the holidays to
ski hikes, sure meals and include We're even talking some
Michelin level restaurants, Chriss, some very high level restaurant. A
(50:01):
favorite stay up there. There is a property called Rosa Alpina.
It's an Aman partner hotel. Elegance meets the mountain, warmth,
sweets inside these you talked about fireplaces earlier, Chris, I
got a fireplace for you. They include fireplaces and the
panoramic views, meals paired with local wines.
Speaker 4 (50:19):
Take your family there for a week.
Speaker 5 (50:21):
You're going to spend between ten and twelve thousand dollars,
but that includes guided outdoor activities.
Speaker 4 (50:29):
And much much more. The Dolomites. You want to consider that.
Speaker 2 (50:33):
I'm going to take you to a whole different.
Speaker 5 (50:34):
Family kind of experience. Now the Big Five we know, lions, leopards, elephants,
rhinos and buffaloes. I'm talking about Botswana, Africa. If you
want something really extraordinary, take your family on a holiday
Safari in Botswana, pure magic. You see the elephants and
they have the largest elephant population in the world. So
(50:56):
you see these elephants crossing the wetlands, lying, wrestling the
tall grass, and sunsets that seem to suspend time properly.
Speaker 4 (51:04):
Up there that I like a lot.
Speaker 5 (51:06):
Is Is there a a camp or the Exiguria Safari Lounge.
I have trouble spelling this, so if you're following on
the computer, I'm talking about Xiger Exerra Safari Lodge. Conservation
and high design are married in this property. Guests enjoy
private game drives, candle and dinners in the bush and
(51:27):
love of quiet luxury found nowhere else on Earth. Again,
you're talking between twelve and fifteen thousand dollars. It's a
journey that reminds us how vast and how interconnected our
world really is.
Speaker 3 (51:41):
So I'll tell you what as we close today, Harry,
thank you for adding those because sometimes people don't even
think about the exotics, and I think they should. The
Dolomites Botswana, what I mean exactly, The holidays are the
time if you're not going to put gifts under the tree,
why not, oh, someplace like that? Where you can live
(52:02):
out your dreams and your memories with your families. That
is the gift, you know, that's the gift right there.
And as we close today's show, I kind of hope
you got inspired, because you know, that's the whole point here,
is that your holidays are going to be filled with
beauty and laughter and discovery. And remember you don't have
to plan these alone because we're at the Wishing Well
(52:24):
and we specialize in creating those journeys that are luxurious, effortless,
and entirely yours because in the end, it's not about
where you go, it's about how you feel when you
get there and the people that you're with. I always
say this, I've said this for years and years. Company matters,
(52:44):
and it really does no matter where you are, if
you're at your dinner table or if you're in Botswana,
company matters. The people that you're with it matters, and
if the Wishing Well we want to help you make
those dreams come true. We are easy to find. We're
located in here, Virginia. We are located at two forty
three nef Avenue in the Valley Center. You can call us.
(53:06):
We're at five four oh nine oh eight, two three
three three, or look us up on the web. We
are at the Wishingwell dot biz.
Speaker 1 (53:14):
This has been a life Less Ordinary the travel show
from your friends at the wishing Well at two forty
three nef Avenue in Harrisonburg. If you have any questions
on topics discussed today, please reach out to the wishing
Well online at the Wishingwell dot biz or five four
oh nine oh eight, twenty three thirty three. Past episodes
are available on the iHeartRadio app. And we'll see again
next Saturday morning at ten for a life Less Ordinary
(53:37):
from the wishing Well
This is a Lifeless Ordinary to travel show and podcasts
from your friends at the wishing Well two forty three
f avenue in Harsmert and online at the wishing Well
dot this. The wishing Well is your ultimate luxury concierge
travel agency and a Lifeless Ordinary is a travel show
and podcasts hosted by Terry Dean, bringing her over forty
years of experience in the travel industry to help guide
(00:21):
you to great experiences in your travel, whether it be
around the block, around the country, or around the world.
Let's bring in Terry Dean and say hello, Hello, Chris Carmichael,
how are you. I'm doing well, Terry Dean, and let's
say out to Harry right, a lot of joy in
the room today.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
It is it is.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
It is the day after Halloween, which means it's officially
the Christmas season. Well, sure, so that's one of a holly,
jolly mood today, all right.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
On top of all the holidays. Now now it's coming.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
I'm not one hundred percent sure if my wife's going
to let me decorate the house when I get home today,
but that's the plan.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
Do you know what I'm most excited about. I'm going
to get an extra hour of sleep.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
Oh yeah, I am just happy.
Speaker 2 (01:03):
I am.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
I could do my happy dance right now, Harry, I
know you could.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
I can sleep. I don't care what time it is.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
You know that.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
I'm sure. I don't like.
Speaker 4 (01:13):
Having to do all the work of changing the clocks.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
I mean, what clocks you have left to change? Your
phone changes the time on its own.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Right, my watch is still laying along. Okay, well that's
an effort. You got an effort that.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
I'm not gonna lie. I had a wall clock in
the kitchen that half the year. I just had to
add or subtract an hour because I wasn't changing it.
I was like, I'm like, it'll be right again before
the year's over. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:37):
Well, I'm not excited about losing daylight, but I am
excited about that extra hour sleep.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
I won't lie.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Have you seen these maps where they show you if
we didn't switch back and forth the time the sunrise
and sunset would be.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
No, I haven't.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
It's crazy. So like in the summertime, the sunrise would
be at three in the morning and sunset would be
at like eight in the evening, but in the winter
it would be the same as William now unless we
went the other way, and then in the winter it's
some point sunset would be at three in the afternoon,
but it would rise at eight in the morning. Well,
we can't win on that.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
One, No, you can't.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
No.
Speaker 5 (02:13):
It was Chicago had a song about what time it is?
Speaker 1 (02:16):
It was twenty five or six to four, that's it. Yeah,
I think they were talking about the fourth of July. Whateverkay,
cool song. We've gone way down the rabbit hole on
this we were. Yeah, how was your week, Terry?
Speaker 3 (02:30):
My week was very busy and eventful in just about everywhere.
