Luxe Travel by Kay

01/08/2024

Ian and I love almost everything about Germany!! Can’t wait to travel here again in 2024!

Surrounded by a wonderful landscape composed of lakes and forests Schwerin Castle looks like a fairy tale castle come true. About one third of the town area consists of lakes and another third of forest, parks and gardens. When are you planning your next trip? 😘

10/14/2023

This is a question Kay is asked frequently. Surprisingly, she will say that not everyone needs a travel agent:
- Is your travel straightforward with no complications (IE an economy flight from Los Angeles to Miami)? Then you may not need a travel agent. Flights are easily booked online and generally economy class tickets aren't discounted for travel agents. Travel agents do have access to discounted first class tickets though, so if you want to fly first class, its worth asking a travel agent.
- Is your trip a bit complicated (such as a river cruise with pre/post nights and activities and tours)? Then you may want a travel agent.

Working with a travel agent also offers convenience, are you too busy to spend weeks researching the best places to stay and ways to get the best price? Then a travel agent is perfect for you!

Do we have fees? Sometimes, but the bulk of our pay comes from commissions, so you don't pay more for our services. (For example: A river cruise that costs $5,000 if you call the company directly, will cost $5,000 if you book with a travel agent, but you will get extra perks - such as onboard credit - for reserving with a travel agent.)

Let us know what other questions you have in the comments!

10/10/2023

Travel Tuesday: Exploring France on Viking River Cruises
is #1 for Rivers, Oceans and Expeditions | Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards: The results of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards have been announced, and Viking was voted #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions. This is the first time a travel company has been voted the best across all three of these categories simultaneously, and the third consecutive year Viking won for both rivers and oceans.

Where does Kay want to go on Viking (besides everywhere!)? She wants to go to France. River Cruising is perfect for those who get a little seasick but still want to unpack once and see multiple destinations in comfort. Forget the clickty-clack of train wheels keeping you up at night, serenely float to your next destination while you sleep and wake to medieval castles, award winning wine, and picturesque landscapes.

Daily flights from most major airports make France easily accessible. Gone of the days of "rude French", all of Kay's visits have been filled with welcoming and kind people, delectable food, and beautiful architecture.

In the photos:
Photo 1: The sitting room in an Explorer Suite on a Viking Longship
Photo 2: Giverny, France - Giverny is a village in the region of Normandy in northern France. Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked here from 1883 until his death in 1926. The artist’s former home and elaborate gardens, where he produced his famed water lily series, are now the Fondation Claude Monet museum.
Photo 3: The Library and Game Table on a Viking Longship
Photo 4: Normandy, France - Normandy is a region of northern France. Its varied coastline includes white-chalk cliffs and WWII beachheads, including Omaha Beach, site of the famous D-Day landing. Just off the coast, the rocky island of Mont-Saint-Michel is topped by a soaring Gothic abbey.

10/07/2023

Santa Barbara, Home Sweet Home
Since Kay became a travel agent, she has lived in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is home to beautiful beaches, chilly ocean water, views of the Channel Islands, phenomenal hiking, and home to some of the friendliest people. The food is exceptional and the hotels are top notch (looking at you and the !). Hundreds of wineries are either walkable (), or an easy drive away. No matter what your hobby is, you can probably find it within driving distance of this lovely city. Hiking, Cycling, Golf, Spa, Yoga, Meditation, Breathwork, Caving, Painting, Surfing, SUP, Kayaking, Jet Skiing, Birding, Sailing, Trail Riding and so much more!

Sundays, catch the Santa Barbara Art Walk, highlighting the creative talents of local artisans. The show is located on Cabrillo Boulevard from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez. The show takes place every Sunday year-round, and on Saturdays of major holiday weekends. Official show hours are from 10:00 a.m. until dusk.

10/05/2023

Starting to think about your winter travel plans? On our is skiing in the Swiss Alps! There is not much we don't love about the Swiss Alps. 360* views from every mountain, the best après-ski (or snowboard) hotels, delectable food (fondue anyone?), and sweet mountain spring water.

Whether you choose to ski, snowboard, sit by the fire and enjoy the views, or all of the above. We can bring your winter wonderland dreams to life.

Our favorite hotels? Hotel Schweizerhof Lenzerheide and so many more!

Fancy going to the Swiss Alps when its less cold? Amazing deals happen in the summer. There is still plenty to do and endless fun to be had!

10/03/2023

Kay believes she has the best coworkers in the industry! As you may know, rescuing animals and promoting responsible animal husbandry is important to her. She has rescued cats, dogs, and horses and supports legislation promoting the humane treatment of all. Pictured here is Sophia, her oldest cat that is battling cancer (and winning!).

Do you work remotely? If so, share your "coworkers" in the comments. 🐶🐱

Do you ever consider traveling for a cause? There are phenomenal programs around the world where you can sightsee one day and volunteer to help animals or people in need the next. Imagine hot air ballooning in Cappadocia in the morning, then rescuing street puppies in the evening. This is not only possible, it is helpful!

“We must remember that our actions towards animals reflect our humanity. It is our responsibility to be compassionate and kind.” — Velma Bronn Johnston

09/20/2023

We need more joy in our travels. Great job to this pilot! (Sound on!) 📣

09/20/2023

Nothing makes us happier than to hear the kind words of our clients.

09/17/2023

Kay's favorite long weekend trip is to Paris. The vibrancy of the city and the exquisite food, means its hard to stay away. What is she up to now? Besides touring a few luxury hotels, her favorite pastimes are wandering through the Jardin des Tuileries, enjoying a production at the Philharmonie de Paris, book hunting at Shakespeare and Company, visiting Versailles, or indulging in some Jacques Genin chocolat .

09/15/2023

Travel brings people together, and can set them apart. Why travel with the herd? Meet like minded people on specialized, luxury trips.
- Wellness: Breath work, mindfulness, Wim Hof method seminars, holistic medical spa resorts and more!
- Adventure: Diving in Australia, Skiing in the Swiss Alps, Fishing in Alaska, Golfing in Scotland, surfing in Indonesia, cycling in France, cruising in Antarctica, hiking in Patagonia and more!
- Family Travel: Don't choose between fun for the kids and fun for the adults, we have options to ensure both have a great time.

Tell us in the comments why you travel.

09/12/2023

We bet you already know that summer in Australia is from December to February, but did you know that Australia has some of the areas to dive with whale sharks?
The gorgeously rugged Kimberley coast with breathtaking waterfalls, remote islands and unique wildlife is best explored by sea on a small ship luxury expedition cruise. One of our favorite partners for small ship expeditions is Abercrombie & Kent ()!

09/09/2023

Make Travel Memorable. Immerse your family in delightful, new experiences and take the stress out of the planning. Multigenerational travel is some of the most intrinsically rewarding trips that we take, but they can also be the most chaotic. Kay specializes in creating itineraries that thrill the entire family. Farm stays, water sports, hiking, art, and so much more can be combined with luxury spa and fine dining.

Tell us in the comments: What family destination was the most memorable for your family?