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Professional Purveyors of Travel
TATTLER
THE
TRAVEL
TRAVEL NEWS, TIPS AND TIDBITS Q1 2018
NORMANDY • TURKEY • CHARLESTON • PARIS • CULTURAL CRUISES • ANTIGUA
>
H U F F M A N T R AV E L LT D
CHICAGO • D AY T O N
Letter Professional Purveyors of Travel
FROM THE CEO
Happy New Year!
As we kick off another year, it’s human nature to
reflect on how we can improve – or in other words:
Make New Year’s Resolutions
In our house, we make lists and lists of ‘promises’…
hoping to hold true to a small number of what we set
forth. In the spirit of continually improving ourselves,
travel always finds its way into our family’s resolutions.
This year as we contemplated our resolutions, we
talked a lot about travel as a means to help others
and provide a lasting impact on us as individuals. If
you’ve read any travel blogs or publications recently
you have likely seen the term “Transformational
Travel.” This is certainly the buzz phrase of the
moment and I can understand why.
In a world that seems to be so uncertain, we
are encouraged to make every moment count,
for ourselves and for others. The way I see it,
every trip, no matter how big or small, how
luxurious or authentic provides the opportunity
for ‘transformational moments.’ The key is to ask
yourself “Am I open to what lies ahead?” when they recount stories from trips about things I
So much of travel is experiential and when we allow never thought they’d remember.
ourselves to be willing to take in each experience, For 2018, my resolution is to be open to what travel
that’s when change happens. I see this easily in my gives us... and to help our clients do the same.
own children. They approach each trip we take with
wide eyes and open minds. I love nothing more than Happy New Year! ✈
#TravelistoLive
by Shawna Huffman Owen
President & CEO, Huffman Travel LTD
Shawna@huffmantravel.com
P L E A S E F O R WA R D T H I S N E W S L E T T E R T O F R I E N D S A N D FA M I LY !
TATTLER
THE
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO TRAVEL
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 2
Feature
NORMANDY: NOT
JUST A DAY TRIP
FROM PARIS
G enerally, when we think of
Normandy, we think WWII
history, visiting the beaches, then
Honfleur and La Ferme
Saint Simeon
My first stop was the small village
back to Paris. I’m here to tell you, of Honfleur, about a two hour
it’s worth a much closer look. drive or train ride from Paris. This
During a recent visit, I witnessed picturesque and inspiring town is
first hand that this less-explored rich in history, dating back to the
region of France has so much Norman invasion of their still-
more than beaches to offer! standing harbor.
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 3
continued from page 3
“Next, I Today, it’s known for boutique Monet, who frequented the Inn. The
headed to shopping and caramels (not to miss,
made with the salted butter of local
thatched roof building from many
of Monet’s paintings still stands, and
Chateau La farms). The quaint pedestrian streets is now a wonderful open-fire bistro
Cheneviere, a are only a five-minute walk from one
of our favorites: the wonderful La
that is a must for lunch.
true gem...” Ferme Saint Simeon, a destination
all on its own. With views of the
Chateau La Cheneviere
Next, I headed to Chateau La
mouth of the Seine river, the Cheneviere, a true gem only a
former Saint Simeon Inn provided one hour and 15 minute drive
inspiration to many artists, such as from Honfleur. This amazingly
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 4
continued from page 3
charming Chateau is very well time at the Chateau is an absolute
located: just a short drive from delight. You couldn’t feel more at
the small town of Bayeux, those home enjoying a meal here, and
ever-famous beaches, and the sampling the fresh strawberries and
Normandy American Cemetery. pumpkin from their own garden!
The openly-expressed and still Normandy may be a short ride
widely-portrayed gratitude, away from Paris, but it is a world
particularly to American soldiers, apart! ✈
in this area is still omnipresent.
I could have personally spent at
least two or more days exploring by
the beaches with my wonderful Jayme
private guide as we wandered
through the bunkers and now
Hood
grass-covered craters. Even if Luxury Travel Advisor
history isn’t your thing, spending Jayme@huffmantravel.com
INSIDER TIPS TO NORMANDY
n When staying at La Ferme Saint Simeon, have us request the
Monet Suite. This was the room Monet insisted on staying in, and
the double-sided views of the grounds cannot be beat!
n Do not miss the Bayeux
Tapestry! This is an incredible
piece of history that includes
75 scenes depicting events
leading to the Norman conquest.