It was a Monday all week long many of those week, Yes,
it was, but we did have some news come along.
And I'll tell you for the poor folks in Jamaica,
it certainly was a Monday all day long. But they
are in Jamaica they are eyeing a full restoration of
(02:53):
their tourism offering in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which
by now I'm sure all of you have heard about.
They are expecting to be up and operational and having
tourism back on its feet by December fifteenth. I thought
that was very ambitious. It is amazing, and that's just
days after this category five storm wreaked havoc across the island,
(03:16):
country and other parts of the Caribbean. Jamaica's Ministry of
Tourism announced it has activated a high level Hurricane Melissa
Recovery Task Force and a companion Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee
try and say that fast three times to ensure public
and private sectors move forward with recovery hand in hand.
(03:37):
The effort is going to see officials channel relief and
support to the impacted local tourism workers, as well as
deploy clear communication regarding tourism recovery and the ultimate restoration
of tourism infrastructure such as roads, airports, resorts, attractions, and
a whole lot more. They say recovery can't be left
(03:58):
to chance. I agree with that. They are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure, repair, aid, logistics,
and every enabling support behind a single objective, and that
is full industry operation by December fifteenth. Tourism strength, they say,
lies not just in its product offerings, but in its
(04:20):
people and its partnerships. The speed and synergy of their
response show the industry's resilience and their unwavering commitment to
recovery with empathy, compassion, and innovation. And I would add
that one of the strongest vendors that is in the
Jamaican area that was impacted or potentially could have been impacted,
(04:44):
is a little company called Sandals. We've talked about them
a time or three here on a lifeless ordinary. They
actually have seven properties in the island of Jamaica. I
am happy to report they were all safe, all of
their crew and all of their where vacation travelers were safe.
(05:05):
And if you are somebody who was impacted your vacation
got canceled as a result of this, I have been
instructed to have you call one eight hundred Sandals for
any assistance you might need on that front.
Speaker 5 (05:17):
And we've had communications at the end of the week
through the end of this week from a lot of
the vendors, and I applaud them for doing that. They're
letting us know what's going on, and they're relying on
agencies like the Wishing Well to communicate with travelers and
to support the travelers. And they have been very, very
very proactive even before the storm hit in terms of
(05:41):
preparing for what went on. I saw the same things
on TV about somebody's stranded. Well, there's nobody that got
stranded there that probably didn't have an opportunity to change that.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
Yeah, I would say probably communications during this particular hurricane
event some of the best I've ever seen in the industry.
We had full streaming information about what was going on
almost all the time.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Yes, So it was great.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Not great for the people in Jamaica, not great for
the people in the other islands that were impacted. Our
hearts go out certainly to those families and to the
rebuild efforts that are going to be going on. But
good communication, I will say, and that continues to be
the case.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (06:30):
Now I want to talk about the airline CEOs meeting
with the White House to avoid holiday air travel disaster.
I mean, as we know, it's no secret our government
continues to be shut down, but American Airlines CEO Robert
ism and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby were among the
aviation industry leaders to meet with the White House officials
(06:53):
to discuss the ongoing government shut down devastating impact on
air travel this week. Along with you, unions and other
industry officials. These executives were on hand to seek out
solutions to end this shutdown before the busy holiday travel
season occurs. The shutdown is now in its fifth week,
forcing approximately thirteen thousand air traffic controllers and fifty thousand
(07:16):
TSA officers to work without pay, leading to crippling staff shortages.
The big four US airlines, American, Delta, Southwest, and United
have already called on Congress to pass a stopgap funding
bill known as a continuing resolution or CR that would
allow the government to reopen while conversations continue over healthcare
(07:39):
policy disagreements between Democrats and Republicans. So where we are
right now is this And I will say, actually had
somebody in my office just yesterday who said, you know,
we were expecting to have flights delayed, canceled or whatever
that they said, you know, things were running amazingly on time.
(08:00):
I applaud those people who are doing that work. I
really do. I did want people to know that where
we stand on this, we do have airline CEOs reaching
out and trying to plead on behalf of our traveling industry.
And I think that's good. I hope that we're going
to see some positive resolutions soon.
Speaker 5 (08:19):
Again, proactive kinds of actions make a huge, huge difference,
is they do. If you have somebody that you're talking to,
you're writing to your legislator about something, or voting for
your legislator or about something. Remind them how important it
is to pay people who do come to work.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
The other thing I wanted to touch on that was
in the news is, actually, you know, I am so
proud of our show here a Lifeless Ordinary because oftentimes,
and I don't know if it's by accident or really
I can chalk this up to some intelligence in the
travel industry, but we always seem to have our finger
on the pulse here on a life less Ordinary with
(09:01):
what's coming out in the industry. And just this week,
Chris as we closed our show last week, which was
part two of a Lifeless Ordinary called Rolling on a River.
If you didn't listen to a Lifeless Ordinary from the
last two weeks entitled Rolling on a River Parts one
and two, please do that and catch up with some
(09:22):
of the latest industry knowledge on river cruising. It might
be just the idea you're looking for as you begin
planning your twenty twenty six vacations. But immediately after that
this week news came out about river cruising and I
really did want to share that because It just proves
that we were on target. The river cruise market is
(09:44):
now one of the powerhouses of luxury travel, driven by
soaring client satisfaction and strong repeat business. That is according
to the Travel Market Reports River Cruise Outlook twenty twenty five.
And this is a multi page document. I shared with Harry,
my business partner, the other day and said, you know, hey,
(10:06):
look at this. This is exactly what we were talking
about on the last two previous Lifeless Ordinary shows. This
report paints kind of a bullish picture of the river
cruise industry, a segment that has depended on travel advisors
for its growth over the last decade, and an area
that shows no sign of slowing down, with new entrants,
(10:27):
including one of Ocean Cruis's giants redying to make their
own way on the river, and that is Celebrity Cruise Lines.
One of the most notable findings of the report is
how many clients return to river cruising again and again
and again. And this report found that nine out of
(10:49):
ten river cruise passengers will return within the next two years.
