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HOT Destination for 2019 – ICELAND

Iceland Is Prepping for Its Hottest Tourist Season Yet

Iceland is so hot right now!!  Well….  maybe not literally. The chilly European destination, which is not actually covered in ice, is anticipating its biggest tourist season ever.

This Nordic nation has not always been a hotspot for tourists; however, it wasn’t until an eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in 2010 that the world started paying more attention.  Another reason for Iceland’s sudden rise in popularity is  because of the hit series, “Game of Thrones,” which filmed its many northern scenes there.  So combine TV news footage of volcanoes and battles on Game of Throne’s battles waged in Iceland’s stunning scenery, and it was only a matter of time before visitors started flocking.

So is Iceland on your Travel Bucket List for 2019??  It should be!!

Here’s 5 things you can do while visiting Iceland.

Whale Watching Tour – There are many tours available that allow you to see whales as well as puffins. You can engage with Naturalists and experience rare sightings that will leave you in awe. It is best to whale watch in the summer months, preferably April through September. Minke whales are the most common in Iceland.

Blue Lagoon Spa – This mineral-rich attraction is minutes from the Keflavik International airport. There are many spa options available due to the geothermic forces and many natural elements. The lagoon is man-made and renewed every two days with fresh water. You can easily access the site via car or bus.

West Fjords – Located in a popular peninsula, the Fjords are breathtaking. You need to plan well and leave time to really explore all this area has to offer. They have great attractions. You can visit a myriad of special sites, such as the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum or the famous Látrabjarg cliff. There is much to experience in this mountainous remote area. You will have options that will keep you interested while on your expedition.

Skogafoss – The perfect place for you to get a shot with a double rainbow, Skogafoss is the most scenic fall in Iceland. With a drop of over 60 meters, the view is spectacular. There is also a legend of gold that lies within the falls. Take your chance and search if you dare…

Silfra – Silfra is an amazing diving spot located in Thingvellir National Park. It is the crevice between the tectonic plates in North America and Eurasian continents. It is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates that shift roughly 2 cm every year. The shifting of the earth creates new caverns and tunnels. There is plenty of wildlife to see on your dive/snorkel. The three main dive sites are; Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon. The maximum depth is about 207 feet. The water is the purest in the world, and you can feel free to take a sip while diving.

Iceland is not about just the Northern Lights, there is so much to discover.  So are you ready to travel like a Viking???

 

 

 

 

 

TRAVEL IN COLOR – NOT BLACK AND WHITE

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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JAMAICA – Once You Go – You Know

I Left My Heart In Jamaica!!

So…. On my recent return trip to Jamaica, as we were in the process of landing in Montego Bay, I was soooo excited to be back; but it wasn’t the same excitement that I always feel when I return to Jamaica. It was a feeling like I was returning home. Jamaica has definitely become my second home, and I love traveling there several times a year. According to the locals and my friends in Jamaica, I am now considered Jamerican.

I first traveled to Jamaica back in 1989 for my honeymoon, and returned again the following year for my anniversary and loved it. Since then, I have been traveling there multiple times every year and it never gets old. If I can somehow figure out how to live there, I’d die a happy woman.

So what makes Jamaica so special? It’s not just one thing, but the entire Jamaican Culture. The mixture of beautiful beaches, and vibrant Jamaican culture makes it my number one destination to travel to and send my clients. Anyone who knows me, knows that if you ask me about Jamaica, it’s like asking me about my grandchildren; you just can’t shut me up once I get started.  What are the Top Ten Reasons to Visit Jamaica??

Everyone should visit Jamaica because the beaches alone will take your breath away. When my husband and I traveled to Jamaica for our annual anniversary trip last February, (his first visit there) we stayed in Montego Bay and he loved it. However, we took a day trip to Negril (known for it’s beautiful Seven Mile Beach of amazing blue water and white sand). He was hooked and announced “we are coming back here next year!!”. No argument from me.

Jamaica is know as the island of All Right, everyone should take a trip here at least once in their life because there’s something for everyone in the beautiful tropical climate. Each region is different, from Montego Bay to Ochos Rios to Negril. There are water sports and hiking for the fitness enthusiast, and there are beaches and charming places to stroll and shop for the more relaxed. There’s unique music, food, and dance. You can easily have a romantic getaway, or a sporting adventure, a family holiday or even a corporate event.

