November 6, 2019

The Non-tourist Guide to Paris

By Gabriella Alfonso | Article, Blogs, Destinations, feature, Tips & Tricks, Vacations

Paris is a dream vacation for many people (myself included). I was lucky enough to visit for 4 days when I graduated from high school, but now I have the desire to return and avoid all of the tourists traps I fell into on my family vacation. As you do when you are obsessing over a future vacation, I’ve fallen down a rabbit hole of Youtube videos. The first mistake my family and I made the first time around was visiting Paris in July. I’ve learned that this is the month with the highest tourism rate, and one of the hottest months as well. We were frustrated a lot of the trip because of the immense amount of people no matter where we went (not to mention that it smells like pee and sweat!).

The best time to visit the city is between April and June.

Image result for paris in the spring

I am a very thrifty person: no matter where I visit, I look up the nearest thrift shops and antique shops. Paris, being such an old city, has some amazing vintage finds. You can visit Le Puces, one of the oldest flea markets in Paris.

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There you will find hundreds of stalls filled with oddities and rarities, trinkets and priceless antiques. This is a great way to spend the day perusing the different stalls and finding unique keepsakes to remember your long awaited trip to France. After you are done shopping, you can head to a unique Parisian Cafe. You could try out Chez Louisette that offers classic casual French cuisine with musicians and singers.

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There are some unique food options for those who are feeling like getting out of their comfort zone. You can try the infamous escargot. (snails)

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After being surrounded by people in the city, you can head to a ghost town right outside of the city, or the Goussainville.

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This town is just 20km (12 miles) outside of Paris is almost completely abandoned. It was abandoned in the 70s after an airport was built right next door and polluted the untouched town with the booming sound of jet engines. There is a bookstore that has taken home amongst the ghosts-

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Very odd to find a dying commodity in a deceased town. You’ll have the town almost all to yourself. This is definitely a unique excursion and makes for some interesting photos.

Another great thing to do in Paris is visit a park. This is a Parisian favorite: art, wine, food, and art in the park. You can visit the Coulée verte René-Dumont: a linear park built on top of a railway.

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You can walk along the pathway and have a scenic stroll, or buy yourself some pastries and cheese from a local bakery and relax in the grass. You are sure to hear some music being played, or see some painting being, well painted.

You can’t come to Paris without eating 50 pastries minimum (this is the law!). You can choose from thousands, but one that is a Parisian favorite is Poilâne.

Poilâne is a renowned baker who has won multiple awards. He is most known for his loaf “Le Pain des Ami” that is cooked in a wood fire oven. He also has all of the classic Parisian pastries so this is a perfect go-to.

When in a city with such a rich history of the Fine Arts, you cannot miss out on a trip to a museum. Consider the Petit Palais.

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This stunning museum has it all: architecture from the 1900s, Monet Paintings, a beautiful courtyard. The best part is, entry is FREE!

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Can't get over how beautiful it is!


At the end the end of your long Parisian adventure, you can stop at a classic sidewalk cafe and enjoy an espresso. 


If you are ready to pull the trigger on the Parisian trip of your dreams, be sure to do it with a Luxevo Vacations Travel Specialist! AU REVOIR <3

October 15, 2019

My Trip to LA (Documented in Food)

By Gabriella Alfonso | Article, Blogs, Food, Tips & Tricks, Vacations

This past summer I went to the city of dreams to celebrate. This was my second time visiting Los Angeles, so I knew not to expect anything out of a Miley Cyrus song…

got off the plane at LAX 🎶

LA is a very conflicting place. There is extreme wealth, and extreme poverty with shanty towns built under every bridge you pass beneath. It isn’t the glamorous place you often seen it portrayed as.

The thing that I really love about LA, is that there is no shortage of things to do and food to eat. I am Celiac so often times am very limited at restaurants in Florida, but in LA I was able to eat almost anywhere many times with a separate Gluten Free menu. Even though LA isn’t everything I thought it would be, I was blown away by all the food that I ate. I am the type of person who plans my vacations around my next meal. This was last trip was for my 23rd birthday so I really indulged myself on food.

Since food is obviously the most important part of any vacation, I am going to outline my trip to LA in everything I ate.

Postmates

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I think the thing I spent the most money on during my trip was Postmates. If you don’t know what Postmates is, it’s an app that lets you order ANYTHING you want at pretty much any time. The first night I got into the city, I didn’t get to my Airbnb until 1 am and I was starving. Me and my best friend spent $12 for the luxury of having a giant box of parmesan garlic fries delivered straight to our door. They were slightly soggy from the drive, but the convenience of not moving from the couch is unbeatable. I wish I had a photo of this massive cardboard box of fries, but it’s pretty much exactly what you would imagine: slightly floppy shoe string fries covered in parmesan and garlic crumbs.