Speaker 5 (10:55):
And it's for the reasons we talked about over the
last couple weeks of show. And that is all the
advantages of river cruising, Terry, You're right on to have
people go back and listen to that. Please do you'll
see the advantages of river cruising. Nothing against ocean cruising,
but river cruising has some unique advantages that we spoke about.
And for me, the best advantage of river cruising. The
(11:18):
best too are small size and you drop off right
downtown in all of these cities instead of having to
worry about moving around.
Speaker 4 (11:28):
You're there.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:30):
So that's it for the news front this week. I
did have a couple of sales that I wanted to
encourage our listening audience to kind of put on their radar.
New York Holiday is coming and is coming fast. And
for the people who keep their finger on the pulse
of those good folks at Radio City Music Hall, the Rockets,
(11:55):
they are kicking off New York's festive season. Tickets go
on sale November sixt' See what you did there.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Yeah, yep.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
This has been a tradition since nineteen thirty three. By
the way, the Rockets have kicked off New York's holiday
season for ninety plus years. No other show captures the
city's festive energy like this one does. Biggest stage biggest spectacle.
Think live orchestra, one hundred and forty dancers. Yes, they
are kicking it up, and high tech visuals that turn
(12:29):
Radio City into a living snow globe.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Have you seen the Christmas Spectacular?
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Yes, outside of the you know the kicklimb with the nutcrackers.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (12:42):
What is the rest of the show. I've always been curious.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
Yeah, it's it's singing, it's dancing, it's a festive welcome
to the Holiday.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
It's a variety show. Yeah, that's a great way to
put it. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Kind and if you're somebody who is a regular viewer
of what is it Dancing with the Stars, you would
love the Radio City music hall dance routines because they
mix it up. It's not just the can can line,
but it's a great deal of variety. As Harry said, it's.
Speaker 5 (13:15):
Fun and it doesn't matter if you've got you know,
a little kid from you know, a kindergarten age kid,
or you know your gray haired guy like me.
Speaker 4 (13:24):
You're in there smiling.
Speaker 5 (13:25):
Because it's just an infectious kind of joy inside that theater.
You expect it, You go in and guess what it happens.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
Yeah, and they've got one of the best sound systems anywhere.
I mean, it's second to none. And they like to say,
Chris that they have old school charm that meets new magic.
They've got classic numbers like the Parade of the Wooden
Soldiers that you talked about, but they blend that with
some dazzling new scenes and some pure nostalgia and have
(13:56):
just a little bit of a modern twist. You can
do some back stage tours as well when they open
this up, and those backstage tours started only about forty
four dollars, so it's kind of nice. Also opening up
some more holiday spectaculars in New York. The Lion King
is opening back up again with tickets starting at one
hundred and fifty three dollars per person. They've got the
(14:19):
Rockefeller Center guided tour and dyker Hart Heights Christmas Lights
bus tour that you can get. So a lot, a
lot of interesting things going on in New York.
Speaker 1 (14:29):
And it's not a very long trip to get up
to New York City.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
It's not and I love to do it by train,
you know, we've talked about that before. Amtrak. I love
to take Amtrak up to New York and on the way.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
Up to New York.
Speaker 5 (14:39):
You pass through you know, Philadelphia and other cities, you
get to see the lights there too. It's just fantastic.
Christmas lights are exciting. I don't care what anybody says.
Speaker 1 (14:50):
I particularly like Rockfeller Center with a Christmas tree. Oh yeah,
the angels with their trumpets or horns that they're blaring.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Yeah, it's surreal. I mean when you're in New York
and you see it a Christmas time, it's really surreal.
I mean you're like, I can't believe I'm here and
seeing this. It's one of the major attractions I think
at the holiday time, something we're going to be talking
a lot about today. But next on my list of
sales is coming from our good friends at Globis. I
think we may have mentioned this last week. I don't
(15:18):
want this to go by though, without people really letting
this sink in. Globis Escape Tours are offering right now
five hundred dollars savings and for some of their select
twenty twenty six tours, no single supplements. So if you
are someone who likes to travel by yourself you don't
have a travel partner, no problem. Globist has some great
(15:41):
options to hook you up for example, their Scottish Highlands
Escape six days from six hundred and sixty nine dollars
and Irish Escape seven days starting from seven ninety nine.
So those are some good offers, especially if you are
again among those folks who love to travel by yourself
or just don't have somebody to travel with. It's a
great opportunity for you to find new friends who like
(16:05):
to do the same thing you do, like minded travelers together.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (16:09):
Last on my list of sales today, Chris comes to
us from our good friends at Montage, and I love
this particular hotel. I'm not going to say chain because
it really isn't a chain. It's a few curated hotels
across the United States that are few and far between,
but they are fabulous. They are offering a ski package
(16:30):
so you can make the most of your ski season
with the Ski Montage Package featuring a complimentary fourth night
when you stay three. Who doesn't like free nights? Plus,
they'll give you two hundred dollars in sports credits to
enhance your on mountain experience with ski in ski out
access at the Montage. They have personalized lessons, lift passes,
(16:53):
and a pre ski indulgences from Spa. Montage. Guests can
embrace the best of winter luxury at Montage Deer Valley,
and I will tell you, folks, I have been there
and it is sweet as can be. I don't ski.
I'm not a big fan of skiing or any kind
of snow sports, but I did love this property, and
(17:16):
I love the fact that they give you a beautiful
Cadillac SUV to use during your stay. That didn't hurt
my feelings.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
Talk about that in the show.
Speaker 3 (17:25):
Yes, So that's it for the sales that we have today,
and we're going to be talking about the holidays today
as well.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
I think one of the things that you and I,
I'm not sure where Harry falls and this have in
common is our love for the holidays.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
Absolutely, I entertain my family. I give one of my
gifts to my family during Thanksgiving, which is I invite
everybody in. They don't have to bring anything. I set
them down for a home cooked meal. Harry has been
a part of that many times, and I think it's
safe to say Harry's as good as anything you'd get
at the Williamsburg.
Speaker 4 (17:59):
N Oh my gosh.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Yes, Yeah.
Speaker 5 (18:03):
Terry's been searching for recipes for weeks Chris, and she's it.
