Love it or hate it, the holiday season is upon us. The Christmas shopping countdown has begun. Jingle-bell commercials are creeping into prime-time programming. From their perches on department store shelves, battery-operated Santa dolls are belting out “Jingle Bell Rock” over and over and over again.
Almost two decades ago, I made a decision to stop the insanity. My husband had been laid off from his job. I was earning my living as a freelance writer. Funds were tight. Sometime before Thanksgiving we informed our families we would not be participating in the commercial aspects of the holiday season that year. Here’s the kicker: It turned out to be the best decision ever. We enjoyed the season without giving way to its inherently stressful buy, buy, buy frenzy.
Fast-forward 20 years, and I’m happy to report we never completely reversed our decision to downsize. We continue to enjoy the season for what it is: a time to celebrate with friends and family. When we choose gifts for special people in our lives, we do it out of love, not obligation. We’re able to take a small step back and watch the madness with some degree of bemusement. We remember it’s not about creating the perfect holiday experience; it’s about enjoying life just the way it is.
This month, we continue our “Best of …” countdown to our 10th anniversary with a collection of photos from our Snapshot page. We also take a look at the new (and improved) world of airport hotels. Allison Voigts guides us through a business day in Busan, Korea’s second city, while Richard Newton takes adventure to new heights in Manali, India. Michael DeFreitas offers tips for enjoying a day off in Bangkok and hangs 10 in Peru. Ron Bernthal explores the business climate in Shanghai. Patricia Vanikiotis profiles Portland, Ore. Irvina Lew explores Paris with family in tow, and Gregory D. McCluney hits the town after 5 in Moscow.
Wherever your travels take you this season, remember it’s just that — a season. Airports may be more crowded. Security lines will probably be slower. Families may outnumber business travelers on tightly packed flights. Take a deep breath and relax. This, too, shall pass.
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FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
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Dec 21, 2024Finnair Boosts U.S. Schedule to Finland
Finnair will boast its largest-ever U.S. schedule to Finland in 2025. Starting March 30, the airline’s popular route to Los Angeles (LAX) will increase from three times per week to five times per week. Additionally, Finnair will offer daily flights from Chicago (ORD) next summer, an increase from the five weekly flights currently on offer.
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Dec 20, 2024Travel Platform Makes for Easier Access to Indonesian Islands
The more than 17,000 islands comprising the tropical country of Indonesia have just become more accessible thanks to new journeys on offer from travel platform Timbuktu. From logistics to curated experiences, Timbuktu’s team of travel professionals can arrange memorable experiences that range from Komodo dragon encounters to hiking along paths on active volcanoes.
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Dec 20, 2024Last-Minute Holiday Happenings at Sofitel New York
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Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet
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Dec 20, 2024Hyatt Vacation Club Welcomes “Souven-Era” with Handmade Keepsakes
This season, travelers are looking to book trips with hands-on and immersive experiences. As part of an initiative to make the holiday and winter travel experiences more fun, Hyatt Vacation Club launched its Inspired Experiences & Activities Program, which offers the chance for guests to create personalized keepsakes and long-lasting memories across 22 different properties. Here are some highlights of the activities offered at different Hyatt Vacation Club locations:
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Dec 19, 2024Palm House Opens in Palm Beach
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Dec 18, 2024eFlyer Reviews
Dec 18, 2024Villa Petriolo Review
Tucked in the heart of Tuscany near the birthplace of da Vinci, Villa Petriolo is a luxurious countryside escape that blends historic restoration with modern elegance. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member, the estate’s meticulous revival of a centuries-old villa and its surrounding properties transformed it into a haven of elegant design, hyperlocal cuisine and postcard-worthy moments. The seamless integration of its organic, regenerative agriculture revival, mimicking the once-bustling production of the property, influences its award-winning cuisine, wine production, spa products and amenities found throughout. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a single detail here that doesn’t speak to Villa Petriolo’s dedication to both the authentic past and hopeful future.
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Dec 18, 2024Windstar Cruises Opens 2027 Bookings for Japan Sailings Early
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