West Curated Travel

04/26/2022

Many people may wonder why work with a travel advisor? There are so many benefits in working with me as an experienced travel professional. You gain all of my experience traveling the world and putting together once in a lifetime trips. I take care of all the stress involved in booking hotels, transfers, flights, tours and activities. A supercool bonus piece that all my clients are loving is an online interactive itinerary and app while they travel.

03/30/2022

I cannot believe the time has gone by so quickly. I have been back from Jamaica a few days ago and I’m reminiscing about my time there. We all agreed that we would go back for our third visit to this wonderful resort. If you are looking for your next island vacation with all the perks associated then let’s discuss your next island vacation!

12/20/2021

As 2021 winds down, and you sit down to plan 2022 out here are some ideas for travel in 2022.⁠
⁠
If you prefer to stay close to home, explore the Caribbean islands such as Barbados, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, Barbados or Anguilla.⁠
⁠
Perhaps Europe is your thing. Greece, Croatia, Italy and Portugal are still popular.
⁠
For culture, history, sightseeing and beach in Europe I recommend Sardinia, Cinque Terre, Portofino and Sicily.⁠
⁠
What about Africa? Think Morocco and Egypt, countries that are rich in culture and adventure. Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar for wildlife and island vacation.⁠
⁠
Looking for magnificent tropical escapes, then Bali and Phuket are destinations known for their pristine beaches.⁠
⁠⁠
Write in the comments below the country you are visiting next in 2022!

12/10/2021

Some of my favorite destinations are listed in this article, Crete, Sardinia, Phuket to name just a few. Which countries are on your horizon for 2022?

From far-flung destinations to hometown favorites, 2022 is the year to get back out there and turn your dream trips into reality.

10/25/2021

If you haven't been to Morocco it is time to get acquainted.⁠⁠
⁠
This North African country has been named one of the 25 best countries in the world to visit by Traveler’s Choice Awards⁠ 2021⁠.⁠
⁠⁠
Here is why I am excited! In just under a week, I will get to experience this vibrant country and enjoy experiences that I have always had on my bucketlist. ⁠
⁠
Here is my list:⁠
⁠
🇲🇦 Experience a Camel ride ⁠
🇲🇦 Enjoy tagine⁠
🇲🇦 Drink tea with the berbers ⁠
🇲🇦 Enjoy the sights and sounds of a bustling souk ⁠
🇲🇦 Enjoy the sunset over Marrakesch ⁠
🇲🇦 Experience a Riad⁠
🇲🇦 Marvel at the exquisite architecture ⁠
🇲🇦 Explore the Atlas Mountains ⁠
🇲🇦 Treat myself to Mararakesch's luxurious spa at La Mamounia Hotel ⁠
⁠
What would be on your Moroccon bucketlist?⁠
⁠
⁠

10/01/2021

07/13/2021

Are you planning your next vacation and can't decide on your next destination? You don't want the added stress of Covid testing and quarantine. Well, I have some good news!⁠
⁠
Here is a list of 20 countries that are allowing vaccinated USA travelers to enter without the need to quarantine and get tested. ⁠
⁠
However, do keep in mind that you still would need to get tested 3 days prior to your arrival back into the USA.⁠
⁠
🇦🇹 Austria⁠
🇧🇸 Bahamas⁠
🇧🇿 Belize⁠
🇨🇿 Czec Republic ⁠
🇭🇷Croatia ⁠
🇨🇷 Costa Rica ⁠
🇩🇰 Denmark⁠
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic⁠
🇪🇨 Ecuador & The Galapagos⁠
🇫🇷 France ⁠
⁠🇩🇪 Germany⁠
🇬🇷 Greece ⁠
🇬🇪 Georgia ⁠
🇮🇸 Iceland ⁠
🇮🇹 Italy⁠
🇲🇽 Mexico⁠
🇲🇦 Morocco ⁠
🇲🇪 Montenegro ⁠
🇵🇱 Poland ⁠
🇸🇮 Slovenia⁠
🇨🇭 Switzerland ⁠
🇹🇷 Turkey⁠
⁠
Reach out to me and we can discuss the specific in country requirements necessary for your travels.⁠
⁠