I've got enough signiority in this now that she'll come
And what do you think about this?
Speaker 4 (18:12):
What do you think about this?
Speaker 1 (18:13):
I love it.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
I just have that to look forward to.
Speaker 3 (18:16):
And I know you do a little entertaining yourself.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Yeah, I like to cook.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
I know you did, and.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
So I don't have a problem inviting lots of people
over and cooking food for them. I also like the
very quiet, simplistic time when it starts snowing. Oh boy,
And I wish we had a fireplace in our house,
but you have the Christmas tree lit and you can
just sit and be Yeah, that's nice too.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
It is, it really is.
Speaker 3 (18:45):
But then there's a lot of people who really like
to travel during the holidays.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
Talk about that, and we will next because our show
today we're going to be celebrating the holiday travel season,
and we'll talk about it next year on My Life
Less Ordinary.
Speaker 5 (18:58):
Haven't taken your summer vacation yet or do you need
just one more? Let the wishing Wells Experts help. We
offer fee free travel planning with built in expertise. Listeners
voted us Valley's best. Check out our group trips tab
on our website, The Wishingwell dot biz, or let us
create a trip just for you. Stop by two forty
three nef Avenue, visit us at the Wishingwell dot biz,
(19:20):
or call us at five four zero nine zero eight
two three three three five four zero nine zero eight
two three three three.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
Welcome back to you a lifeless sordinary. Every Saturday morning,
we get together as friends do, and we talk travel
with a cup of coffee and our good friends from
the wishing Well Terry Dean Harry Rife. You can call
and talk to him today if you'd like. After the
show five four oho nine oh eight twenty three thirty three,
you can find them online at the Wishingwell dot biz
(19:49):
or stop i and see them. They're on neph Avenue
in Harrisonburg. And our show today is all about holiday travel.
We're gonna celebrate the holiday travel season. We are Are
we in that season?
Speaker 2 (20:00):
Or were there?
Speaker 1 (20:00):
Start around Thanksgiving?
Speaker 3 (20:02):
We are there, We are there, and Chris today we
are gonna you're gonna see what I'm doing here. We're
gonna unwrap a truly special episode. Now I think that's
my only one, but you know, as we know, the
holidays there we talk about that it's one of the
(20:22):
most magical times of the year, and it really is
if you're traveling too. And twenty twenty five is already
shaping up to be an exciting season for extraordinary escapes.
I've got a lot of my clients traveling over the holidays.
I've got some clients who have chosen to do that
(20:42):
with their family members as opposed to doing Christmas gifts anymore.
People have said to me, who decide to do this,
they go, we don't want more stuff. What we want
is time with each other. And I think, you know,
something happened during the shutdown that we went through, and
it made people really appreciate each other more. And I
(21:05):
love that, you know. I love that families have become
important again.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
I like that.
Speaker 3 (21:10):
Maybe this is the year you trade your own wrapping
paper for passports, or maybe that noisy family kitchen for
the calm of someplace spectacular. And in the next hour
here we're going to be exploring some hand picked destinations,
both international and domestic, that are perfect for luxurious, meaningful
(21:31):
holiday getaways. And of course we're going to talk about
a few of my favorite travel planning tips along the way. Too,
So I want to begin by taking a look at
a few of these extraordinary international destinations. I want to
start there where holiday travel truly feels like an art form.
Rome is a masterpiece that comes alive every season, but
(21:54):
during the holiday it is absolutely glowing with something very special.
The streets in Rome are lined with these twinkling lights
that reflect off of those century old buildings. You've got
carellers that drift in and out of churches older than
most nations. These churches are not the carollers, but the churches.
(22:19):
But Rome is just fantastic. I mean, visitors often say
that Rome teaches you how to slow down, and that's
primarily because they know just how to linger maybe over
an espresso in a coffee cafe, or stroll through the
piazzas when they have their Christmas markets out, not once
(22:40):
checking their time. They just do that without even looking
at the time. And that's what people in Rome typically
will do now to get right in to the holiday
feeling Rome, I want to tell you where a lot
of guests might like staying to really pick up that
vibe of the Christmas holiday or the necessarily Christmas, but
(23:01):
just the holiday season in Rome, and that is the
Hotel d Rusi. This is a rocoforte property. It's just
steps from the Spanish Steps and it's treated anybody who
stays there. They're treated to the lush gardens and the
private terraces that overlook the rooftops. Even the entry level
superior rooms here at Hotel de Rusi are another level
(23:26):
of elegance. Definitely should check out this property if you
ever have a chance to visit Rome and Chris, you
and I have talked about this before when we've recorded
a Lifeless Ordinary. If you're listening to us and you
have the luxury of being by your computer or have
a laptop handy, pull up some of these properties as
I'm talking about them today, because they are extraordinary. Another
(23:49):
exquisite choice is the Baglioni Hotel Regina, one of our
fabulous virtuoso properties. I might add this is where kind
of art decorps glamour meets Italian warmth. Absolutely beautiful. This
little lesser known trivia. If you've ever been to the
Caribbean or Mexico, you may have unknowingly stayed in some
(24:10):
of her sister properties like the Cancun Palace or the
Moon Palace and many of the other Palace hotels, different location,
same family of brands. A week long stay for two adults,
including your virtuoso style amenities like daily breakfast and spa credits,
they're going to average a stay rate of about six
(24:31):
to eight thousand dollars at either one of these two
properties for a week long stay, and you can spend
your days visiting the Vaticans Nativity Display, maybe admiring Michelangelo's frescoes,
and indulging in a Christmas Eve dinner of fresh pasta
roasted chestnuts. Italian wine. Doesn't sound too bad, does it, Chris?
Speaker 1 (24:51):
Sounds good to me.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
I'll tell you. Rome doesn't just celebrate the holidays. It
elevates them to an experience of history, culture and grace.
Rome is all about quintessentially Italy. I mean, it immerses
you in that Italian vibe, and I mean very so ever,
(25:12):
so often people even report having seen the Pope. I
know Harry's sister, Bless her heart, before she passed away,
she spent some time in Rome, and she sent me
a text message and said, you won't believe this. I've
seen the Pope now three times.