Throughout the trip I used Postmates just for the sake of using it. To my defense, without a car, going to get my own food would entail an Uber drive that could cost up to $12 just for a few mile ride.

Coffee

My obsession in LA is Alfred’s Coffee. I get an Iced Oatmilk Latte with Classic Sweetener and it is the creamiest, smoothest, most delicious coffee I’ve ever had the privilege of sipping. I made it a point to try and drink at least one every day of my trip. My favorite location is the one in Studio City.

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Every location is unique, but equally aesthetic. I loved this location because the street is quiet, and there were people with their friends and dogs sitting on the porch and talking. It had a very European Cafe feel where people aren’t just glued to their laptop screen, but are actually using coffee as a hangout. Studio city has a residential feel in some parts, and this street in particular had a Mid Century feel with many original buildings from the 60s era.

Me and my friend sat on the porch and people watched, then walk down the street to some local vintage shops. It was my favorite part of the entire city because it was quiet, clean, and had a very unique eclectic style. And of course, the coffee was outstanding.

Brunch

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On my birthday, me and all of my friends went to brunch! We went to Sage Bistro in Culver city. We didn’t know when we found it on google, that it was 100% plant based, but that didn’t affect the taste at all.

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We started off with their “Buffalo Wings” that were made out of cauliflower. These were one of my favorite things I ate the entire trip: 10/10. They somehow achieved a very similar texture to chicken wings, and their vegan ranch was amazing.

Image result for sage bistro los angeles avocado toast

Avocado toast is King at brunch, and Sage Bistro’s avo toast did not disappoint. This photo shows “regular” bread, but as I mentioned before I am unfortunately gluten free. They made my toast on a gluten free bagel, which was surprisingly chewy and not dry. It was great, and not something I ever get to have at restaurants in Florida.

Sushi

Not sure why I look terrified by my sushi roll in this photo?

For my birthday, I went to SUGARFISH, a popular sushi restaurant in Downtown LA.

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They are well known on instagram for their aesthetic sushi bento boxes. You wont find a spider roll or a volcano roll on the menu; SUGARFISH specializes in simple, high quality rolls that really feature the flavor of the fish. I had a scallop roll, a tuna roll, and a lobster roll. There wasn’t many other ingredients in the roll other than the fish itself, and it was all delicious. The fish melts in your mouth, with no rubbery bite. I would compare the quality of fish to that of Nobu, notably the most famous sushi restaurant in Los Angeles (with the hefty price tag included). SUGARFISH was a lot cheaper and did not compromise on quality.

One thing is for sure, I need to get back to LA and eat a lot more food- I wouldn’t have to repeat anything (except Alfred’s Coffee of course)

If you want to experience the city of angels first hand, be sure to book it with a Luxevo Vacations Travel Specialist.

October 2, 2019

The Best Beaches in Florida

By Gabriella Alfonso | Article, Blogs, Places, Tips & Tricks, Vacations

As a native Floridian, I've gone to the beach hundreds of times (obviously making me qualified to judge all beaches). Florida is home to some of the most beautiful white sand beaches 
in the entire world- but not all gorgeous beaches are made the same. Here are some of my most favorite top tier beaches in Florida. 

Miramar Beach 


Miramar Beach is located in Destin Florida and is a beautiful white sand beach. The water is crystal clear making this a very popular tourist destination. The beach is lined with
hotels and condominiums for rent. Parasailing is very popular at this beach, and there are even dolphin tours where you can come face to face with dolphins. This is a good beach to 
visit if you are looking for a more upscale hotel experience. The Henderson Beach Resort is the most popular hotel equipped with chic rooms, 5 restaurants, and high end spa 
experiences. 

South Beach 



South Beach in Miami is probably the most famous beach in all of Florida, and one of the most recognized beaches in all of the world. South Beach is unique because of it's vibrant
culture and chaotic night life. This is definitely a more party-goer destination and isn't made for those trying to get away from noise and tourists. You'll wander off the beach and 
onto the multicolored pastel art deco district. There you'll find museums, high end shopping, gourmet food. The last time I was in Miami Beach, I splurged and went to Nobu. Nobu is a
Japanese Peruvian fusion restaurant well known for being littered with celebs, and for having some of the most delicious sushi in the world. Needless to say, Miami beach is not only
a beautiful beach with gorgeous people, it is a full cultural experience.