06/21/2021

Do you know the entry requirements for the country you are traveling to? Here are few helpful guidelines for your next trip⁠.⁠
⁠
So you have finally selected your destination. You are excited to get started with your planning. Here are my tips for ensuring that you are completely prepared for your international vacation:⁠
⁠
🛫 Passport validity: As a general rule, ensure that your passport has at least 6 months of validity. The vast majority of countries will not allow travelers to enter unless your passport is set to expire 6 months after your return date back into the country of origin.⁠
⁠
🏝 Vaccinations⁠: Plan to check with your travel clinic or physician at least 6 weeks prior to travel regarding vaccine requirements. Vaccinations need to be administered well ahead to ensure adequate protection. Some clinics only keep a limited stock of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever. Be sure to check well in advance that your clinic has availability and appointments.⁠
⁠
⛱Travel documents: Make a copy of all your travel documents and leave one with a trusted friend or relative in case of emergency.⁠
⁠⁠
⁠🧳 Covid requirements: Check with the embassy of the country you intend traveling to regarding their Covid entry requirements, testing and quarantine rules.⁠ Check with the hotel if they can assist with linking you to covid testing locations for your return trip to the USA.⁠
⁠⁠
🛫 Airline requirements⁠: Each airline has their own Covid requirements for international travel. Please be sure to check with them regularly as requirements may change at short notice.⁠
⁠
🌆Visa: Check with the embassy or consulate regarding visa requirements. They will have the most up to date entry requirements.⁠
⁠
Need help with planning your next trip?

06/08/2021

Where can you travel to in Europe this Summer?⁠
⁠
Here are a few destinations that are open for tourism in Europe. I have selected these destinations for the following reasons.⁠
⁠
- outdoor dining⁠
- expansive beaches⁠
- villa rentals ⁠
- boutique hotels ⁠
- no quarantine⁠
⁠
🇬🇷Greece: has opened up to fully vaccinated USA citizens, allowing travelers to enter without the need to quarantine. Not vaccinated then you would need to provide a negative PCR test within 72 hours before travel. All passengers must submit a 'Passenger Locator Form' prior to departure.⁠⁠
⁠
Recommendations:⁠

🏖 Santorini island is ideal for honeymooners or those looking for a romantic setting with amazing views. It truly is a sensual island. ⁠
⁠
🩱Naxos island is known for its expansive sandy beaches and great restaurants.⁠
⁠
⛱ Crete the largest Greek island will satisfy your taste buds in every sense of the word from history, museums, port towns and excellent food.⁠
⁠
🇭🇷Croatia: Visitors can visit Croatia with proof of vaccination or a negative Covid 19 PCR taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. ⁠
⁠
Recommendations: ⁠
⁠
Hvar is ideal for those travelers looking to enjoy beach time, a gastronomic experience and private wine tastings. Did I mention that their hotels are truly amazing. Take your pick from Palace Elisabeth or Adriana Hvar spa hotel. ⁠
⁠
🇮🇹Italy: USA citizens are allowed to travel to Italy for leisure reasons. All travelers are required to provide a self declaration form. Travelers from the USA must provide a a negative molecular test taken 72 hours prior to entering and self isolate in their home or hotel. If you have flown on a "COVID tested" flight you will not be required to quarantine. ⁠
⁠
Recommendations:

Rent a villa, apartment or stay at a spa resort that will cater to all your needs. Spend your days in the wide open hills of the Chianti region or nearby Siena and San Gimignano. Enjoy private or small group cooking classes. Prefer a little more privacy, then we can arrange a private chef at your villa or a private olive oil and cheese tasting coupled with a wine tasting.Take your pick. ⁠

