What do Galileo Galilei, Leonardo Da Vinci, Dante Aligheri and the founder of Instagram all have in common?
They were inspired by Florence and Tuscany. Here’s why it’s time for your own personal Italian Renaissance
Read MoreWhat do Galileo Galilei, Leonardo Da Vinci, Dante Aligheri and the founder of Instagram all have in common?
They were inspired by Florence and Tuscany. Here’s why it’s time for your own personal Italian Renaissance
Read MoreFor many people, an East African safari is a “bucket list,” experience. My advice is don’t wait. You want to do it sooner rather than later. Until you've come here, you can see nature shows, you can see movies, you can see TVs, but to look out on the horizon and be completely overwhelmed by what a little speck we are and the thousands of creatures out there who are migrating and doing what they do and seeing the cycle of life is quite extraordinary. Ernest Hemingway said, “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.” And with the entire continent opening up to development and growth, there’s never been a better time for the trip of a lifetime.
Another reason not to delay: while Safari trips are safe and even luxurious, every one is still an adventure requiring physical stamina, mental fortitude and a willingness to expand your spiritual comfort zone. Although humans have been living in what we now call the Serengeti in Northwest Tanzania for millions of years, it was the home of lions, baboons, hippopotamus and wildebeest before it was home to people, and it still is. It’s imperative to travel with a reputable tour operator, one dedicated to preserving the ecosystem for the generations to come after us. For most tours, guests must remain in vehicles, under the watchful eye of experienced guides. The circle of life is on full display here, and you don’t want to become part of it any sooner than you have to. After all, we too are made of meat.
The guides will help you find the most interesting events happening on any given day in the bush. There might be a fresh kill guarded by a family of lions, a herd of migrating elephants or a water hole teaming with hippos. Or there might not. Although you’re sure to see something on your trip, the Serengeti is still wild, and there are no guarantees.
Although you can stay in luxury hotels or lodges for your entire trip, camping (or glamping!) is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. Even if you have one or two sleepless nights getting used to the sounds of the animals around you, the morning breakfast in the bush alone is worth the experience. To help you ease into your cot, enjoy a generous “Sundowner” cocktail or two, along with fresh hors d’oeurves as the sun sets over the Savanna.
Each of the countries of East and Southern Africa brings something different to the table. South Africa has the most developed cities, with a vibrant food and artistic culture. Kenya is home to bustling Nairobi and the beaches of Mombasa. Tanzania is the home of the Serengeti desert, the Ouldavi Gorge and the port cities of Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar, the legendary trading mecca of Africa, Islamic and Indian civilizations.
The region has been getting easier to reach by air in recent years. Until the 2010s, travelers from the US almost always flew through European hubs like Paris, Frankfurt or Amsterdam. Now there are numerous direct flights to Nairobi and Addis Ababa, cutting travel time from a marathon 24-48 hour haul to a more reasonable 16-18 hours. Dubai is also a major hub for travel to the continent. Although it’s a longer haul from the US, there are often good deals on flights.
One of the great joys of visiting such a remote part of the world is discovering how much we hold in common. Elephant mothers cluck over their children just as ours do. Lion families squabble with each other just like ours. Markets in Zanzibar sell flat-screen TVs, smartphones and soccer balls alongside traditional clothes and handicrafts. If you’re going to visit a Maasai school, be sure to pick up some toys and school supplies for the kids, who love getting presents from visiting adults just as much as ours do.
As the world recovers from the Covid pandemic, it’s reminded us that our time on the planet is finite, and our lives are still closely connected with the natural world, and the lives of people throughout the globe. Get in touch to begin planning your African experience today.
At the southern end of the Aegaen, forming its border with the Mediterranean, is Crete, the largest of the islands and a true fox. Almost twice the size of the state of Delaware, it’s home to towering mountains, bustling cities, sparkling beaches and a storied history. While Crete is the do-everything fox of the Greek Islands, Mykonos is the ultimate hedgehog. From April to October, it is home to the world’s most renowned jet-set party scene. The airport apron fills with private jets whose occupants are whisked to luxury hotels and villas while ferries from Athens disgorge young tourists who plunk down a few Euros for a cot in a hostel. Rich and not-so-rich come together every night in energetic clubs.
Read MoreIt's 7:30AM in Paris... Your flight landed at CDG an hour ago and you took the RER B line to Châtelet-Les Halles... You dropped off your luggage at your hotel, but your room won't be ready until 2PM. What are you doing next?