Speaker 4 (25:26):
She thought he was stalking her yes, she did. Everyone.
Every time she walked onto a new.
Speaker 5 (25:33):
Corner, the Pope, you know, the Pope's motigate or something
would pass by.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
And as the Pope will often do, he's a stoker.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
He's a stalker. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
But Rome is certainly someplace that if you haven't thought
about it before, and you know we've we've talked about
this too here on a lifeless ordinary. If you are
choosing just one city to visit, where you do air,
hotel and transfers and you're just in that's a very
affordable adventure for you to take on because you're not
(26:07):
trying to see more than just one city. And believe
me when I tell you the Christmas markets in Rome
are a site to behold. Certainly if you can take
a private tour to the Vatican, which, by the way,
I just hook some folks up just this week with
private tours to the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. I mean,
that's a great way to immerse yourself in one city
(26:29):
and still really get the flavor of an entire country.
It's not impossible to do. I did it myself here
recently when I went to Barcelona. So it's a great
way to travel if you have limited time and limited resources,
don't be afraid to just put one city on your
list exactly right.
Speaker 5 (26:49):
You can see it, learn about it, and you come
back with wealth of memories and a lot of knowledge.
Speaker 2 (26:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (26:56):
Absolutely, Now next on my list, half a world Away
going to travel to a much more tropical but exotic
location of Bali, Indonesia. Bali offers a different kind of holiday,
one that replaces rush with rhythm, and most travelers who
choose to go there want to just breathe. They want
(27:18):
to reconnect with nature and themselves. And you know, as
I was kind of compiling some of the cities that
we were going to talk about today in the destinations
for this particular show, Chris, I actually got in my
mind the faces of a couple of my travelers who
are desperate for some rest and relaxation. I mean, I
(27:41):
deal with a lot of folks on a daily basis,
and some of my I love my clients, I really do.
I mean I build relationships with them. I know where
their kids go to school. You know, I know what
they're going to dress up for for Halloween. These are
the people that I also know could use a break.
And Bali represents that kind of holiday vacation, but around
(28:07):
the Emerald Rice Terraces and Lotus Field ponds. There is
a place called the Four Seasons Resort at Bali Seyon.
It welcomes guests with riverside suites and serene yoga pavilions.
A week for two adults runs between seven and ten
thousand dollars. Here that's going to include private transfers and
(28:29):
a wellness program designed specifically for you. And if I
may say so, I'm a four Seasons girl. I think
I told you that, Chris. After I went on my
adventure with Talk Tours my certification class, they put us
up in the Four Seasons in Nashville. Buddy, I'm a
four Seasons girl all the way now that that is
(28:51):
my new home away from home. And they treat you
like that. The Four Seasons hotels go out of their
way to learn your name the very first day you
check in, and from then on they kind of get you.
They know what your likes dislikes are. So if you're
one of those people who for the holidays, you would
love nothing more than to relax, rejuvenate, and just redo you,
(29:17):
this Four Seasons Resort in Bali should be right up
your alley. If you're really beat up, you're seeking total restoration.
There's another property there too, called the Como Shambalai Estate.
We talked about this here on a Lifeless Ordinary couple
of weeks ago. This was one of the places that
we visited during our talk. But during the holidays at Como,
(29:39):
the air is fragrant with the frange panny blooms, and
local villages celebrate with intricate offerings of flowers and music.
And instead of sleigh bells, you're gonna hear bamboo instruments,
and instead of icy streets, you're gonna walk bare foot
through temple courtyards and maybe some velvety sand. Doesn't sound
(30:01):
too bad?
Speaker 1 (30:02):
Does what I'm here?
Speaker 2 (30:03):
I do too.
Speaker 3 (30:04):
Yeah, Bali reminds us that peace itself can be the
greatest luxury and the greatest gift we gift ourselves. So
that would be my second of places to go is Bali.
And I got to tell you, I've been pricing this
out lately for folks. Bali also winds up being in
the affordable realm. I mean, you can do Bali for
(30:25):
a lot less than you might think. The two properties
that I mentioned, yes, they do command about a seven
to a ten thousand dollars budget, but I can promise
you I can get you there for a lot less,
including airfare with some of our other vendors and operators
that we use, So don't be afraid to put Bali
on your list.
Speaker 2 (30:43):
It is affordable.
Speaker 3 (30:46):
Next on my list, our International Excursion is going to
take us from Bali to Japan, another very very red
hot destination for twenty twenty five and twenty twenty six.
And I think it's because few countries balance beauty and
precision as gracefully as Japan does, and the winter season
(31:06):
is a time of renewal. I can tell you that
my trip to Japan was a life changing experience.
Speaker 2 (31:12):
I think I've told you that before.
Speaker 3 (31:14):
I have never regretted visiting Japan and would highly recommend
it to anybody looking for a more out of the
box kind of travel experience. And in Kyoto there are
these ancient temples that just shimmer under especially the frost
of winter, and visitors participate in New Year's rituals of
(31:35):
purification and gratitude. In Kyoto and in Tokyo, there are
multiple rooftop celebrations and countdowns to midnight on New Year's
with panoramic views of Mount Fuji. Where else are you
going to get that on New Year's Eve? Let me
tell you want something new and amazing. That's it what
(31:55):
I mean. Can you imagine telling your friends what did
you do for New Year's I we had beautiful views
of Mount Fuji in Japan from the rooftops of some
of these fabulous places. I would suggest staying at aman Kyoto.
This is a resort set along some of the moss
covered gardens there, which really could look a whole lot
(32:17):
like a Showgun movie set. If you've ever seen the
Showgun movies, this would be a close call, I think
to say, could look just like that. If you'd rather
stay closer to the city of Tokyo, you might quite
like Hoshino Tokyo, which is an urban hotel that kind
(32:38):
of blends Japanese heritage with some sleek design. There they're
a little more modern. This is about as authentic as
you can get though for Japan. A week at either
one of these places is going to run in the
nine thousand dollars mark for about two adults, and that's
going to include some private, guided tours of shrines, a
couple of tea ceremonies, and your fine dining. And when
(32:58):
I say fine dining, talking gourmet. These are chef prepared meals,
so you're not settling for anything if you stay here.
