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Ljubljana, Slovenia Travel is back to pre-pandemic highs, and with that increase comes crowding, cost hikes, new travel taxes, hotel fees and over-tourism in popular destinations across the globe.  Enter the “Destination Dupe” - a more budget-friendly and less-crowded “twin” of a popular vacation destination.  This travel trend sees tourists visiting lesser-known places and spreading the economic benefits to new areas. Sustainability has also been positively affected by the trend. Venice, Italy Cities like Venice, Italy, have suffered greatly from over-tourism. Venice's charming historic center is typically visited by more than 20 million tourists every year. The city's fragile landscape is not able to support the many visitors it receives. In order to combat over-tourism, in 2024, the city of Venice instituted an experimental tax for tourist day visitors to access the city center. It is not yet known if this tax has successfully repelled enough tourists or gained the revenue intended by local government. Many tourists looking for a Venice-like experience, or a "destination dupe", on a budget have travelled to Ljubljana, Slovenia instead. This picturesque city has been referred to as the "Venice of the Alps," known for its beautiful canals, cathedrals and colorful buildings nestled against a gorgeous backdrop. It's not Venice, but the travel experience in visiting Ljubljana is strikingly similar, at a fraction of the cost. Visitors can amble along winding canals, take in character-laden streets, lunch on local delights in street-side cafes and tour historic museums. The place is different, but the overall vacation vibe is similar. Ljubljana, Slovenia Some "destination Dupes" may also offer the best of both worlds. For example, you decide to plan a trip to Spain and choose to stay in Girona, instead of Barcelona. The medieval city of Girona sits 53 miles northeast of Barcelona, and is a short, 40-minute train ride away. With this one move you would save an average of 60% on the total cost of your vacation, experience less crowding, and gain easy access to other nearby Costa Brava cities. Girona has excellent regional restaurants, lodging and museums. And you can still daytrip to Barcelona to view Gaudi’s architectural and Picasso's canvas masterpieces! This example illustrates why destination dupes have become the hottest travel trend of 2024. Another destination swap is Cozumel, for the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Cozumel is a less-crowded, less-developed, budget-friendly alternative.  On the island of Cozumel, you will experience similar accommodations, great restaurants and gorgeous beaches, just like the more visited Riviera Maya Coastline - but at a more reasonable cost. Flights into Cozumel run multiple times daily. The island is only a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen and Cancun for those that want to explore the archaeological ruins at Tulum or Chiche n Itza.   Additionally, Cozumel is world-renown for scuba diving and snorkeling.  Cozumel, Mexico There are many “Destination Dupes” around the globe - Ghent for Bruges, Belgium; Liverpool for London, U.K.; and Seville for Madrid, Spain; to name a few. If you are thinking of travelling to a possibly pricey, popular tourist location - you may want to consider a “destination dupe" for your next vacation.  Contact Nicole at the GO LUXE Travel Company for more ideas and expert, custom-tailored travel plans. Ghent, Belgium

Traveling is freedom; a universal human experience—an opportunity to explore new cultures, climates and landscapes. The act of travel and vacationing offers people the chance to relax and rejuvenate.  Taking time out from our hectic daily lives to restore ourselves not only supports our physical health, but additionally enhances our mental and emotional well-being, and strengthens our resilience in the face of life's challenges.  However, for individuals with disabilities, the travel experience can be fraught with challenges that go beyond mere logistics. Special needs travel plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully in the joy of creating memories with family, exploring of new places, experiencing adventure, and practicing the art relaxation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 26% of adults in the U.S. have a disability that requires special needs in order to live comfortably. This demographic encompasses a wide range of conditions, from short-term, physical disabilities that affect mobility, to cognitive disabilities that may impact communication and sensory processing, to emotional disabilities and beyond.  Special needs can be very complex or simple depending upon the type of required accommodation.  For example, a person that permanently uses a wheelchair will have more complex travel needs than another traveler with acid reflux.  Although, both travelers will require support and devices that will accommodate their needs to live comfortably and enjoy themselves while on vacation. In the past decade there have been great advances in the travel industry for people with special needs.  For people that use wheelchairs, travel that included flying has long been an undignified and difficult process. Wheelchair users need to be transferred into narrow wheelchairs before being wheeled onto the plane and then lifted out of that chair and then secured into an airplane seat. Hopefully, this boarding and exiting process will soon change.  According to ABC News, Air4All and Delta Flight Products (a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines) have developed a new seat design “for passenger aircraft that will allow wheelchair users to sit in their wheelchairs on the plane  (McMichael).”  The prototype for this removable seat with anchors that would then accept a traveler’s own wheelchair to be secured in place was debuted in June of 2023 at the Aircraft Interior Expo in Hamburg, Germany.  This type of advancement will bring dignity back to wheelchair users when they fly.  Travel suppliers have also made wonderful strides toward inclusivity.  Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has created an entire program dedicated to travelers of all ages with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Families with children on the autism spectrum often feel overwhelmed when considering a vacation.  Routine disruptions, sensory overload, and the need for specialized support can make travel a daunting proposition for those parents of children with ASD. Autism is a prevalent condition; statistics from the CDC (2023) indicate that about 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD. This underscores the importance of considering the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum when it comes to travel and leisure activities.  As a longtime Special Educator and Travel Advisor, I was thrilled to learn of Royal Caribbean’s commitment to people with ASD.  Their programs at sea include special offerings that are tailored to those travelers with autism.  Some of the programs’ unique features include: a dedicated check-in, boarding and debarkation process, special film showings while at sea, staff trained in assisting youth and children with autism and even a toy lending program.  Royal Caribbean’s autism friendly commitment should not only encourage more families to travel and enjoy vacation time but should inspire other cruise lines to adapt and create more inclusive programming. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines offers autism friendly cruise experiences. Efforts to promote special needs travel involve awareness-building among fellow travelers and encouraging travel suppliers to develop inclusive accommodations.  Encouraging empathy and understanding among travelers fosters a supportive environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable to explore and enjoy the world.  Additionally, travel agencies, hospitality providers, and tourist attractions can play a pivotal role by training staff to understand and accommodate diverse needs. From offering sensory-friendly accommodations to providing accessible transportation options, these initiatives can significantly enhance the travel experience for individuals with disabilities.  When destinations and travel services prioritize inclusivity, the benefits extend far beyond mere accessibility. Inclusive travel fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. It opens doors to new experiences, promotes social integration, and boosts self-confidence.  Inclusivity enriches the travel experience for all people by encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity. For individuals with disabilities, travel can present a myriad of challenges, which is why the GO LUXE Travel Company specializes in assisting people with special needs.  Accessible travel is not merely about addressing logistical challenges; it is about ensuring equal access to the transformative, educational, experiential and restorative power of travel for all individuals. By embracing inclusivity and recognizing the unique needs of diverse travelers, we can create a world where equity in travel opportunities exists. Let us strive to make travel an enriching and accessible experience for everyone and celebrate the diversity that makes our journeys meaningful.       Work Cited McMichael, Clara. “New seat designed to make flying easier for wheelchair users.” ABC News , 8 June 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/new-seat-designed-make-flying-easier-wheelchair-users/story?id=99869335 . Accessed 27 June 2024.