Read MoreHappy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
In 2021, we began to rediscover our love of travel again. I’d like to invite you to celebrate the holidays and new years with some of my favorite travel images, which can be purchased as prints, cards, or as stock photography. Just click on the card you like to purchase, or visit the whole gallery at maurynewburger.smugmug.com/Holiday-Cards/
Nuuk, Greenland
And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. -Matthew 2:11
Sahara Desert, Morocco
“And may all your Christmases be White”
Provincetown, MA
Reykjavik, Iceland
Happy 2022!
Iceland
And over all those virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14 Merry Christmas!
Seydisfjordur, Iceland
Myvatn, Iceland
Northern Iceland
Dashing through the snow, in a red propeller plane, over the mountains we go, Happy Holidays!
Akureyri, Iceland
Heimskautsbaugur, Iceland
Iceland
Arroyo Seco, New Mexico
At first glance, Malta and Bulgaria might not have much in common, aside from an abundance of Roman ruins. But they share a fascinating characteristic. They’re both crossroads nations, historically influenced by the powerful civilizations surrounding them, but with a culture and history that’s entirely unique.
Read MoreBefore Covid shut down travel, Iceland was experiencing the joys and pains of a year-after-year tourist boom. After a year and a half, I’m happy to report that the streets of Reykjavik are busy and colorful again, with the entire country protected by an excellent testing-and-vaccination regime. For my return to my favorite country in the world, I decided to use Reykjavik as a base. Taking advantage of the 24 hours of sunlight and balmy 50 degree Fahrenheit temperatures, I explored some of the best daytrips from Reykjavik and weekend excursions to Iceland’s least visited areas, the Westfjords and the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
45 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, the Raufarhólshellir lava tube is Iceland’s 4th longest and most accessible. Normal tours include hardhats and require rock scrambles, so be sure to bring sturdy footwear. The tunnel is famous for its natural skylights, and in some years hosts exclusive rock concerts.
As of Summer 2021, the Fagradalsfjall Volcano, only 30 miles from Reykjavik, is actively erupting. It’s absolutely recommended to go with a tour guide who can keep you safe from the active lava flows and gasses. Or you can take it easy like I did and take a charter flight that will let you peer right into the lava cauldron.
Snæfellsnes, just two hours drive from Reykjavik is dominated by the snow-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano and its surrounding national park. Even this close to Reykjavik, you’ll want to rent a capable SUV, as many roads quickly turn into dirt tracks skirting the edge of cliffs. Make sure to keep your tank filled with gas and check with weather reports. If it looks iffy, better to stay at your cozy bed and breakfast.
Snæfellsnes is famous for its abundant geological features, earning it the nickname “Iceland in miniature.” In one or two days, you can visit a volcano, glacier, lava fields, craters, caves, black sand beaches and picturesque fishing towns. Sadly, the glacier atop of Snæfellsjökull is an endangered species. In the summer of 2012 it went ice-free for the first time in recorded history. Luckily when I visited in July of this year, there was still plenty of snow and ice on the peak.
From Snæfellsnes you can take the ferry or drive to the Westfjords, the least populated and wildest part of Iceland. It’s home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, including majestic waterfalls, friendly puffins and Hornstrandir National Park, the best place in Iceland to spot the elusive Arctic Fox.
Beyond nature, the Westfjords small towns feature quirky museums like the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft, the Museum of Sea Monsters (And Coffee Shop), the Museum of Everyday Life and the Arctic Fox Museum.
Because the Westfjords is only practically open to most visitors in the warmer months, it’s also home to a number of popular festivals and events, including the Act Alone festival, dedicated to the art of one-person plays and the Rauðasandur Music Festival, held on a spectacular beach under the midnight sun.
Although the people in the Westfjords are very welcoming, expect accommodations to be a bit more spartan than you’d find in Reykjavik. Be prepared to change your travel plans based on the weather, and expect to pay city-level prices for restaurants.
The largest waterfall in the Westfjords
Home to 1000s of Puffins and one friendly family of Puffin Down collectors, a wonderful day excursion from Isafjordur
Only for the truly adventurous, Greenland is one of the world’s most spectacular travel destinations, home to massive glaciers and a unique cultural heritage. It’s easy to arrange direct flights from Reykjavik for a weekend. You can find my guide to Greenland travel here, or visit my contact page for more information.
As always, make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest Covid-19 travel information by checking out https://www.protravelinc.com/covid-19-resources.