It's absolutely marvelous. Japan offers not only great scenery but symbolism.
It's a perfect place to close the year with reflection
and intention, I think, and for anybody who's looking for
(33:21):
a very different holiday celebration experience, Bali and Japan, I
think definitely definitely offer that. Now I want to step
back just a quick second to address a couple of
great tips for holiday travel before I lead you into
some of the best domestic destinations. What we can all
(33:42):
agree on is that the holidays are definitely one of
the busiest times to travel. I will tell you this,
Like the Sunday after Thanksgiving they always say is the
busiest travel day of the year.
Speaker 2 (33:52):
It is. It continues to be.
Speaker 3 (33:54):
So you know, here's a few insights to make your
experience maybe a little less hectic. And number one is
book early, I mean really early, like we're there, yeah,
we're there. Like the first week of November is always
the sweet spot to book holiday travel. And that allows
(34:15):
you to secure sometimes the very best airfare before peak
price is hit. And really after this week this all
bets are off. It's going to be catch as catch
can and pay whatever you will because it's going to
be horrendous what prices may go up to. Also consider
shoulder dates. Okay, traveling a day or two before the rush,
(34:37):
and as an example, I would say, try to leave
on maybe December the nineteenth instead of December twenty second.
That's going to maybe save you hundreds of dollars on
your ticket.
Speaker 1 (34:49):
Is it true that if you fly out on Tuesday
it's going to save you more than flying out on
a Friday or sometimes?
Speaker 3 (34:56):
You know, sometimes I tell people a lot of that
is just travel industry hubu. You know, it's like these
are old wives tales that people once upon a time
made up, right exactly, But you know, there are some
things that are worth looking at, even if it doesn't
yield anything. I'd look at it just to make sure
I'd covered all my bases. Because if you're trying to
(35:17):
save money, why not travel on a Tuesday as opposed
to a Wednesday. Go ahead, at least look at that
to see if it's going to save you any margins.
Also treat yourself to private transfers. I'm going to tell
you right now this is my best, hottest tip for you.
And if you're listening, go get your crayon because you
don't want to write this down. During the holidays, airports
(35:39):
and shuttles can be overwhelming, even uber I mean, I
can tell you right now in Barcelona, if you go
during the busiest times of the day, even forget ubers,
they just don't answer or they're not available. But not
only they can they be downright impossible in certain locations
(36:01):
to obtain without coming to fists flying between people sometimes.
But you can just take your best shot as to
how long you're going to wait. Private airport transfers or
chauffeur services, which we can actually build in to your
trip at the wishing Well itineraries. That's going to remove
(36:21):
a lot of stress and it's going to set the
tone from the moment you land. And I will tell
you too, this goes for a lot of our mature
audiences who travel out there. We can offer you sometimes
door to door service for your transportation, so you don't
(36:41):
even have to drive. If the best fare for you
is out of Washington, Dulles or National No problem. The
wishing Well can hook you up with transportation right from
your home.
Speaker 5 (36:53):
And what a great feeling when you walk off that
plane and walk down to the baggage claim area.
Speaker 4 (36:59):
It really makes you feel important.
Speaker 5 (37:01):
When there's somebody standing there with an iPad with your
name on it and you're waiting for you.
Speaker 4 (37:05):
You seem like you're a VIP all of a sudden.
Speaker 2 (37:07):
Yeah, and all of a sudden makes feeling.
Speaker 3 (37:09):
It kind of kicks your holiday travel off to a
much better level, you know.
Speaker 5 (37:15):
And if you can arrange the travel so you're avoiding
connections by traveling maybe by car to a different airport
so you can get those direct flights that we always
talk about, you've just also avoided one of the potential
pitfalls of holiday travel, and that's a connecting city exactly.
Speaker 3 (37:32):
And another thing I would like for folks to remember,
especially as we're talking about some of the places to
visit and destinations that are appealing for holiday travel, is
remember experiences over excess Well what do I mean by that, Well,
a well planned itinerary doesn't have to be overbooked. You
do not have to spend every waking second with an
(37:55):
itinerary in your hand, not knowing what the next thing
is going to be every five minutes, that's exhausting. You
want to build in time to rest and wander and
just let serendipity unfold.
Speaker 2 (38:08):
I mean, you do want to do that.
Speaker 3 (38:10):
And of course, having your trip customized through somebody like
us at the Wishing Well, that's going to give you
your twenty four to seven support. You're going to have
exclusive amenities and access to properties that just simply aren't
always available to the public. So it's a great idea
to do that. And Chris, you're looking at some notes
there about some previously I'm sure discussed tips.
Speaker 1 (38:34):
From our show Travel Tips and Hacks Part one. Yes,
rule number one slow down.
Speaker 2 (38:39):
Amen to that.
Speaker 1 (38:40):
Amen. Can you see which number it was on the list?
Speaker 2 (38:42):
Yeah, and it's worth repeating.
Speaker 3 (38:44):
You know. I'm glad it's a part of this show too,
because holiday travel can be stressful, So really do that
slow down a little bit. So those are a couple
of tips I think that are probably important for people
for the holidays. Chris, I know that we're going to
take a break and we're going to head into the
next half of our show, and we're going to discuss
(39:05):
domestic holiday options.
Speaker 1 (39:07):
Next here on a Lifeless Ordinary.
Speaker 5 (39:09):
Haven't taken your summer vacation yet or do you need
just one more? Let the wishing Wells experts help. We
offer fee free travel planning with built in expertise. Listeners
voted US Valleys best. Check out our group trips tab
on our website, The Wishingwell dot biz, or.
Speaker 2 (39:25):
Let us create a trip just for you.
Speaker 5 (39:27):
Stop by two forty threef Avenue, visit us at the
wishingwell dot biz, or call us at five four zero
nine zero eight two three three three five four zero
nine zero eight two three three three.