No matter how many times I travel to Jamaica, I find something new to love about this amazing destination, and always look forward to my return.

Would you like to hear more about Jamaica and why it is the most amazing vacation destination? Give me a call, shoot me an email, I’ll tell you everything you want to know. Likely, you’ll want to book your next vacation to Jamaica.

Jamaica…… Once You Go, You Know!!

TRAVEL IN COLOR – NOT BLACK AND WHITE

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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Travelling Can Transform You – Traveling The Trasformativa Way

Travelling Can Transform You

As a travel agent, I spend a lot of my time traveling, not only to gain knowledge and information for my clients, but to have my own personal and transformational travel experiences to create my own lifelong memories.  As our tagline states – Travel In Color – Not Black and White, and we embrace that concept .  We not only help our clients plan and book trips or vacations, but rather travel experiences that are going to excite the mind and feed the soul.

So, you are asking, Hey, Alison….. How can travel really transform us??   Well, I’ll tell you.

Travelling Teaches You That It’s Okay Not To Have a Plan

It’s always more fun when things are unplanned, and that’s usually how I travel. If you plan too much and have a set itinerary, it means you have no flexibility and might feel stressed if things don’t go according to plan.  So…. Just wing it!!  Everything will fall into place.

You Experience New Things

When you book a trip or vacation with Trasformativa Travel, you are investing in new experiences. It’s about the beauty of travelling, the sense of adventure and exploration where you are building those transformational experiences.

Connecting With People

If you are like me and love people, this is one of the sole reasons why I love to travel. Meeting new people from different cultures and different walks of life is exciting, and truly allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of your destination.

You See New Places

Why do we travel, if not to see new beautiful places? It makes you realize how beautiful and diverse this amazing world is.  Life is too short not to travel and experience it all.

Travelling Opens Your Mind & Creates that Transformational Travel Experience

Because you are experiencing so many people from different cultures who will have different opinions and cultural norms, that you may or may not agree with, allows you to open your mind and see things differently, and that is the transformational part!!

You Become Better at Following Your Heart

For me, this is one of the most important things about traveling. Decisions of the heart are often instinctive decisions that you make purely based on gut and what your heart tells you.  It is only through following your heart that you truly discover what matters to you and what you want to do in this world. They just feel right.

So follow your heart, take the trip and wrap yourself in that Transformative Experience that will stay with you for a lifetime!!  You’ll Be Glad You Did!!

TRAVEL IN COLOR – NOT BLACK AND WHITE

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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Why Travel Should Be A Part Of Your Self Care Regimen

Why Travel Should Be a Part Of Your Self Care Regimen

In Japan, there was a young journalist, who in one month worked 159 hours and then died!  In Japan, they have a term for this — it’s called “karoshi,” or death from overwork.

Last month, I wrote and article for my LinkedIn Profile called OVERWHELMED AMERICA: WHY DON’T WE USE OUR PAID TIME OFF? which talked about how many employees don’t take their earned time off and this is leading to overwhelming stress and burnout.

Studies show that young women are the most unlikely to use their vacation days. The women of our generation are burning out, faster than ever.

The main problem is that we become the victim of social expectations. We’re not taking time off because we’re afraid of being laid off by our bosses, judged by our co-workers, or don’t see how we can manage stepping away from our role without everything falling apart while we are gone. We’re glued to our jobs and not giving ourselves the opportunity to become un-glued and take some “ME Time”.  As a result, we are working more and more overtime, and no time for our body recuperate and reset, and then come back to center.

The Science Behind Stress

On a biochemical level, burnout and overdrive sends our bodies spiraling into a stress response, which releases cortisol into our bloodstream. Our body produces cortisol to help us respond when we’re in danger — like in a fight-or-flight situation, and that’s no state to live in. Yet, we are. And young women are the biggest victims living like this without a reprieve.

Stress is the leading cause for every major health condition we face in Western society, and it’s killing us, yet it is socially accepted, even praised.  People would rather be seen as a hard worker, instead of someone who takes time off to  make themselves a priority for their mental and physical well-being.

We can do all the meditating and working out we want, and drink all the green juices; however, we need something bigger!!   Sometimes we need to physically uproot ourselves, in order to allow our body a chance to reset.