It doesn’t take long in Taos and Santa Fe to understand what attracted the artists and the travellers. The open skies and astoundingly beautiful topography of the region made the area holy to the Pueblans and the Spanish (Santa Fe means “Holy Faith” in Spanish). The confluence of Indigenous, Spanish and Anglo cultures has created a unique cuisine, architecture and spirit found nowhere else - even in other parts of the Southwest. It’s easy to find something for everyone to discover in Santa Fe and Taos, but I wanted to share a few of my favorites:
I’m a travel agent by trade, and a meanderer at heart. A traveler is seeking something, whether that’s business or pleasure. A meanderer’s first love is the journey itself, regardless of the destination.
There may be some journeys in the long history of human existence that have gone exactly as planned, but I’m not aware of them. When things don’t turn out as expected, the destination-focused traveler must, at best, tolerate them. The meanderer, on the other hand, embraces the moment when things go askew and awry as the epitome of the journey.
In 2020, many things that were supposed to be set in place and orderly have begun to go askew and awry in the most unpleasant ways. In search of some respite, I decided to meet with my dear friend Nancy Smith, an experienced travel agent and meanderer based in California. This book celebrates the wonderful simple pleasures we experienced in our travels:
Captain Mac and his magnificent restored 1927 TravelAir Biplane touring Washington State’s San Juan Islands.
Kevin our daredevil jet boat captain and his wonderful black lab Ru on Oregon’s Rogue River.
Luther Coates and his yummy Traffic Jam and Sourwood Honey at the Farmers Market in Asheville, Colorado,
The grace and beauty of the pottery of Jerry Weatherman at Orcas Island, Anderson Valley with its stunning vineyards and the Mendicino Coast, often shrouded in fog, and a brief glimpse of a fox meandering through deserted streets of Breckenridge at dusk.
I hope you will enjoy these photographs, and share the ways your life may have gone askew and awry, but brought you to the place you were meant to be.
Askew and Awry will be available to purchase through Amazon.com on May 1, 2021.
New York City-based author, photographer and travel consultant Maury Newburger will be joining Protravel International, powered by Global Travel Collection, the world’s largest collection of international luxury travel agency brands.
Read MoreAs New York City’s Covid-19 lockdown eased, I wanted to know when it would be possible to travel safely again. Staying cooped up at home may minimize the risk of viral exposure, but it’s a guaranteed prescription for malaise. Where, I wondered, could I find the right balance of safety and joy? And how could I advise my clients on travelling safely until I had done so myself?
With that in mind, I made plans to meet with Nancy Smith, a dear friend and experienced travel consultant based in California. We agreed to meet each other halfway and explore the mountain towns of Southwest Colorado, which offer incredible natural beauty, solid local restaurants and a relaxed off-season vibe without the crowds of Winter skiers. You can read the full article here. But I want to share my experience of traveling during Covid first:
As of Summer 2020, all domestic US airlines require masks to be worn at all times while in the airport and aircraft. The data on the effectiveness and safety of mask wearing is overwhelming. On the flights I flew, the crew was diligent about enforcing the rules. If you’re sitting next to a non-mask wearer, inform the flight crew and they may be de-planed if they refuse to comply. If they are a sitting US Senator, don’t forget to post their picture to social media.
Gate crew may also limit the number of people on the jetway at any time, or load planes from the back. Be prepared for changes to the normal boarding routine, including temperature checks at the airport or the gate. Food and beverage service on-board is reduced, so consider bringing some snacks if it’s a long flight.
Some airlines are blocking off middle seats, while others are filling planes. On some routes, Jetblue offers pod-like seating in business class with a physical barrier to other travelers. If you want to ensure that you have space, please contact me about booking an empty seat next to you, or making a business-class reservation.
Taxi services are taking Covid precautions seriously. Most have installed dividers between the driver and passenger (no sitting shotgun!) and many sanitize their cars in between passengers, especially if they’re phone services, rather than street hails or ride shares. Remember to wear a mask during your ride as well.
Rental car companies are also going the extra mile to clean and sanitize their cars, but you might consider bringing your own wipes for high-touch services. Many companies offer contactless pickup. If you can, you’ll want to pay extra for on-airport pickup instead of taking a shuttle bus to an off-site lot. Contact me to make sure you’re getting a contactless on-airport pickup.