Speaker 1 (39:38):
And welcome back to a Lifeless Ordinary. Every Saturday, we
like to talk travel. This Saturday, we're talking holiday travel,
and as we've already discussed some international travel options, we're
getting ready to talk about domestic locations. If at all
throughout this show your interest has been peaked, why don't
you give Terry or Harry a call. I'd love to
(40:00):
talk to you. You can talk to him right after
the show at five four oh nineh eight twenty three
thirty three. You could stop either open today at their
location on nef Avenue in Harrisonburg, or you can check
out the website at the wishingwell dot biz. We are
celebrating holiday travel. The holiday travel season is upon us, terry,
and there's some great destinations right here in the States
(40:22):
that we can go and visit.
Speaker 3 (40:23):
I know. And one thing I'm pretty sure you know,
if you listen to a lifeless ordinary with any regularity,
you know you don't have to cross an ocean for
a world class holiday. Some of the most inspiring getaways
are chris as you said, right here in the United States,
offering luxury, comfort and that familiar spirit of the season.
(40:46):
And one of them we've kind of touched on just
a little bit already. I don't think it would be
a surprise to anybody to know that New York is
our number one ultimate December stage. Fifth Avenue just glitters
with windows displays. There's Broadway that sells out every night
during the holiday season, and even the chill in the
(41:07):
air feels electric. And I'll tell you I've been to
New York during that time of year. It is fabulous,
absolutely fu.
Speaker 1 (41:14):
One of my favorite places I've been at the holidays.
Speaker 3 (41:16):
I know, right it is. I mean, there's it's always
something new about it and go to places like Fao Schwartz.
Oh yeah, and they've got the teddy bears that are
big enough to fill the entire living room.
Speaker 1 (41:28):
Just fun stuff to do in the hall.
Speaker 3 (41:30):
Yes, and when you go to New York during the
holiday season, you're going to want your accommodations to be
ultra special too. I would suggest spending the week if
you're going to stay a week at the Langham Fifth Avenue,
Oh yeah, it's a nice place where art and architecture
meet timeless service. Or my next choice would be the Peninsula,
(41:51):
New York. It's known for their rooftop views and the
iconic afternoon teas. These are just two very iconic New
York hotel great locations. It's kind of like the Savoy
in London. I mean, you know, I mean, it's just iconic.
You know, these are two of the best, and they're
going to certainly take care of you, provide those great
holiday memories that again you're never going to regret splurging
(42:14):
on even just a little, you know, a seven nights
stay for two adults there might run you somewhere between
four and five thousand dollars, including those some really special
holiday menus. Concierge arranged theater tickets, so it's really it
is an elevated experience. Are there some lesser expensive hotels. Absolutely?
(42:37):
And if you're not in the market for staying at
the Langham or the Peninsula and that doesn't appeal to you,
just check us out at the Wishing Well, we'll tell
you what other options there are. But don't miss New York.
It's great.
Speaker 4 (42:50):
How can you talk.
Speaker 5 (42:51):
About New York and not mentioned skating in Rockefeller Center. Yeah,
taking a carriage ride through Central Post.
Speaker 3 (42:56):
Well, there you go. There's plenty to do. Like you said,
the Christmas Street, Rockefeller Center, it's the horse drawn carriage
in Central Park. Ice, skating, Yeah, it's all there, and
it's for everybody.
Speaker 5 (43:08):
And everyone's in a great mood because they're all there
for the same reason you are, and that's to enjoy
the holidays exactly.
Speaker 3 (43:15):
Now, Harry, just like we did with our international options,
I got to take you to at least one tropical
destination in the domestic arena too, of course. And if
your idea of the perfect holiday includes sunshine, ocean breezes,
vibrant island traditions, I'll bet you Hawaii would be on
your list.
Speaker 2 (43:34):
It's irresistible.
Speaker 3 (43:36):
First of all, each island in the collection of Hawaiian
islands celebrates in its own way, and each island is
also distinctively different. From torchlit luaus on Maui to festive
parades in Honolulu. Now I'm going to take you back
again to one of my favorites, to Four Seasons Resort
Maui at Waialaya.
Speaker 2 (43:56):
You're going to.
Speaker 3 (43:57):
Enjoy ocean view suites, world class dining, or timbers. Kawaii
offers private residences surrounded by your rainforest and the sea cliffs.
I will tell you Kawaii is one of my favorite
of the four Hawaiian islands, and that's because what's called
the garden now, and it's called that for a reason.
(44:17):
It's just beautiful. It's where Elvis filmed almost all of
his Hawaiian movies, so there's that. I'm a big Elvis fan.
It's also where The Thornbirds was filmed. Also, the Swiss
Family Robinson was filmed there as well, So there's been
a lot of movies that have been South Pacific was
filmed in Kawaii. So a lot of iconic things that
(44:40):
we've already seen and loved. Take place in Hawaiian. When
I sell Hawaii to people, often say, close your eyes
and tell me what you see when you think of Hawaii,
because all four islands are different. I want to know
what they see because I want to know where to
send them so that they capture that vision. And of
the time, Chris, every client will describe Kawaii to me.
(45:03):
When they think of what Hawaii looks like and they've
never been, they will describe that island.
Speaker 2 (45:09):
Yeap, so it's wonderful.
Speaker 3 (45:11):
A week long stay there is going to run you
somewhere in the neighborhood of six to seven thousand for two.
That rate's probably going to include excursions like some snorkeling,
cultural tours, private helicopter rides over volcano craters and here.
The holidays are, of course, less about escaping winter and
more about embracing life. We should do more of that,
(45:33):
I think now. I don't think anybody ever gets enough
of our national parks. I'm going to head their next
holidays are no exception. The holidays reveal kind of a quieter,
more soulful side of the American West. Yellowstone in winter
feels almost otherworldly, and you know there's not a lot
of people who know that you can still go there
(45:54):
during the off season, and certainly the holiday time is
off season. There are snow dusted evergreen's there. You've got
those steaming gaysers and herds of bison moving across the plains,
probably just at a little bit slower pace. And if
you're gonna go, you're gonna definitely want to base yourself
at Amungari in Jackson Hole. This is where guests wake
(46:16):
up to views of the Tetons and relax beside of
roaring stone fireplaces. And Harry, you and I watched a
show The Reluctant Traveler I forget now, who's there? You go,
Eugene with the guy with the big eyebrows. Yeah, and
he actually did a show from a maungary in Jackson Hole.
