Posts

The Mighty Five

-
Image
On my recent trip through Utah I traveled with Utah Luxury Tours , which despite the name actually covers nearly all national parks, offering private tours and scheduled departures. We did a version of the Mighty 5 in Utah: https://utahluxurytours.com/tour/the-mighty-5/ . Our tour started in Las Vegas and ended in Salt Lake City, but they also offer the reverse or a round trip to either location. Groups are usually kept to around 6-8 people, but they will accommodate a slightly larger group of family and friends, or if there are more requests. They do their best to match the groups based on skill levels, from groups with experienced climbers and hikers to families with children or elderly. 🏜 THE TRIP 🏜  Day 1 🌵 We traveled from Las Vegas to Springdale, Utah where Zion National Park is located, stopping at Valley of Fire State Park. Day 2 🌵 We visited Zion National Park, with the plan to hike the Narrows, but unfortunately were not able due to dangerous river conditions. So, we did
3 comments
Read more

Searching for Italy: Florence

-
Image
Buongiorno! At long last, I'm excited to share a few photos from stop number one from my tour of Italy in April 2022! Florence, like most of Italy, is a gorgeous, sprawling city filled with amazing food, warm people, majestic vistas, and endless history. But with so much to do and see, it can be a little overwhelming. That's why I'm here to share recommendations to anyone considering a trip to Firenze. Where to stay, where to shop, and of course...what to eat! Mangia bene! STAY 🛎 Four Seasons Hotel Florence DO 🌐 Duomo  🌐 Santa Croce 🌐 The Baptistery of St. John 🌐 Giotto's Campanile 🌐 Palazzo Vecchio 🌐 Uffizi 🌐 Pitti Palace 🌐 Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David 🌐 Ponte Vecchio 🌐 Boboli Gardens 🌐 Piazzale Michelangelo Most importantly, be sure to spend time wandering the adorable streets and visit the Oltrarno neighborhood for cozy local restaurants and bars. Shop along the famous Via Roma and take advantage of the strong dollar! A day trip to
1 comment
Location: Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
Read more

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

-
Image
Last October I jetted down to New Orleans for a stay at the newly opened Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans ! Draped in classic Southern elegance, the Four Seasons is located along the water at the end of Canal St., which is walking distance to the French Quarter but still far enough removed from the chaos should you want to avoid any rowdiness. New Orleans is a city like no other, with so much history, culture, music, and incredible food to experience! I ate, I drank, I explored every inch and every thing the Big Easy had to offer. Miss River at the Four Seasons is a must for dinner and don't even think about leaving without hitting up the Chandelier Bar at the Four Seasons for a Gin Fizz!  And just a few additional recommendations from my stay: ⚜ Parkway Bakery and Tavern for Po Boys ⚜  Bacchanal Wine  ⚜  The Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge at Hotel Monteleone ⚜  Pat O'Brien's Bar ⚜  Bar Marilou for drinks ⚜  Magazine Street for shopping ⚜  Commander's Palace for jazz
1 comment
Read more

Unearthing Egypt and Jordan

-
Image
Last month my mom and I finally got a chance to cross a Middle East trip off our bucket list. We had an absolutely life changing experience exploring both Egypt and Jordan, home to endless beauty and countless historic treasures dating back millenia. It's not easy to pick a highlight but the Pyramids, a private visit to a working archaeological dig, and a sunrise hot air balloon ride are not to be missed! With such busy days, the Nile River Cruise is the perfect way to travel and the Oberoi Philae staff is truly top notch. Plus, as usual the service at the Four Seasons was exceptional! EGYPT In Egypt we explored Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, the Pyramids of Giza, took a hot air balloon ride at dawn, and a luxury river cruise on the Oberoi Philae ! We had a jam packed itinerary but had plenty of plush accommodations to help us recharge. In Egypt we stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza , the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, and of course aboard the Oberoi Philae Luxury Nile
2 comments
Read more

¡Viva México!

-
Image
  Last month I finally jetted off to Mexico for my first international trip in over 18 months!  Mexico is a big, beautiful country filled with so much history, culture, art, museums, architecture and of course...food, that it can feel almost overwhelming. So be sure to give yourself enough time to see it all.  It's also is an easy destination to travel to at the moment, because it does not require testing or vaccination to enter, just a negative test three days prior to returning to the United States. So let's jump right in! Here's a quick recap of my unforgettable trip through Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende! CITY: Mexico City, Mexico (CDMX) The week long trip kicked off in incredible, historic Mexico City, with a stay at Las Alcobas , which is a Marriott Property & Virtuoso Travel hotel.  There's so much culture and cuisine to take in I wish I had more time there! But I was so happy to be able to fit in a food tour and visits to so many historic buildings an
1 comment
Read more

Experience Europe: Lisbon

-
Image
  Last month the European Union announced that it would be open to vaccinated travelers this summer. Naturally, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to start highlighting a few of my favorite European destinations whether you're booking this summer, for 2022, or beyond! CITY: Lisbon, Portugal The stunning capital of Portugal, Lisbon is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe! It effortlessly blends its heritage with striking modernism and progressivism. Combining a rich history with a buzzing culinary and nightlife scene and a pleasing year-round climate, Lisbon is a gem, but as it continues to gain popularity with tourists, it's beginning to re-write the narrative as a "hidden gem"! 🛌 MUST STAY The  AlmaLusa Hotels Baixa & Chiado  is a 28-room boutique hotel and winner of "Boutique Hotel - Lisbon." Located in the heart of one of the city's most exciting neighborhoods, it provides easy access to all of Lisbon.  Added amenities when booking th
1 comment
Read more

Get There Safely with Jet Set Jess

-
Image
  Are you ready to travel the world with peace of mind again? I know I am.  Vaccine passports. Domestic travel protocols. International travel restrictions. Which countries are open to Americans? Which are still closed? Is it safe to book a trip this summer? This winter? If anything, right now may be the safest time to travel in recent memory. Airports and airlines are taking extra caution to sanitize spaces and keep passengers safe, and many resorts and hotels are offering risk free booking, with cancellations and reschedulings easier than ever. But, with so many protocols and questions surrounding vaccinations and travel during the pandemic, it can be tough to keep it all straight. That's why I'm here. To help get you exploring again and do it safely. VACCINE PASSPORTS If you haven't heard of a "vaccine passport" yet, you're not alone. But it's already in development, with some countries like Greece, Israel, Denmark, and Slovenia planning early adoption
1 comment
Read more