Busses, subways and commuter trains are still running in most cities, but should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
All hotels are taking Covid precautions seriously for their guests and staff. Most offer contactless check-in and extra room cleanings. Indoor dining options vary throughout the US, but most states now allow outdoor table service, and all allow pickup. Procedures and requirements vary state-by-state and hotel-by-hotel.
As the pandemic worsens in some places and gets better in others, regulations and requirements are subject to change. Airlines and hotels have generally gotten better with their cancellation policies, but each situation is unique. As of Summer 2020, the State Department is advising against non-essential international travel, and many countries have banned non-essential American travelers.
If you’re planning to travel this summer, consider local options with plenty of outdoor activities like State and National Parks, ranches, farmstays and beaches (but not beach parties!). Many summer camps are also offering cabin rentals to family units.
Above all, stay flexible and do your research. These aren’t normal times, but getting away for a vacation, fresh air and exercise will do wonders for your mental health and well being. I know they did for me!
Southwestern Colorado isn’t exactly a secret gem. Rocky Mountain ski towns like Vail, Aspen and Breckinridge are world-renowned for their soft, fresh powder, luxury amenities and party scenes. But the summer months offer a more relaxed vibe, lots of great accommodations and incredible scenery. As a bonus, you can enjoy it all in a t-shirt and sandals.
Read MoreFor almost my entire life, I’ve taken it for granted that, for a reasonable sum of money, I could take a cab to JFK airport, get on a plane, and be in Paris for breakfast. Even if I’ve never done it just that way, somehow knowing that I could made life much better. Paris is the ultimate fantasy travel destination. Every year, a small number of Japanese tourists are known to suffer from Paris Syndrome, a psychological reaction to discovering that the city of their dreams is a real place, with real people, and not entirely as they expected it.
For me, the real Paris, with its metro stations, traffic and little neighborhoods is every bit as romantic as the fantasy Paris of the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc D’Triomphe. In the doldrums of the Covid-19 shutdown, I’ve been nurturing my own fantasy trip to Paris, timed for the holidays. Like every good fantasy, there’s just enough glimmer of hope that this dream can come true. Let me share it with you:
Read MoreThe San Francisco Bay Area may have transformed from 1960s hippiedom to 21st century uber-tech hub, but Sonoma county’s rivers, forests and vineyards remain an idyllic playground. Whether you spend your days striving to cultivate inner peace or killer apps, just a few hours north of San Francisco you’ll find the perfect place to relax and recharge.
Active, outdoorsy type, you’ll gravitate to the Russian River, where floating on tubes provides a thin pretext for a day-long party with new friends. Otherwise you’ll want to head to the numerous vineyards, which tend to have a relaxed, contemplative vibe. Take a walking tour through the grapes, watch the bottling process or join in the fun. Make sure to taste plenty of samples. Some vineyards charge a small fee, but others do it as a courtesy. Vineyards tend to specialize in Red, White or Sparkling wines. The only way to learn your favorite is to try them all!
If you’re not a drinker, you can clear your head amongst the Redwood forests. The 30-story tall canopy formed by the world’s largest trees is the perfect spot to find serenity. Trails are available for all levels of hikers, including those in wheelchairs or with limited disability.
If you don’t like to swim, drink OR walk, take a drive up California Route 1. From San Francisco, you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, then pass through Point Reyes National Seashore until you reach the Pacific Coast. Route 1 hugs the coast all through Sonoma County, with only a few small settlements to break up the scenery. There are plenty of beaches and parks to stop, take a break and admire the view.
Don’t feel like you need to limit outdoor activities in Northern California to the warmer months. Sonoma County’s climate is considered “Cold-Summer Mediterranian.” Locals like to talk about the “June Gloom,” and the Pacific Ocean never rises to much more than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Conversely, Winters rarely drop below freezing. With the right attire, you’ll be happy to spend all day outside exploring forests, beaches and rivers.
Milwaukee’s traditional attractions included some of America’s favorite pastimes, including baseball, beers and bikes. Tours of the city’s famous breweries and Harley-Davidson factory are still a thrill for of-age adults and big kids of any age, but the city has added more cultured attractions as well. The Milwaukee Art Museum is a Santiago Calatrava-designed architectural marvel. Its wing-like brise soleil shades the building from the sun, but folds up at night and in inclement weather. Its newest wing, opened in 2015, blends right into Lake Michigan and highlights photography, videography and new media.