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Nobu Miami

Anna Maria Beach

Anna Maria Beach is just 10 minutes down the road from the Luxevo Vacation's office. I would say that this was the beach I grew up going to, and many native to the area would probably
agree. Anna Maria is the family vacation beach you've always imagined. There are classic little beach getaways equipped with pull out couches and tiny kitchens the whole family with
cram into. There are all of the mom and pop shops you could want: ice cream, pizza, and fried food galore. Like all the beaches in the area, the sand is white and powdery, and the
water is bright blue. In the summers, there is not a foot of sand that isn't covered in chairs, coolers, and umbrellas. This is a great beach to take your family and have a great
wholesome time.

St. Pete Beach

St. Pete beach is another "spring breakers" beach. Known for being packed to the gills during the spring and summer months, it's no wonder St. Pete attracts the masses. There are
countless bars and pubs and restaurant. St. Pete has done quite the transformation into a self proclaimed art capital. One of the well known landmarks of the city, is the Salvadore
Dali museum full of his paintings, sculptures, and even a virtual reality tour where you can walk through his art. There is also the famous Chihuly glass museum. The city has attracted
many of Florida's young creatives. There are indie bands, art galleries, vintage stores, murals, and craft beer. St. Pete is also home to the Tampa Bay rays so the streets are also often
filled with sports fans too (it's just generally a popular place). St. Pete is one of my favorite cities in all of Florida if not the hippest place to be right now. This is a very
fun place to vacation with quite literally something for everyone.

Salvador Dali Museum Image result for vintage stores st pete

Image result for st pete murals

Lido Key Beach



I saved the best for last! Lido key beach is by far my favorite beach. Just 20 minutes down the road from Anna Maria, Lido is much quieter and secluded. The main part of the beach 
is lined with private residences versus hotels which really minimizes the traffic. Of the course the beach still gets crowded during the summer, but none the less this beach
has everything I love in a beach. The sand is just a little softer, the water just a little bluer, the area just a tad more charming. The beach is right off of St. Armands Circle:

Here you'll find restaurants and local shops filled with clothes and knick Knacks. Live music fills the streets, and the smell of fudge from the local ice cream shop. My favorite
activity is walking around the circle and people watching all of the interesting characters from here and there. Often times, there are events held in the circle. Sometimes it is
local art, craft festivals, or even classic car events. This beach is the perfect combination of quaint and lively.

No matter what Florida beach you decide to visit next, don't forget to book it with Luxevo Vacations.

September 27, 2019

5 Best Fall Vacations Destinations

By Gabriella Alfonso | Article, Blogs, Destinations, Places, Tips & Tricks, Vacations

Summer has come to an end, but that doesn't mean you have to stop vacationing. With holiday time off coming up, you may be wondering where the best
destinations for a fall get aways are. Here are 5 of the best fall vacation destinations!

1. The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular destinations. By visiting the Canyon in Fall you'll avoid the high volume crowds of the summer, and enjoy
much more temperate weather for exploring. You can take advantage of multiple hiking trails in the area, and all of the gorgeous scenery without risking
heat stroke.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is located along the Blue Ridge Mountain making it a perfect location to witness the changing of seasons. Asheville is known for it's colorful art scene and rich
history. There are tons of gardens and museums to visit, as well as an abundance of trails to walk along. There is also a lot to offer for those who aren't keen on nature as
well. They have more breweries per capita than any other city in the world, and plenty of highly rated restaurants. Asheville is a super hip city with the perfect culmination
of nature and city life.

3. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is known for its rich history and charm. (It can also be extremely humid and hot!) Enjoy all of the charm and history the city has to offer and avoid the sticky
weather of summer. Take a horse drawn carriage through the cobblestone streets. Eat at some of the best restaurants the south has to offer: gastro pubs, hipster hideaways, and
gourmet dining alike. Enjoy classic fall activities like hay rides and pumpkin patches. There are many fall activities like festivals and foodie based events.

4. San Fransisco, California

San Francisco is a very popular destination with peak tourism in summer. San Fran has fairly constant weather typically sitting in the mid to low 60s. Avoid the crowds and enjoy
some of the fall festivals including film, food, and wine. Stroll through the streets without having to push through the crowds. Visit the famous golden gate bridge, and take the
ferry to visit Alcatraz. This is a fun place to be year round so why not now?


5.Oaxaca, Mexico 



With the cold creeping in, consider going south of the border for your fall vacation. This is voted one of the best cities in Mexico with bustling market places, and countless 
scenic excursions. The photo above is of the heirve agua, or the boiling water. It's natural hot springs with the most incredible view. Take a trip to the famous Chichen Itza ruins, 
or get lost in the market place eating food and browsing homemade crafts. This is the perfect fall vacation for those who don't want summer to end. 


No matter what vacation you choose this fall, make sure to book it with us at Luxevo Vacations. Our travel specialists can book any vacation you can imagine, and can even help you 
come up with countless more vacation inspos. Or, if you are an experienced traveler with a passion for exploring, join our team as a travel specialist.