04/06/2021

What exactly does a travel advisor or travel agent do? ⁠
⁠
Yesterday, I was at my hairdresser and while we were conversing it was brought to my attention that she was not clear on the specifics on what a travel advisor does. I thought that this would be a great place to break it down.⁠ Here is a short list of my services.⁠
⁠
🏝 Planning and designing unique travel itineraries that you cannot get on the web. Completely customized to suit your needs. ⁠
⁠
🧳 We take care of all your travel arrangements from door to door. What does that mean? From the time you depart from your place of origin to your return we take care of all your travel arrangements from booking your flights, accommodation, airport transfers, tours, dinner bookings etc.⁠
⁠
🏝 Brides: We plan honeymoon itineraries and elopement weddings. We are more than qualified to assist you with hotel or resort selections for your big day. Our biggest group was a 105 judges.⁠
⁠
👚Womens trips: We plan yearly women's trips to a new destination each year. All you have to do is show up and we will take care of everything from activities, welcome dinners, cocktails evenings and spas days. If you can imagine we can do it.⁠
⁠
🚑Should you get ill on your vacation we will be in touch with our local supplier to find you a local Dr, all the while checking on you daily.⁠ Should you need a Covid test in a foreign country we will assist in identifying a location.⁠
⁠
✈️ Source flights ensuring that you get the best rates coupled with the best routing and the least amount of layovers⁠.⁠
⁠
🤿 We plan your daily activities from local tours, activities for the kids, to romantic dinners with your spouse.⁠
⁠
🎁Complimentary services include: Booking dinner reservations, sourcing flowers or gifts for your loved ones and providing a list of leisure recommendations for the days that are under your own ⁠arrangements.⁠
⁠
🧳 Luggage lost: we will assist you in locating your lost luggage regardless of how long it takes.⁠
⁠
🏢 Hotels: We source only reputable hotels that have been vetted by our supplier and by one of our team members.⁠
⁠
I can't wait to assist you in arranging a stress free trip where everything is taken care of.

04/02/2021

Do you agree?

03/29/2021

What do you do as a mom, dad, entrepreneur, solopreneur or anything in between to recharge your body and mind? It doesn't always have to be perfectly timed, and it certainly doesn't have to be an exotic getaway. ⁠
⁠
This past year has been difficult to reset and recharge due to Covid. In the early weeks, my family walked around the school track every Saturday, visited towns with a beach and walked amongst the rocks. We then moved on to family nights which consisted of a game or movie, we'd cook together, and take walks around Newbury Street enjoying a smoothie. ⁠
⁠
We found outlets that helped us recharge. This past week I took a break locally with my kids (the first time in over a year) and spent a few days connecting with the most important people in my life, my family. I feel refreshed and at peace.⁠
⁠
I would love to hear what outlets work for you and your family.⁠

02/08/2021

A little about who I am for all my subscribers. The face behind South Africa Travel & Tours and Beyond.

🇿🇦I am a South African living in Massachusetts for the past ten years and after traveling abroad, I still think South Africa is pretty amazing.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Our family consists of 2 Russian Siberian cats and 2 teenage kids.

🧳 One of my strong points as a business owner is the ability to listen to a clients vacation goals and instantly be able to customize an itinerary that is unique and out of the box.

🌍 I am a social worker by profession and worked with quadraplegics, HIV/Aids patients and disadvantaged communities in South Africa.

🤷‍♀️ I have a slight( LOL) obsession with cleaning, planning and organizing.

🇮🇹My dream is to retire in Italy and I have been looking for the perfect rustic farm house in Italy for the past 2 years.

🥗 12 years ago I started living a healthy lifestyle which consisted of eating clean, strength training and pilates.

🛍In my free time I enjoy interior decorating, planning social events and cooking.

🍷 My weakness is shopping, coffee, chocolate and red wine.

🛫My biggest fear is flying and snakes.

🌞It doesn't take a lot to make me happy and smile. All I need is sun 365 days a year.

02/06/2021

Italy's little gems

Italy will always be on my travel list. It's the small towns that serve up some of the best Italian food, wine and local flavor.

Here are some of my all time favorite towns in Italy that you should absolutely visit and experience the local flavor.