This is where travel comes in

Traveling is a self-correcting mechanism for change.  When we embrace this and allow ourselves a long period of time to live in this realm, our body has its  own way of re-balancing our mind, body and soul.  It is Transfromative!!  This is why it is imperative that travel be a part of our self care regimen.

When we get rid of the stress and anxiety, take off the weight, go without medication, we create space for harmony in our lives.

Our body then start to create new neurological pathways, and serotonin starts to reproduce naturally. We feel better because we’re having new life experiences, laughing more, having long hugs and even longer conversations. We’re finding real connection, and doing things that bring us natural joy, and our emotions change, so we change.

It’s the norm to go to the doctor who just wants to prescribe medication to make you feel good; when in reality, all he really needs to prescribe is a VACATION!!  No laptop or cell phone, just totally disconnected.  Traveling to a faraway country with a different culture, begins the Transformation from within where your experiences can be defined as the consumption of leisure experiences through which we gain meaningful and lasting memories, knowledge, spiritual enrichment and skills to create lasting memories and a life changing experience.

Viewing travel as a part of our self-care routine, where it’s a slow and steady experience of coming back to center is what we need.  Making “ME” a “PRIORITY”.

It goes against our no-pain-no-gain society. But when we choose ourselves and prioritize our health, we realize feeling good has a ripple effect. When we feel good, we help everyone around us feel good too.

So…  Take The Trip And Spread The Good Vibes.

 

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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Travel, The Ultimate Transformational Experience

Travel, The Ultimate Transformational Experience

In my opinion, Travel is most definitely The Ultimate Transformational Experience you can have.  Traveling to a far away destination, immersing yourself in the culture of that destination changes you; it excites the mind and feeds the soul.  It’s an experience you will come back to time and time again in your mind and just sigh.

Trasformativa is all about the Transformational Experience – That is the translation of our business name (Trasformativa – Italian for Transformative) and the model behind our tag line – Travel In Color – Not Black and White.  We ensure that all our clients with have a truly Transformational Travel Experience.

It’s all about the Cultural Immersion, and that’s what we do.  We make sure you have an authentic experience.

Eat The Food

When I traveled last year I took a day trip to Port Royal in Southeastern Jamaica and dined at Gloria’s Seafood Restaurant, which is infamous in Jamaica for it’s open air dining room overlooking the ocean and amazing fresh Jamaican seafood dishes.  Port Royal was once the largest city in the Caribbean, functioning as the centre of shipping and commerce in the Caribbean Sea and was destroyed by an earthquake and accompanying tsunami on June 7, 1692, and sunk the majority of the city.  Some of the ruins of the old city are still there which I toured on my visit.

See The Sites

And not just the touristy ones, but off the beaten path) – While in Jamaica, I might set you up with my friend, Neville, who will take you on a locals tour of Montego Bay. Or, if you are in Italy, I’ll set you up with my friends at Parmagolosa to take you on your privately guided culinary tour of Parma where you will go to a working family farm and see how Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is made by hand everyday; and to see my dear friend Allessandra at Medici Ermete Vineyard to taste balsamic vinegar and their beautiful wines.

Talk To The People

There is no better way to immerse yourself into the culture of your destination than talking with the locals.  While on a recent trip to Jamaica, my husband and I took a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken.  YUM!!!  After the class we started talking to the chef’s assistant, Bo Bo. When asked if Bo Bo was his real name, he proceeded to tell us that ALL Jamaicans have a nickname, and that most people will call you by your nickname rather than your given name.  So….. when there is an important event like a wedding, and they put the announcement out in the paper or send out invitations for the wedding, they need to include both the person’s nickname and given name, because some people may only know them by their nickname, like Bo Bo.  You would never know this bit of information if you didn’t talk to a local.

So don’t just show up, be present when you travel and immerse yourself in the culture of your destination and you will be glad you did.

 

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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10 Best Holiday Travel Tips

10 Best Holiday Travel Tips

It’s that time of year again, when we hear how grim the upcoming holiday travel season will be. Yes, planes, trains and roads will be crowded, especially now that the economy is perking up. And there’s always the chance that snowstorms will gum up the works. But your holiday travel fate is partly in your own hands. Here are 10 holiday travel tips — some new, some time-tested — for headache-free traveling during this busy season.

1. Don’t Travel on Peak Days
There’s no getting around it. Peak travel days are the worst!  You’ve heard it before, but it remains true that traveling the day before and the day after — whether by air, rail or road — greatly increases your chance of travel woes. Consider adjusting your dates by even a day.