It takes about 30 minutes to
fully experience this 230-foot
masterpiece. Follow with a stroll
around the village.
n Most definitely let us arrange for a private guide to show you
the ‘insider view’ of the beaches and American cemetery. The value
add is extraordinary, and truly an experience of a lifetime!
n If you’re ok with steps up to your room, have us request the 3rd
floor at Chateau La Cheneviere. You’ll take the elevator or stairs up
to the 2nd floor, where one lonely door opens up to stairs leading to
the only suite on the third floor. The seclusion and panoramic views
of the property and surrounding farms are magical!
n Throughout the whole region, you must try the apple
cider “champagne.” Normandy is known for its apple
production, and it is a wonderful regional treat. If you’re
up for an even stronger spirit, try Calvados, an apple
brandy produced in the province. The perfect after-
dinner cocktail!
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 5
Feature
ISTANBUL: WHY YOU
SHOULD GO NOW
I n my opinion, there’s never
been a better time to visit this
exotic, chic, urban metropolis
that sits clearly on the Bosphorus advised us against returning
Straits that divide Europe and because of the political turmoil,
Asia. With a major downturn in yet we found Istanbul largely
tourism in 2016, you will find the unchanged and totally safe. We
value hard to believe, but what will visited Turkish friends, ate at our
keep you coming back is the rich favorite Ottoman restaurants,
culture, history and above all, the shopped until we dropped and
warm welcome from the people enjoyed the hospitality of the
you encounter. remarkable hotels. This time
My wife and I had the pleasure we stayed at the Four Seasons
of living in Istanbul for over three Bosphorus. Our room, in the
years in the early 1970s, and it “palace” section of the hotel, was
has stuck with us ever since. The beautiful, with amazing views
culture, history and people have across the sea onto the Asian side
drawn us back for annual visits; of Istanbul.
however, before returning this The weather is great almost all
October, it had been almost three year — with Spring and Fall being
years since we were last in Istanbul. the most exceptional times to
You can imagine many people visit. We were there on October
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 6
We visited
during the 94th
anniversary of
Turkey becoming
a republic... we
were happy to see
the city alive with
celebration!
continued from page 6
29, the 94th anniversary of Turkey complete without seeing the city
becoming a Republic, and we were from the water. One may do this
happy to see the city alive with by private boat, or by experiencing
celebration! the views from a public ferry like
the locals do.
Insiders’ Istanbul n In addition to Istanbul, your
n Istanbul is known for its wide trip should also include visits to
array of fabulous restaurants. historic Cappadocia and Ephusus.
On this trip, we dined with Turkish The ultimate itinerary should
friends at a hot new restaurant include a week on a chartered
in the Karakoy area. “Mürver” has Turkish sailing boat, called a Gulet,
a great location overlooking the embarking from the beautiful
water and the food is world class. southern coast town of Bodrum,
Do not miss eating here. known as the jewel of the Turkish
n Istanbul is a shopper’s Riviera. ✈
paradise, known for its high-
quality “fake” designer fashion.
Our favorite for ladies handbags by
is “Kum,” located just outside the
Grand Bazaar. The shop is hard to
Tony
find, so let me know when you go Huffman
so I can get you there. Chairman & Founder
n No trip to Istanbul would be Tony@huffmantravel.com
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 7
FUN FACT: The official
beginning of the Civil War
started in Charleston at
Fort Sumter in 1860. Visit
the fort to learn more!
SOUTHERN CHARM
C harleston is HOT. The southern city was named the 2017 Top City in
America by Travel + Leisure, and here at Huffman Travel, we can’t get
enough of it! Monique and Sandi each visited Charleston recently; Monique
with a group of girlfriends and Sandi with a group of travel professionals
from Travel + Leisure. Here’s what they loved. Click on each to learn more.
Monique Owen Sandi Todovorich
n Favorite Hotel: Zero George
n Favorite Bar: The Belmont,
for the creative cocktails and
savory Pop Tarts
n Insider Tip: Do not miss a stop
at super chic retailer Hampden
on King Street, for the most
perfectly curated selection of
super chic fashion.
n Favorite Hotel: Wentworth
Mansion
n Favorite Bar: the 1920’s inspired
cocktail bar at The Spectator
Hotel
n Insider Tip: The beach is less
than 20 minutes away! Get out
of historic downtown and hit
the beach at Sullivan’s Island,
n Downtime: For a little downtime while grabbing a meal at The
after your Charleston fix, add on Obstinate Daughter or the more
a few days in beautiful Kiawah casual Poe’s Tavern.
Island for some beach, golf and
down time.