September 20, 2019

How to Use Social Media to Grow your Travel Business: 3-day Training Intensive

By Gabriella Alfonso | Article, Blogs, Tips & Tricks

Here at Luxevo Vacations we are having our 3 Day Training intensive. I am giving a presentation on Social Media and why it is an integral part of getting your Travel Business off of the ground. I think that this is useful information for all new agents, so I want to give a shortened version here on the blog. Of course I won’t be giving the full presentation- you’ll have to come to our next training in January for that!

But I’ll give you a sneak peek

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Why is Social Media Important?

So to start off, I want to tell you why I believe social media is a crucial component to being a successful Travel Specialist. Firstly, you it’s the best way to put your business on the map. To really grow and differentiate yourself from pursuing a hobby, and pursuing a career, you need to branch out past your cushion of family, friends, and coworkers (even though this is the best way to start.)

Having a social media presence, even before you have a grand following, is like putting a sign up on the outside of your building. You make yourself look official, and open for business.

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Now, this might seem optimistic if you are in the starting stages of your business and only your mom and dog’s instagram follow you, but social media will eventually become an essential way for you to connect with your clients.

It’s a great way to become accessible for people to ask you questions, or for more information
You put a face to your business. A business card, or a flyer in your office’s break room is cold and doesn’t give the client an idea of you. By putting yourself on social media and showing your personality you built trust with your clients.
These things together will allow you to build loyal clients who not only use you for your vast knowledge, but because they like you !

Now when your page is at zero followers, the best thing to do is to start off with your existing friends and family on Facebook. Share your page and invite them to leave and like and follow you. You can also reach out personally to your friends to let them know about your new venture. Text your group chat to let all your friends know that you are a Travel Specialist and that they should come to you for all of their vacation booking needs! Send a link to your Facebook Page and make sure your Facebook is up and ready to go for people to get more info and to contact you.

What should you post?

There are many options when choosing what you want to post on your social media. For the sake of Luxevo Travel Specialists reading this, I will focus on you guys. The most important thing to remember is to be consistent by posting around 2-3 times a day. Also, be consistent in what you post. With the LXVN resource center we make this very easy. Our motto when it comes to content is steal, steal, steal! We want you guys to succeed, so take any of our Social Media posts by either sharing them to your page, taking them from the LXVN resource center, or even just saving photos that we post as your own.

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This is just a little snippet of what I will be presenting at our 3DTI training! If you want to learn more about how to grow your social media, and hear presentations from leading industry professionals, make sure to sign up for our next 3-day training intensive in January. HERE

September 13, 2019

Things you Need to know before Staying at an All Inclusive Resort

By Gabriella Alfonso | Article, Blogs, Places, Tips & Tricks, Vacations

At Luxevo Vacations all-inclusive vacations are one of our specialities. Not only do we have a great working relationship with Karisma Resorts, we take trips with our travel specialists called “Fam” trips, or Familiarization trips to give agents a hands on experience they can share with potential clients. Most people are not lucky enough to have a hands one experience before booking their vacation.

You may already expect endless food and bottomless drinks in a beautiful local, and you are not wrong there. But here are some things to know before you hop on the plane and stay at your first all-inclusive resort.

1. Not all all-inlcusives are built the same

It is important before you leave to know exactly what is included in your package. Although some resorts offer bottomless drinks and food, some may only include 2 meals a day etc. With most all-inclusives including a hefty price tag, it is crucial to know exactly what you are getting so you can plan accordingly. Most all-inclusive resorts will have exclusive restaurants that are not included in your package. If this interests you, and you don’t want to eat the designated meals, this may work for you.

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2. Check your surroundings!

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A lot of all-inclusives are built with the idea that you won’t be leaving the resort in mind. Many are built in very remote places with access to a beach, pool, and the resort with not much else. If you are looking for an excursion, or to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you are visiting, it is important to check before hand how accessible that will be. Attempting to hail a cab in the middle of nowhere may be near impossible, or outrageous in cost. Furthermore, some resorts are even built in high crime areas, where it is not necessarily safe to leave the resort. Make sure to ask the resort all of these questions, and to do a google search of the city you are visiting.

3. Ask about dietary restrictions

I personally have celiac disease, which essentially means wheat is my mortal enemy and I must avoid it at all cost (or run the risk of ending up in a Mexican hospital in the middle of my vacation). If you have a dietary restriction that needs to be accommodated, be sure to talk to the resort about this before hand. Most resorts will be more than willing to assist you in finding options, but if it is not possible you’ll have to plan accordingly and bring some food with you.