As a travel agent, I devote a good deal of my time to learning about which hotels and airlines provide the best levels of service and accommodations, but I don’t usually write public reviews or guides. My view is that my clients are traveling because they want to enjoy their destination. Although a great flight and hotel experience are essential, they’re rarely the point of the trip. This is doubly true for airport hotels. They’re invariably comfortable, safe and easy-to-navigate, but have little attracti
Read MoreGreenland is one of the world’s most unusual travel destinations. The entire Eastern seaboard of the United States would fit comfortably within Greenland, but if the entire population wanted to go see a Cowboys game, they’d fill less than half the seats in the stadium. It is by no means straightforward to reach and virtually impossible to travel widely without the aid of a guide, but it’s as close to exploring another planet as you can get. It’s perfect for the adventurer who wants to see the understand the effects of climate change firsthand.
Read More“People are not depressed in Colombia the same way as in America” - Shakira
Read MoreWithin one lifetime, Berlin has alternated between being the world’s most liberated city and the most oppressed and then back again. It has been a haven for spies and artists, a stage for presidents, a pawn on a global chessboard and the unofficial capital city of Europe. It has endless rows of gray concrete housing and some of the wildest parties in the world. It’s no surprise that it also just so happens to be one of the most exciting cities in the world to visit.
As a major air and rail hub in the center of Europe, it’s easy to get here from pretty much anywhere, in any fashion, from luxury train to discount airline. However they arrive, travelers will easily navigate Berlin’s U-Bahn subway system. Among its other charms, Berlin is noted for being cheaper than most other European capitals. Lodging, food, drink and entertainment are notably less expensive than Paris and London, with attractive options at every budget level from backpacker to five-star luxury.
First time visitors to Berlin often seek a connection to the city’s history. The city has been at the center of the worst of fascism and communism and the best of liberal democracy. Start by visiting the dome of the Reichstag, home of Germany’s parliament. The visit is free, but you must register online in advance. The dome’s museum will reintroduce you to the history of the city and its governments. Afterwards, you can visit the Brandenburg gate, the symbol of German and European peace and union and pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial. A short distance away, Checkpoint Charlie preserves Berlin’s Cold War history where American and Soviet tanks once faced each other down. Even thirty years later, souvenir sellers still offer “pieces of the Berlin wall,” to tourists. The wall used so much concrete that you can be confident your piece is authentic. However, it’s quite likely that one side was painted afterwards to make you think it came from the famous graffiti that covered the wall’s surface.
After taking in the weight of Berlin’s history, you’ll certainly want some levity and entertainment. The Reichstag itself boasts a notably excellent restaurant with expansive views of the city. For security reasons, reservations must be made in 48 hours in advance online. Other opportunities for high culture include the Berlin Philharmonic, and Museum Island, which hosts the Pergamon, a museum of Middle Eastern art and architecture, the Neues Museum, home of the famous bust of Nefertiti, and the Bode Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest public coin collections. A 3-day pass to all of Berlin’s museums is €29, but half price for university students and free for under-18s.
If all the high culture goes to your head, you can steady yourself at the city’s hundreds of beer halls and pubs. Whether you’re searching for an intimate and warming pub to linger over a bratwurst and brew or a rowdy beerhall to down pints and pretzels, you’ll very quickly find yourself making new friends and even picking up a little German. (The language. Do not try to pick up a small German person.) After dark, the city becomes one of Europe’s great party capitals. All night Techno EDM parties in abandoned Communist factories are among the tamer offerings. Some clubs open and close often, while others are long-lasting countercultural institutions. Check the blogs before you go to find one that meets your tastes.
When you’re ready to get some fresh air, take a walk through the city’s famous parks. The Tiergarten, in the center of the city, is one of the world’s great urban gardens, perfect for a walk or bike ride. Outside of the city center, the former Tempelhof airport is now a city park where you can run and bike on the runways or explore the old terminals.
If you want to get outdoors but your preferred sport is bargain hunting, visit the city’s fantastic flea markets. Whether you’re searching for a bit of history, fashion, art or something you didn’t know you needed, you’ll be sure to find it. My personal favorite is the Gendarmenmarkt, which is only open in December to sell Christmas gifts and winter delights.
Whatever season you’re ready to travel, be sure to get in touch so we can plan your perfect trip to Berlin!
Be it Denmark’s consistently high rankings in the happiest countries chart and excellent crime dramas; Sweden’s flat pack furniture giant; Finland’s claim to Father Christmas himself; Estonia’s medieval architecture; Latvia’s amber and jewelry; or Russia’s premium vodka, there’s something for everyone in the Nordic and Baltic countries.
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