2. Leave Lots of Extra Time
Depart from home far earlier in the day than you would at any other time of year, whether you’re starting a road trip or heading to an airport or bus or railway station. Wouldn’t you rather not be panicked if you run into traffic congestion, crowded public transit or long security lines? Relax and read or listen to music while you wait for your plane or train; take a restful pit stop if you’re driving. Or…  Call a cab or Uber and be dropped off and picked up right outside the terminal.

3. Rethink the Airport Experience
An airport is no longer just a transit hub to be rushed through. Many terminals are amenity-filled malls, some with terrific art exhibitions, shops, restaurants and even spas and yoga rooms. Arriving three hours before a flight is a lot more pleasant when you know you can browse, savor a glass of wine, exercise or get a massage.  Holiday travel season you can always expected to be hectic, but with a little careful planning these tips can help you navigate and save time.

4. Reserve Airport Parking
Airport parking often fills up during the holidays. But at many lots, especially private ones, is a short shuttle ride from the terminal. You can pre-book, sparing yourself a mad scramble to stash the car before your flight takes off.  Or….. even better take a cab or Uber for drop off and pick up right in front of your terminal.

5. Avoid Airline Ticket Counters
No need to wait in line if you print out boarding passes at home, pull them up on your smartphone or get them at an airport kiosk. If you have an e-ticket, carry a printout of your itinerary in the event your electronic device fails. And if you’re checking bags, use the skycaps at curbside (remember to tip them generously, it is the holiday season).

6. Pack Light for Air Travel
Take only a carry-on bag, even if it means leaving an outfit or two at home. That sacrifice will save you time on both ends of the trip, and if your flight is canceled it simplifies scoring a seat on another flight.

7. Have a Backup Plan
You can’t predict travel snafus, but you can be prepared for anything. If you’re driving, know alternative routes so you can adjust if traffic is bad. If you’re flying, know the alternative flights and connecting cities to your destination in case of delays or cancellations.

8. Bring Provisions
Take snacks, games, books, magazines, portable music or DVD players and other diversions to pass the time if your flight is delayed or you’re stuck in traffic. (This is vital, of course, if you’re traveling with kids.)

9. Turn Your Phone Into a Travel Tool
Sign up with your airline to receive flight status updates on your phone, or load your smartphone with mobile travel alert apps . Before leaving home, make sure your phone is fully charged and holds all the numbers you could possibly need, including family, friends, hotel, airline, rental car agency and credit card companies.  Also, make sure to pack and extra battery or charger.

10. Think Twice About Holiday Gifts
If you’ll be traveling by air, ship presents in advance or shop online and have them delivered to your destination. If you do take gifts along, make them small and packable, and don’t wrap them beforehand: Even if they’re in checked luggage, security personnel may need to open them for inspection.

I hope these holiday travel tips will be helpful if you are traveling during the holiday season.

 

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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My Italian Transformation

My Italian Transformation

 

I got my start in the travel industry almost ten years ago after a Life Changing trip to Italy. My husband and I traveled to Italy for our daughter’s graduation from culinary school (she had been attending Alma in Colorno for the previous six months), and was now on her way back to take her finals and graduation. Proud Parent Moment!!

We stayed in Colorno in a lovely B&B on the outskirts of town. A short walk into town along cobblestone streets and lovely architecture. Upon entering the town square it was something out of a movie with quaint restaurants and coffee shops, and old Italian men sitting at tables playing dominoes. Set back from the town center towers my daughter’s school, ALMA – La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana. Once know as Ducal Palace of Colorno owned by several esteemed Italy families, after the unification of Italy it was property of the state and acquired by ALMA. It is a magnificent structure with beautiful gardens and grounds.

Over the next three days my husband and I explored Colorno as a local and wandered the cobblestone streets early because each day all the businesses close from 12-4 so that residents can take their time eating lunch, which we very happily participated in sipping wine and eating wonderful local meats, cheeses and breads. On our final day in Colorno we took a private guided tour of Parma visiting a farm where we watched a local family make Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, visiting a curing house for Prosciutto di Parma ham, dined outside for lunch on a vineyard where we again drank and ate the wonderful fare that Parma has to offer.   Last stop was a vineyard to taste some of the most amazing balsamic vinegar I have ever tasted.  It was at this stop that I was very quickly befriended by the owner of the vineyard, and almost 10 years later, we still regularly email and talk on Skype.