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4. Bring essentials with you

Most if not all of your toiletries will be handled by your all-inclusive resort. Remember to bring things like sunscreen, allow, chapstick, and your toothbrush because there will most likely be an up-charge at the resort shop.

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5. Transportation

A lot of all-inclusives will offer you transport to and from the airport. Double check with them to make sure you are not left stranded. This could definitely be a bonus of not having to pay a taxi a hefty fee.

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6. Book with Luxevo Vacations

Now that you are ready to book your all-inclusive vacation, be sure to book it with one of our Luxevo Travel Specialists here. We’ll make booking your vacation super simple, and can give you all of the insider details on the resort you choose. There’s no guessing involved, and you’ll get the same rate as if you were going through the hassle of booking it yourself.

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OR if you love travel and are interested in learning more about becoming a travel specialist yourself, click HERE

September 4, 2019

Hostels are Not as Bad as You Think: Travel for Less

By Gabriella Alfonso | Article, Blogs, Destinations, Food for thought, Places, Tips & Tricks, Vacations

You probably have a very specific idea in mind when you hear the word Hostel. You may think of free spirits traveling across Europe, letting their heads land where they may. Or you may think of a dusty dimly lit room stacked to the ceilings with creaking bunk beds.

Often times the thing that holds people back from a foreign vacation is the various hotel stays that can accumulate. Unless you are willing to fly across the sea for an extended weekend and only staying in one city, multiple hotel moves will be inevitable.

I too was under the impression that if you didn’t have the money to shell out for decent hotels, you would have to settle for a Hostel experience that was unpleasant, and in some cases even unsafe.

I set out to find some of the worlds best Hostels in the some of the most sought after destinations
….ALL UNDER $100. And to learn how to do Hostels the right way!

Are there nice Hostels?

YES!

Generator Hostel (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

The first Hostel we visit is in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a very sought after destination most known for its beautiful canals….

World famous Cherry Blossom Festival

And of course the red light district.

The average hotel price in Amsterdam for 2019 is about 158 euros which is about 173 USD.

The Generator Hostel used to be the Amsterdam University’s Zoology Building until it was transformed into this beautiful Hostel. The outside is a beautiful brick building, and the inside has been completely converted. It is extremely modern and looks like room inspo posts on Pinterest.

If you splurge and get a private room, you are looking at an average price of $160 which still comes in a little bit lower than the average price in Amsterdam: in a very cool place no less.

But if you are willing to go all in to the Hostel experience, you can get a twin bed in a premium 4 person room for only $44

The Generator has very good reviews and appears to be very beautiful. This honestly was a shocking discovery for me- I honestly didn’t know there were beautiful Hostels.

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More Affordable Option

If you are looking for the classic Hostel experience (and classic Hostel prices), there are still some good options that are relatively comfortable.

One that I found is in the South of Italy on the Italian Riviera.

5 Terra Backpackers (Cinque Terra, Italy)

This place has amazing reviews: sited for it’s delicious family style meals, great location, and beautiful views.

It seems that the hosts are very hospitable, it has a good location, and they even cook group meals for the guest. Staying at a family run Hostel can be a good way to immerse yourself into the culture, and to get personal recommendations from a local. And who knows, maybe you will find some new friends as well.

For a basic twin private room you are looking at $76. This means you and a friend or partner can share the room and spend only about $38 a night which is honestly a steal.

If you are looking for the cheapest way possible, you can get a bed in a 6 bed dormitory style room for only $32. This may not feel like the most comfortable option at every hostel, but at the 5 Terre Backpackers you will receive a locker for your things, and the raving reviews will also calm your fears of any funny business.

Everything you should know

Now that we’ve found a couple of viable hostel options, it’s time to learn a little more about how seasoned travelers do hostels. Even though they can be nice, there are still

precautions and measures you should take to ensure you have a comfortable stay.

1. Splurge on the private room if you can

If you can afford it, try and go for one of the slightly more expensive private rooms. This will give you a door with a lock so you don’t have to worry about your belongings, especially on an extended stay. This will also make it more comfortable to do everything you would imagine like changing or even sleeping in your underwear.

A lot of times the private room isn’t even much more expensive so it’s worth it.

2. Bring your own toiletries

Often times hostel toiletries will be very cheap (Think of the pink sticky soap in your elementary school bathroom). Packing some travel sized shampoos and lotions will make your stay that much more comfortable. It will also be more sanitary since many hostels have shared bathrooms.

3. Change your bedsheets

Make sure to ask your hostel host about how often they will be changing the bed sheets!

4. Trust your Gut!

Even though I am sure you have done your research and read all of the reviews you can find, if you are uncomfortable with your sleeping arrangement speak up! Refer to #1 and perhaps try to upgrade to a private room if someone or something in the dorm style room makes you uneasy.