When I tell people that I am a Travel Advisor, they often say something like, “Aren’t travel agents an old-fashioned idea?” or “Why would I bother using a travel agent, when I can book it myself cheaper on Expedia.”  And even once in a while, the ever-charming, “Travel agents just line their pockets with my money, why give them that sale?” After running into these negative associations with the idea of travel advisors and agents, I decided to put together a comparison.  This comparison clearly illustrates some of the benefits of hiring a travel advisor. Firstly, to accurately create this comparison, I used the exact same trip and priced it using my suppliers and then with Expedia, the online travel conglomerator.  The chart below contains the details of what I found. The Trip Itinerary: for the dates July 5-10, 2024 as priced on May 20, 2024 by the GO LUXE Travel Co. All pricing listed is a package price for two people Round-trip airfare on Frontier Airlines, direct, non-stop from St. Louis, MO. to Cancun, MX. Breathless Cancun Resort & Spa is the Resort used for this comparison. All trips include round-trip, shared transportation from the Cancun Airport to the resort. The GO LUXE Travel Co. Pricing Room Categories:   Package Price 1.      Junior Suite $2,564.69 Tropical View 2.      Junior Suite $2,629.06 Ocean View Expedia Pricing Room Categories:   Package Price 1.     Junior Suite $3,338.71 Tropical View 2. Junior Suite $3,419.56 Ocean View Special Inclusions you get when booking with the GO LUXE Travel Co.: One bottle of wine/sparkling wine, rum or tequila (per room) 25% Discount on Spa Services (one per person per stay) One in-room champagne breakfast Gift Beach Bag. 25% off Romantic Dinner. $200 in resort coupons Special Inclusions you get when booking with Expedia include: None Here are the key takeaways: 1.     My clients saved $774.02 on the tropical view suite and $790.50 on ocean view suite package by booking their vacation through the GO LUXE Travel Co. over booking with Expedia for the exact same vacation. 2.     Additionally, my clients received the free perks listed above. All clients of the GO LUXE Travel Co. receive the following benefits: 1.     Our brand-specific personalized service concierge and attention. 2.     Creatively and expertly curated travel itineraries based upon your unique requests and desires. 3.     We follow and support your vacation from the planning stages until after you return. 4.     A travel-expert at your service, with vetted, time-tested travel suppliers to make sure that your vacation goes smoothly. This is just one example, out of the many that I have collected that clearly show the tangible value that using a travel advisor brings to your vacation planning.  I cannot understand why anyone would not use a travel advisor to expertly curate and service their vacation, save them money and get them amazing free perks? Do you currently use a travel advisor when planning your vacations?  What do you think of the comparison above? Let me know your thoughts below!

Many people think of Travel Advisors as merely transactional; helpers that book airline tickets and hotels for you - and that's all there is to it. Although we are great at securing reservations - this description could not be farther from the truth. As a Virtuoso Travel Advisor, I am with you from the first spark of an idea, to long after you return from your journey. I am there by your side, to ensure that your vacation is stress-free and seamless. I will add clever touches to make sure that you are comfortable, relaxed and never harried. Small luxuries with a big impact, like having your luggage transferred directly from your cruise ship to the airport (so you don't have to get sweaty from dragging it behind you for two miles at the hot and humid Florida cruise port), will be taken care of behind the scenes. You may never know that I expertly contacted my favorite hoteliers in Paris to get you the corner room with a perfect vista of the Eiffel Tower, but you will be astonished as you wake up to that view. As your Travel Advisor, I will not only curate a dream itinerary for you, but I will take care of all of the details to ensure that your vacation is unforgettable. All of this, and I didn't even mention the perks that working with a Virtuoso Travel Advisor, like myself, would net you. Let's just say that they're epic.