(46:40):
I want to tell you it. I was hooked. I
was absolutely hooked on this place. It is amazing. Yeah,
the combination of nature in the Yellowstone in American West,
the stillness that's there, refined luxury makes it one of
the most restorative holiday retreats you can experience anywhere in
the US, maybe in the world, but it's just amazing.
(47:03):
So if again you're following along with us on computers.
Do look up almongari am a n GA in Jackson Hole.
It is absolutely wonderful. Next on my list, a few
places capture balance and beauty quite like California's Central Coast.
We've talked about this a lot here on a Lifeless
(47:24):
Ordinary and when we looked at places like Big sur
and Monterey and Carmel by the Sea, there's some accommodations
there post Ranch in where the architecture here just flows
seamlessly into the landscape. There's also Carmel Valley Ranch, which
we did cover here at some length of their known
for their vineyards, cozy ranch style suites, and I'll tell you,
(47:48):
for a lot of people, California just does it. If
you want elegance with ease, California offers that kind of
understated holiday elegance. But that's you know that I think
is what attracts people to the holidays or all these
fabulous places to go.
Speaker 5 (48:06):
Yeah, you're talking about some magnificent places, and the beauty
of holiday Traveltaria, in my opinion, lies not just where
you go, but why you're going there. And for me
absolutely that connection that family time. So I want to
take a minute and reflect on that and stepping away,
rediscovering the joy of those moments between celebrations, when you're
(48:27):
spending time with family, as you're considering destination, it's got
to align with your personal rhythm. If you like cultural
immersion and history Rome Kyoto, they're going to speak to
your soul. If you need the renewal you spoke about Bali,
that slow pulse kind of resets your perspectives. And if
you want adventure, Yellowstone. Nothing more beautiful than international parks
(48:51):
or Malis Surf, but each one becomes a mirror looking
back at who you are and what your aspiration are
and what you value most. At the closing of the year,
I want to venture out in a little different tact
and hit what I think is a fabulous that's a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where adventure meets meaning.
(49:14):
And we're talking about things that go beyond just sight seating.
What if you have sight seeing and you can do
something you really enjoy the journey that awakens the spirit
inside you. I'm speaking of Italy and the Dolomites. You're
talking about twelve ski resorts spanning seven hundred and forty
five miles of slopes. You buy one pass that gets
(49:38):
you on all of these slopes. What a tremendous family opportunity.
Northern Italy, the Dolomites, they rise like a cathedral of
stone and snow. Families come here during the holidays to
ski hikes, sure meals and include We're even talking some
Michelin level restaurants, Chriss, some very high level restaurant. A
(50:01):
favorite stay up there. There is a property called Rosa Alpina.
It's an Aman partner hotel. Elegance meets the mountain, warmth,
sweets inside these you talked about fireplaces earlier, Chris, I
got a fireplace for you. They include fireplaces and the
panoramic views, meals paired with local wines.
Speaker 4 (50:19):
Take your family there for a week.
Speaker 5 (50:21):
You're going to spend between ten and twelve thousand dollars,
but that includes guided outdoor activities.
Speaker 4 (50:29):
And much much more. The Dolomites. You want to consider that.
Speaker 2 (50:33):
I'm going to take you to a whole different.
Speaker 5 (50:34):
Family kind of experience. Now the Big Five we know, lions, leopards, elephants,
rhinos and buffaloes. I'm talking about Botswana, Africa. If you
want something really extraordinary, take your family on a holiday
Safari in Botswana, pure magic. You see the elephants and
they have the largest elephant population in the world. So
(50:56):
you see these elephants crossing the wetlands, lying, wrestling the
tall grass, and sunsets that seem to suspend time properly.
Speaker 4 (51:04):
Up there that I like a lot.
Speaker 5 (51:06):
Is Is there a a camp or the Exiguria Safari Lounge.
I have trouble spelling this, so if you're following on
the computer, I'm talking about Xiger Exerra Safari Lodge. Conservation
and high design are married in this property. Guests enjoy
private game drives, candle and dinners in the bush and
(51:27):
love of quiet luxury found nowhere else on Earth. Again,
you're talking between twelve and fifteen thousand dollars. It's a
journey that reminds us how vast and how interconnected our
world really is.
Speaker 3 (51:41):
So I'll tell you what as we close today, Harry,
thank you for adding those because sometimes people don't even
think about the exotics, and I think they should. The
Dolomites Botswana, what I mean exactly, The holidays are the
time if you're not going to put gifts under the tree,
why not, oh, someplace like that? Where you can live
(52:02):
out your dreams and your memories with your families. That
is the gift, you know, that's the gift right there.
And as we close today's show, I kind of hope
you got inspired, because you know, that's the whole point here,
is that your holidays are going to be filled with
beauty and laughter and discovery. And remember you don't have
to plan these alone because we're at the Wishing Well
(52:24):
and we specialize in creating those journeys that are luxurious, effortless,
and entirely yours because in the end, it's not about
where you go, it's about how you feel when you
get there and the people that you're with. I always
say this, I've said this for years and years. Company matters,
(52:44):
and it really does no matter where you are, if
you're at your dinner table or if you're in Botswana,
company matters. The people that you're with it matters, and
if the Wishing Well we want to help you make
those dreams come true. We are easy to find. We're
located in here, Virginia. We are located at two forty
three nef Avenue in the Valley Center. You can call us.
(53:06):
We're at five four oh nine oh eight, two three
three three, or look us up on the web. We
are at the Wishingwell dot biz.
Speaker 1 (53:14):
This has been a life Less Ordinary the travel show
from your friends at the wishing Well at two forty
three nef Avenue in Harrisonburg. If you have any questions
on topics discussed today, please reach out to the wishing
Well online at the Wishingwell dot biz or five four
oh nine oh eight, twenty three thirty three. Past episodes
are available on the iHeartRadio app. And we'll see again
next Saturday morning at ten for a life Less Ordinary
(53:37):
from the wishing Well
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