Maybe you are reading this article because you are considering choosing a hostel for your next trip. After my research, I think that staying at a hostel can be a great option, if you do your research. If hotel prices are the only thing keeping you from your dream European vacation…..go for it!

August 27, 2019

How to Get Over Your Fear of Flying

By Gabriella Alfonso | Article, Blogs, Destinations, Tips & Tricks, Vacations

You may be wishing you could take a vacation, but simply can’t get over your fear of flying. Fear of flying is a very common fear and understandably so- soaring through the air in a very heavy metal capsule does sound scary if you think about it. But taking a vacation to a destination far beyond the wheels of your car is worth it (seriously). I’ve come up with some ways that you can conquer this fear and go on the vacation of your dreams.

Fact: You are 2000 times more likely to die in a car than in a plane

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It may not be the best comfort to hear that you are much more likely to die in a car than in a plane, but it is surprisingly true. If you are comfortable driving your car every day, just know you are more of a dare devil than you think. If you think about it, it makes sense; here isn’t much for planes to hit in the wide open sky.

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Distraction

If you keep yourself distracted through a flight, you may be able to forget you’re on a plane.

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A good pair of noise canceling headphones, a comfy blanket, an eye mask, and a bunch of preloaded Netflix content could help you get through your flight.

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This method also works best if you have a flying partner. You could even close your eyes and have them lead you on the plane.

Upgrade your Ticket

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If you can afford it, upgrading your ticket can be a good way to settle into a long flight. Some flights may offer first class pods which will make you feel like you are just casually

floating in a cocoon. You will feel physically more comfortable, and therefore you will have less time to think about your irrational fears. It is also said that the front of the plane

will have a smoother ride, and will be quieter.

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This isn’t the most practical option (financially), but it could be worth it to avoid having to drive through the Atlantic ocean to the Italian vacation you’ve always wanted to take.

Get Therapy

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If your fear of flying is interfering in a big way with your work and life, going to see a therapist could be a good option. There are therapists who can specifically help you overcome phobias. They may

even prescribe you a temporary anti-anxiety medicine that you can take right before your flight, especially if your panic is full blown like this.

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Repetition is Key

The unfortunate truth about fears, is the only way to get rid of them is to face them. This means you’ll have to have a few uncomfortable flights.

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But hopefully after the 5th or sixth time, you will begin to realize that it’s not so scary (or you’ll just take the pills the doctor ordered.)

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Hopefully one or more of these tips will help you get over that fear of flying. The important thing to remember is life is short, and you shouldn’t let your anxieties rule your life. There’s a big world to see, and you can’t get there in a car. Besides- those are the real death machines. (An attempt to trade one irrational fear for another)

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So take your time, but when you are ready to book that trip you’ve been putting off, book it with Luxevo Vacations.

HERE

August 20, 2019

The Best Vacations for When you Don’t Have Much Vacation Time

By Gabriella Alfonso | Article, Blogs, Destinations, feature, Places, Tips & Tricks, Vacations

Sometimes you are in desperate need for a vacation but don’t have much time to get away.
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You could call in those extra days sick…
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Or you could make most of those 2 days you have saved up, and take a long weekend to put all other long weekends to shame.

Here are just some ideas for when you need to get away in a hurry.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SHORT VACATION: CHOOSE SOMEWHERE CLOSE!
Travel time can chip away at your vacation time; choose somewhere not too far away from home (but far enough away to forget work).

I live in Tampa, Florida so a great example of a trip not too far away is:

A Trip to New Orleans

nick viall dancing GIF by The Bachelor

If you can get a nonstop flight that is ideal. From Tampa to New Orleans it’s just a little over an hour and a half plane ride.

Although Spirit is not my airline of choice…. for under $90 round trip you can make it there and back in a flash!
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This is a great choice if you are very limited on time because even if you don’t make it there until later- the party is just beginning on Bourbon Street.

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Stop into one of the hundreds of bars and get a drink…or 3. Bourbon street is a great option for people watching or just a scenic view of historic building.

New Orleans also has an amazing selection of cuisine. From Caribbean, to Italian there are so many restaurants to choose from.

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And as you can see there is so much to see. It is also a very walkable city. Get an Airbnb near the city center and hit all of the sites. From restaurants, bars, museums, or even the famous St Louis cemetery.

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A 3 Day Cruise

swimming pool ocean GIF by Hallmark Channel

For under $500 you can go on a 3 to 4 day cruise. A cruise is an easy getaway! It’s a floating all inclusive. If you are looking for a simple vacation, you never even have to leave the boat. You can take advantage of the

included meals and drinks, and relax on the deck.

season 6 captain lee GIF by Bravo TV

If you are looking for more, you can take advantage of one of the offered excursions. No matter what you are thinking, a cruise is a great vacation for those on a time budget. You can jam pack your long weekend with

karaoke, unlimited food, tanning, swimming, and a quick tours of some really beautiful places FAST.