Next stop, and our base for the next 7 days, another lovely B&B on a hilltop in the port city of Livorno overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. A little slice of heaven. By day we traveled the sites of Livorno, Florence and Pisa, by night we dined at a local family owned and run restaurant, that by the 2nd night, the owner would have our favorite table reserved and promptly serve us local wine and some of the most amazing food we had ever tasted (we were ruined). Meals in Italy are not scarfed down, but eaten slowly and savored, usually taking several hours to complete. While in Livorno, we also had our first experience seeing the local wild boars, Cinghiale, which DOES NOT look like a common farm hog, but literally some huge beast that you would only imagine in a horror movie. This was quite interesting. This town was quite quant, tucked away on a hilltop, away from the bustling seaport below.

We traveled by train to Florence and Pisa and walked from the train stations to the main sites so as to explore the cities. Florence is a bustling city filled with art, architecture, museums and SHOPPING.  We definitely needed another day to really explore all it has to offer. Pisa was another quaint city where we of course had to see the leaning tower and the other surrounding magnificent buildings. This was definitely a tourist area; however, we decided to explore the surrounding city where we finally found ourselves a lovely outside café where we dined on wonderful pizza and other Italian fare.

Our final stop was a day in the bustling city of Milan; again, another city we really needed an extra day to explore. We walked the streets and checked out the local scene and shops while eating cones of creamy gelato.

While traveling from city to city by train the scenery was nothing short of AMAZING. Beautiful fields of sunflowers as far as the eye could see and lovely vineyards spread across the countryside. Through the coastal cities there were crashing blue waves against the rock cliffs, as well as lovely beaches where locals splashed in the water.

We were so sad to live Italy, and definitely left a part of our heart there. So excited for my return to Italy in July to explore the Roman Countryside. This time……. I just might not come back.

Give me a shout if you want to join us!!

 

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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Why Group Travel Is The Smart Way To Travel

Why Group Travel Is The Smart Way To Travel

While you may have never thought of getting a group of family and/or friends together to visit a destination you have all been dreaming about. Well, you might want to give it some thought, because group travel can be an extremely rewarding (and smart!) option for all types of travelers to set out and experience the world. Still not convinced about why a group travel experience might not be right for you? Continue reading…..
So you’re probably thinking, what are the benefits to traveling as a group, rather than solo or with one other person? Here are the five top benefits of group travel.

Save money – Practicality of group rates. Whether it’s airfare, lodging, food or adventures, groups will always get better rates than individuals. This is a no brainer if you want to experience everything a destination has to offer, and do it without breaking the bank.

Everything is taken care of and planned for you – All you do is show up. This is a big one! All of the particulars are taken care of for you. Planning a trip can be difficult, especially if you’re venturing to a place where you don’t speak the language. Traveling with a group and a Tour Director or local means all of the details are taken care of for you.

Do things you couldn’t do on your own – You’ll get to see and do things you might not have been able to do on your own. Whether it’s skipping the line at a museum or getting exclusive access to an area that is generally off limits, and experience hidden gems that you wouldn’t have known about, or had access to, on your own.

Create lifelong friendships – Travel gives people experiences and memories that are felt deep in the soul. You have the opportunity to meet likeminded people who will become your travel buddies, wine drinking buddies, adventure buddies, and the experiences you have together will create relationships that last a lifetime.

Safety in numbers – There is safety in numbers. You will need to think about safety no matter where you travel. No one wants to think anything will go wrong on a vacation, but that’s not the reality and being prepared is your best defense in tough situations. Traveling with a group means you have a “pack”. Think of a wolf pack. They travel together and protect one another. Traveling with a group means built in safety and protection. You can think of the Tour Director as the alpha wolf in the pack, always there to lead the group and make sure everyone stays safe and happy.

So….. Do I have you convinced? Do you have a destination you have always wanted to see? Well then let’s plan a customized Group Travel Experience for you and your group and create lasting lifetime memories.

 

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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Are You Ready for a Transformational Travel Experience?

Get Ready for a Transformational Travel Experience

Trasformativa is a US based travel company  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professiTrasformativa is a US based travel company  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.Trasformativa is a US based travel company  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.Trasformativa is a US based travel company  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.onals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

 

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel,

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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