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 8
Traveling outside the
USA? Always double-
Our Advisors check your passport
expiration to ensure
WHAT’S IN YOUR it is valid for at least
TRAVEL BAG? six months after the
date of your return.
Get to know the Huffman Travel Advisors a bit better by learning about
what they can’t leave home without...
SHAWNA
✔ Tape, ribbon and scissors: you
never know when you’ll need it!
✔ Bose Noise-Cancelling
Earbuds make every
difference, and are tiny and
compact, they hardly take up
any room.
✔ Travel Power Strip: I can’t live
without this when traveling
abroad. With just one adaptor,
you can charge all your
devices.
SANDI
✔ Compact travel blanket to use
on freezing cold airplanes.
✔ Zicam: If you get a hint of a
cold or sore throat (usually
from being on a freezing cold GABRIELLE
airplane), pop one of these and ✔ Foot sling/Foot rest
it’s gone before you know it. for economy seating on
✔ Cell phone portable battery long-haul flights.
charger: I rue the days I forgot ✔ Injini Compression
to bring this with me! Socks with individual
✔ Bandages are handy because toes allow me to
sometimes you wear shoes wear them with
you haven’t worn in six sandals.
months, and the strap ✔ Northface hooded fleece keeps
creates a blister. Better me warm on long flights.
to have bandages hand ✔ Clorox Antibacterial Wipes to
than hunt for them at wipe down the arm rests and
your destination. tray table.
✔ A photo on my mobile phone of ✔ Aquaphor for my lips, and travel
my passport, ID and credit card, size Kleenex are always needed.
in case of loss or theft.
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 9
TATTLER
THE
TRAVEL Professional Purveyors of Travel
TIDBITS
ANTIGUA’S BEACHFRONT CURTAIN BLUFF RESORT
Looking for all-inclusive casual luxury? We adore Antigua’s Curtain Bluff Resort
for its authentic Caribbean experience and amazing value. You’ll appreciate the
boutique feel of this family-owned property, consistently ranked among the best
inclusive resorts and tennis centers in the world. If you long to spend time on
the water, choose from two beaches or any of the included watersports such as
scuba, waterski, kayaking and more! There’s more: a killer fitness center, four lit
tennis courts and a relaxing spa. After a day of adventure, retire to your ocean-
facing room that walks out directly onto the white sand beach. We adore the
family vibe, our kids are ecstatic about the kids club, while babysitters and
guaranteed interconnecting rooms help parents relax. Don’t forget, all meals,
including afternoon tea and cocktail hour, are included! With a 70% repeater ratio, a
trip to Curtain Bluff is an irrefutable dream come true.
LONDON RETREAT: TRANQUILITY AT THE LANESBOROUGH
We love to take a break from exploring London to call The Lanesborough
home. Perfectly located in Knightsbridge and offering dedicated butler service
in each room and suite, guests are assured their every need is well served –
always with thought, surprise and charm. Enjoy the Michelin-starred Céleste
restaurant, an award-winning afternoon tea service, a seriously seductive
Library Bar and The Garden Room, one of London’s best Cigar and Cognac
lounges, as well as the exclusive Club & Spa. The Lanesborough welcomes
families, offering a sweet welcome gift on arrival plus movies, games, daily
treats, popcorn and milkshakes from your butler. Take advantage of the ‘Suite
Retreat’ package, an amazing offer that includes luxury accommodation for
two (2-night minimum), round trip airport or station transfers — including a
private chauffer to whisk you to the hotel in style, access to The Lanesborough
Club & Spa, personal training with a Bodyism Performance Specialist, a chilled
bottle of Champagne, daily breakfast, late check out, and more.
CULTURAL CRUISING WITH PONANT
We love to engage with the world in order to understand it, and Ponant has figure
this out by offering “cultural cruising.” The new Quintessential Collection by Ponant
offers themed small-ship cruising to all seven continents. These voyages include
exceptional activities ashore that encourage travelers to embrace the local
culture. We love how Ponant believes that travel approached in this way has the
power to transform us, enrich our minds, and inspire our spirits. Some of our
favorite cruises include a Musical Odyssey in the Mediterranean, Sicilian Food
& Wine Experience, Exploring Gardens from London to Bergen, and Ancient
Mediterranean Civilizations (a family cruise). Ponant is also celebrating the launch
of its first multi-sensory underwater lounge, Blue Eye, on the Ponant Explorers
ships. The lounge allows guests to not only view marine life through portholes and
real-time projection, but also to experience the sea through sound. Amazing!
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