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A Bed and Breakfast

season 3 ifc GIF by Portlandia

A bed and breakfast is the perfect local get away for when you just need to get away from it all. You can choose to stay cooped up in one of the charming rooms, ordering breakfast in bed (no pun intended). Or you can take the time to see

a nearby city with local sites and museums.

amy sedaris relax GIF by truTVâs At Home with Amy Sedaris

This is a very low key vacation, and can also be a very affordable option. This is also a great option if you are bringing a significant other along. It can be a very romantic way to get one on one time with some peace and quiet.

Amusement Park Hopping

tonight show disney GIF by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

If you’re looking for a get away that’s a lot of fun, amusement park hopping might be a good fit. This is especially a good fit if you are planning on bringing the kids along. If you are going this route, the best option is to get a package

through the amusement park you are thinking of going to. Whether it’s Disney or Universal studios, they are always running park hopper promotions. Universal often offers free nights at their resort when you purchase multiple day park hopper tickets.

This is a trip that requires very little planning. Just get to the park and enjoy!

Just Stay Home

This may seem like a stupid one, but I have one question for you-

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Just kidding. But sometimes the best thing is just staying at home for a long weekend, watching all of the Netflix shows you’ve missed while you’ve been too busy, and swimming in your pool if you have one.

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This is obviously the most affordable, least effort option and with zero travel time, you can take advantage of every minute of your vacation time.

but seriously

No matter what vacation you choose, or how long you have to get away, Luxevo Vacations can make it happen!

Book Here

August 13, 2019

Where your Zodiac Sign is Sending you on Vacation

By Gabriella Alfonso | Article, Blogs, Food, Places, Vacations

Sometimes we are in desperate need for a vacation but don't know where to go. Instead of throwing a dart at a map, why not 
follow the stars. Find out what your zodiac sign is sending you on vacation. 

p .s. I personally do not believe in zodiac signs, but it's for fun.

Capricorn ( December 22- January 19)

Likes: Family, Traditions, Music

Capricorns are known for being serious and well mannered. They do not like to go too far out of their comfort zone, and like to know what to expect. They feel most

comfortable around those they love the most. Something like skydiving or camping in the Sahara Desert might not be fun for a Capricorn. They feel happy with a well

planned itinerary and a relaxing local.

A Family Friendly All- Inclusive

keeping up with the kardashians family GIF homer simpson singing GIF beach day summer GIF

An all inclusive is a reclusive Capricorn’s dream! You don’t have to leave the resort, and you have all that you need. Food and drinks are usually included so you can have an

unlimited amount (without going out of your comfort zone.) A family friendly resort means your whole family can come along and they’ll barely leave your side.

dont leave me mom

If you do want to go on excursions, you can book them all ahead of time with a Luxevo Vacations Travel Specialist. HERE

Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

Likes: Adventure, People, Freedom

Aquarius take pride in their independence, and being an individual. They are not afraid of doing new things, and love it most when doing it in the company of others. Aquarius are the “people people” of the signs. They are most likely booking their flight the night before they go and packing everything into a duffel bag. Aquarius aren’t afraid of the unknown!

Backpacking across Europe with their friends

A great get away for an Aquarius would be backpacking across Europe with friends (or even people they meet along the way).

Aquarius Girl Backpacking Across Europe

An Aquarius would thrive being a solo traveler as well: staying in Hostels and not knowing what city they will be going to next. They will probably document the entire trip just so they can look back on it when they inevitably have wanderlust again.

Pisces (February 19- March 20)

Likes: Being alone, Sleeping, Swimming

Pisces are gentle and enjoy to spend their vacation time alone. They love quiet little nooks preferably close to the water.

A Quiet Airbnb in Big Sur

bay area house GIF by Chris Cubellis

Pisces are a very creative sign: writers, painters, and thinkers. They will most likely spend their off time working on their next project in a dreamy cottage near the sea.

A trip up California’s scenic central coast to Big Sur is the perfect destination for a pisces. They’ll be oh-so relaxed with the sound of waves crashing along the shore

as they snuggle up with a book in their airbnb (capacity max-2).

Actual image of a Pisces

Aries (March 21- April 19)

Likes: Thrills, Exercise, Leading

Aries love a thrill and have no problem with getting physical. They are leaders by nature, so they will probably plan the entire vacation themselves (Also because they’ll be going alone). They won’t stay still and will jam pack their vacation with activities and adventures. Aries aren’t the type to waste away at an all inclusive: they much prefer thinking outside of the box for their time away.