* Camaiore - A small town a few miles outside of Lucca. An excellent base to explore Pisa, Lucca, Florence and the rest of Tuscany. Don't forget that these small towns take their siesta seriously.

* Lucca - The most famous walls that encompass the city. Hire bikes and take a cycle on top of this famous wall with friends or family. An absolute must for all. If you are in Italy in the summer be sure to check out John Legend, he hosts his annual Italian concert in Lucca.

* Forte Dei Marmi - A glamorous town right on the ocean. Fleamarkets, waterfront beach clubs serving food and drinks, massages on the beach what more could you ask for on your vacation.

* San Gimignano - Quaint town with the best gelato spot and not to mention the torture museum which had my kids captivated.

Let's start planning so that you have your travel itinerary all figured out when it is safe to travel!

02/04/2021

JetBlue’s new business class suites. Take a look around!

The new Mint cabin will offer "an elevated flying experience for a fraction of what other airlines charge for premium seats," JetBlue said in a statement.

01/28/2021

Croatia should be on your bucket list for 2021, especially if you enjoy a bit of beach time coupled with sightseeing like I do. Here are my top reasons why!⁠
⁠
🧳Beach lovers: Crystal clear waters are truly amazing in Dubrovnik. The average temperatures in the summer hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, a perfect combination of blue water and great weather.⁠
⁠
🧳Museum enthusiasts: Museums in Zagreb are amazing and even if you are not a museum lover then you will certainly be impressed.⁠
⁠
🧳Winelovers: The first underwater winery is worth visiting in Croatia. Dive with a local guide and pick your bottle of wine for dinner. ⁠Not a diver then visit one of the oldest operating wine cellars in Europe and observe the old traditions of wine cultivation.⁠
⁠
🧳Family: Do you have little ones then Istria's waterparks should be on your itinerary. If waterparks are not your thing then island hopping will be a firm favorite amongst your family members.⁠
⁠
🧳Culture: Don't miss sword dancing in Korcula Island. Looking for something a little less action packed then visit the many hilltop towns and explore the Venetian and Roman ruins.⁠
⁠
🧳 Food: Anthony Bourdain said that Konoba Mondo was one of the best meals in Croatia⁠. Who is ready to visit this restaurant?⁠
⁠
🧳Adventure lovers: Experience the longest zipline in Europe. Suitable for all ages. If you prefer a little more adrenalin then consider hot air ballooning in Zagorje or kayaking.⁠
⁠
Let's start planning your next bucket list vacation.

01/09/2021

Shopping in Monterosso, Cinque Terre, Italy⁠
⁠
Fridays are for fun, wine, food and shopping in Monterosso, Cinque Terre. ⁠
⁠
This is a group of ladies that I arranged a tour for in Italy before the pandemic. We spent 7 days covering Rome, Florence, Chianti region, San Gimignano and the Cinque Terre. We had an absolute blast. A few knew each other and the rest got acquainted on the trip. ⁠
⁠
A great way to open your world up to new experiences and friendships in a safe environment. I kept the group small and intimate to ensure that the quality of the trip was in any way compromised. My tours have covered groups from as small as 2 individuals to 105 judges who flew to South Africa this past February. ⁠
⁠
⁠
Thinking of traveling this year when it is safe to do so, then consider traveling in your safe pod. Safe pods may include your close girlfriends, a few couples, a church group or just your immediate family. I have some amazing trip ideas that I would love to share with you.⁠
⁠

12/29/2020

'A Big Thank You' to all my clients. ⁠
⁠
To those who may not be clients but who have helped me grow throughout the year 'A Big Thank You'⁠
⁠
To those who continue to show up and show their support 'A Big Thank You'⁠
⁠
As the year comes to a close, I normally take this time to reflect on the year and most importantly to express my gratitude to all my clients for traveling with me. It's been a challenging year and I am grateful that I was able to help so many clients before the pandemic. ⁠
⁠
Thank you - South Africa Travel & Tours and Beyond would not have been possible without you!⁠
⁠