AJAY KARAH | PLAN A TRAVEL SOLUTIONS |
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Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy |
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Italy’s Southern Coast Is Having Its Moment |
Everyone needs a little Italy in their life, isn’t it about time you went back? Make sure your visit is in the south – still one of the lesser visited, but now trending, areas of the country. Here's what I love best about this region. |
Alberobello, Italy | Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia |
Puglia (the heel of Italy's boot) is where you'll find standout beaches and a relaxed coastal scene. Douse your bread in the exquisite olive oil made in this region. Head to nearby Alberobello to admire the quaint trulli homes with their conical rooftops, which UNESCO recognizes for their heritage value.
In Bari, order tiedda, the town's famous rice-potatoes-and-mussels dish. And in the sandy-beach seaside escape of Tropea expect to find the unforgettable red onion cipolla rossa di Tropea – sweet and lightly flavored red onion found in many dishes. |
Hotel Sant'Angelo Matera | Matera, Italy |
Bordering Puglia and Calabria are the mountains and forests of Basilicata. Be enchanted by the ancient stone city of Matera and its 9,000-year-old cave dwellings. UNESCO has recognized the Stassi homes and rock churches as the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement – it must be seen to be believed.
Enjoy ocean views in the hidden gem town of Maratea, designated Borghi Più Belli d’Italia (one of the most beautiful villages in Italy). Luxury hotels, pebbly beaches on the Tyrrhenian Sea and outstanding cuisine await. |
Ischia, Italy | Pizzaria Pellone, Naples, Itlay |
In Naples, Campania, spend a day in the busy city if only to eat the best pizza in the country right where it was invented. If Anthony Bourdain is one of your travel heroes, you already know about the Margherita pie at Pizzeria Pellone. Then, escape from the city streets to Ischia, the delightfully relaxed island offshore. You'll find grand hotels, thermal spas, and Aragonese Castle, a fortress built into the rock of a tidal island. Ischia is a favourite for Italians; stop by and see why. |
Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina | Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily, Italy |
I’d love to help you plan a trip through southern Italy — from Sardinia to Sicily (White Lotus season 2, anyone?) and so many more delightful spots to enjoy the sweet life. |
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Discover il dolce far niente - or the sweetness of doing nothing – in Italy’s boot. |
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Photo Credit: Corinthia London |
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Travel Inspired by the Big and Small Screen |
One of the most captivating trends in luxury travel right now is 'set-jetting'—journeys inspired by the iconic locations seen in film and television. These aren’t just beautiful backdrops; they’re destinations offering experiences every bit as unforgettable as their on-screen moments.If you’ve ever felt transported by a favourite story, these places might just inspire your next journey. |
Buckingham Palace, London | Alexander III Bridge, Paris, France |
France continues to steal the spotlight in everything from sweeping historical epics to modern-day stories set in the heart of Paris. Ridley Scott’s Napoleon brought renewed attention to Château de Fontainebleau. Fans of Emily in Paris will recognize real-life locations like Pont Alexandre III, Palais Garnier, and the apartment in the 5th arrondissement.
London is full of places you’ve likely seen on screen—from royal landmarks featured in The Crown to the colourful streets of Notting Hill and the cityscapes captured in films like Bridget Jones’s Diary, Mary Poppins, and Darkest Hour. Tour a historic palace, dine in a favourite film location, or explore neighbourhoods that feel both iconic and personal once experienced in real life. |
Yachting in Portofino, Italy |
Below Deck may be full of behind-the-scenes drama, but it's also a great introduction to life on a private yacht. From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, chartering a yacht means choosing where you want to go, how you want to travel, and having a dedicated crew to make it all happen. It's hard to top the feeling of waking up to a new coastline every morning.
Thailand has seen a surge in interest thanks to the latest season of The White Lotus, which was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, as well as locations in Phuket and Bangkok. While the series is pure fiction, the dreamy resorts and postcard-perfect islands are very real. |
Triple Creek Ranch, Montana | Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort, British Columbia, Canada |
If Yellowstone has you dreaming of wide-open skies and rustic luxury, staying at a guest ranch might be just the kind of escape you're looking for. In Montana, travellers can experience the vast beauty of the American West with trail rides, fly fishing, and evenings by the fire under star-filled skies. For something more remote, Canada offers ranch stays tucked into forested wilderness, perfect for travellers looking to disconnect and enjoy a slower pace. |
The desert landscapes of Wadi Rum have an otherworldly feel that’s made them a standout location among filmmakers. This southern Jordan destination has appeared in Lawrence of Arabia, Dune, The Martian, Star Wars, and more. Travellers can explore the same dramatic scenery with guided camel rides, luxury tented camps, and nights under some of the clearest skies you'll ever see. |
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From the screen to your suitcase, let’s turn your favourite story into your next unforgettable trip. |
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The Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa |
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Travel Plans? Let’s Make Sure You’re Cleared for Takeoff |
You might already have a trip on the books—or maybe you’re just starting to plan. In either case, now’s the time to make sure your travel documents are ready. I’m here to help you navigate what’s new.
Let’s start with a simple but important reminder: check your passport expiry date. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your planned return date. If it’s time to renew, start the process early to avoid delays.
Are you headed to the United Kingdom on holiday? Don’t leave without applying for your Electronic Travel Authorization. This new visa began in January 2025. Your advisor can help with the online form – and once received, the ETA is good for two years of travel to the U.K.
Happily, the rest of Europe has delayed its plans for electronic visa entry. But both Canadians and Americans will need to apply for an ETIA later in 2025 or early 2026. The acronym stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, and it will be mandatory for travellers entering Schengen Area countries. Not sure which destinations are included? I’ll walk you through it. |
Forms, fees and entry requirements are changing. I'll make sure your takeoff is smooth. |
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