A Trip to Japan

Aries Arriving in Japan

Japan is full is of whimsical cities with varying personalities. Aries aren’t faint of heart and will have no issues immersing themselves in a new cultural experience. They’ll find

a thrill in getting lost in the brightly lit streets of Tokyo, and eating at the infamous Robot restaurant.

Taurus (April 20- May 20)

Likes: Indulging, Music, Nature

Taurus are not the type to “rough it” on vacation. They have an appreciation for the finer things in life, and have no problem treating themselves often. This doesn’t mean they need to stay at the Ritz Carlton and eat hard to pronounce gourmet dishes every night, but they certainly don’t mind spending a little more. As an earth sign, Taurus love mountains, deserts, and the view. They love to engage their senses so a great view and a nice room will suit them well.

A luxury lodge in Sedona Arizona

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You won’t find a Taurus pitching a tent in the deserts of Arizona, but a luxury lodge with a view of the red rock mountains is the perfect destination.

Image result for sedona luxury lodge

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Likes: Adventure, Loved ones, Conversation

Geminis are extremely imaginative and easily bored. Geminis will be most happy bouncing from place to place: they will make the most of wherever they are.

A Cross Country Road trip

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They will have something to look forward to at every spot; they’ll also most likely make up games to play in the car to pass the time and not get bored.

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It doesn’t matter the budget they will find a way to have fun, so whether you stay at motels along the way, or have a nice hotel at your final destination- they won’t mind.

Cancer (June 22- July 22)

likes: Family, Home, Emotional Connection

As a cancer myself, I can vouch for the Cancer’s strong connection to home and family. Although we do enjoy travel, we will most likely get home sick unless we lug our entire family with us.

A Weekend Trip to the Beach

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As a Florida girl this is my favorite kind of trip of all. Just a short drive from home, me and the family will book a little beach hotel and spend the entire weekend on the beach making memories.

Leo (July 23- August 22)

likes: Luxury, Partying, Drama

Leo’s are party animals! They are most likely on the most FOMO inspiring vacation- whether that be an epic European vacation complete with yachts and pasta, or a trip to New York City getting into all the best parties.

A Private Yacht in Ibiza

between the lines ibiza GIF by Robyn

Leo’s will have the best instagram pics that makes you question why your life isn’t as good as theres. They’ll have wild stories when they return from their trip!

Virgo (August 23- September 22)

Likes: Time alone, Individuality, Details

Virgos are very meticulous and calculated. They will plan every detail of their vacation far in advance to ensure they have the best time possible. Virgos have no problem being alone and will on the contrary prefer to vacation alone so they can do everything their way.

A Parisian Tour

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A Parisian tour booked with the assistance of a Luxevo Vacations Travel Agent would be a perfect match for a Virgo. This way, their entire itinerary will be booked and they can tailor the vacation to their very specific needs. They’ll enjoy being alone in a crowd, and enjoying all of the best restaurants, and museums.

Libra (September 23- October 22)

Likes: Tranquility, Romance

Libras love to unwind and reset on vacation. They are very romantic and will probably want to bring alone their significant other. They won’t be too keen on locals with too much noise and fuss.

Yoga Retreat in Mexico

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A yoga retreat is a perfect way for Libras to get away from it all and recharge. Mexico is a good destination because there are other options if they are feeling like getting out of their comfort zone. They can do yoga, ATV, go to the beach, or enjoy all the culture Mexico has to offer.

They can book their vacation with Luxevo Vacations and stay at one of Karisma’s all inclusive resorts with free yoga classes.

Scorpio (October 23- November 21)

Likes: Relaxation, Nature

Scorpios are wound tight and like to take the opportunity to completely let go of the stress they’ve built up. They like the forrest, and although they aren’t the type to stay in a tent, they’ll do what they have to do.

A Cabin in the Redwood Forest

A beautiful cabin with a scenic view will be a great option. Scorpios will likely spend half their time inside unwinding and taking a bath. When they are ready, they will venture out to take a hike and take polaroid pictures they’ll hang on their wall to reminisce.

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Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)

Likes: Change, Challenges, Fun

Sagittarius are always looking for the next thing. They are intrigued by the unknown, and are very flexible. As a fire sign, they like the heat and don’t need the typical blue waters, white sand vacation.

A Trip to Area 51

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A Sagittarius will probably be into conspiracies and would love a trip to see if Aliens really do exist.

All jokes aside, a trip to the Nevada desert is a great fit for a Sag. They can take a scenic ride through the desert on the back of a llama-

and camp beneath the stars.

Even if none of these vacations are written in the stars for you, one thing is for sure- No matter what vacation you are dreaming up in your head, a Luxevo Vacations Travel Specialist can make it happen!

Book Here

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