Pro Tips for Your Entire Greek Island Getaway
2019 IS THE YEAR OF ULTRA-PERSONALIZATION ACCORDING TO THE VIRTUOSO® LUXE REPORT AND M&H DISTINCTIVE JOURNEYS
Last week, we had the distinct pleasure of attending the 2019 Virtuoso event at the beautiful Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. We met many destination and cruise suppliers and came back with a ton of inspiration for putting together memorable trips and getaways for you.
Did you know that “girlfriend getaways “ are currently trending?
Here’s a list of the hottest destinations based on each category. Which one inspires you the most? Call us for more inspiration! We are a call away from making your getaway a reality.
Key findings from the 2019 Virtuoso Luxe Report:
Top Travel Trends Top Emerging Destinations
1. Multigenerational travel 1. Japan
2. Active or adventure trips 2. Croatia
3. River cruising 3. Iceland
Top Global Destinations Top Adventure Destinations
1. Italy 1. South Africa
2. France 2. Iceland
3. South Africa 3. New Zealand
Top Millennial Destinations Top Cities
1. Italy 1. Paris
2. Thailand 2. Rome & New York City -tie
3. Iceland 3. Cape Town
Top Family Travel Destinations Top Honeymoon Destinations
1. Italy 1. Italy
2. Mexico 2. Maldives
3. Hawaii 3. French Polynesia
Top Cruise Itineraries Top Travel Motivations
1. Mediterranean 1. Exploring new destinations
2. European river 2. Crossing off bucket-list items
3. Alaska 3. Seeking authentic experiences
A total of 1,071 travel advisors from Virtuoso-affiliated agencies globally were surveyed, including those with M&H Distinctive Journeys, drawing on their vast experience as well as client requests to provide insight into 2019’s hottest trends. For more details on the Virtuoso Luxe Report, please visit www.virtuoso.com.
Thank you for being a loyal reader. Please contact us for any tips or questions regarding your next distinctive journey.
Til next time,
Hilda H.
contact@mhdjourneys.com
8186532422
The Most Ethical Places to Travel in 2019
Your Hard Earned Dollars Can Make the World a Better Place
Isn’t it good to know that your travel dollars go a long way and can hold enormous power? Tourism has been and continues to be one of the main sources of income for many countries, giving you the leverage to choose to visit destinations that are conscientious about ethical, environmental and moral practices. When travelers deliberately stop visiting destinations or cultural practices that don’t meet such standards, governments of countries are forced to pay attention and implement positive change.
The Latin America Travel Company, the think tank behind Travel Morality Index, which is a ranking of destinations that meet the highest morality standards, recently announced this year’s list of countries that made the list for being the most ethical. The ranking is based on a review of ethical practices of a country such as human rights protection score; animal rights legislation; Gender Equality; Workers’ Rights; Global Peace Index and Positive Wellbeing. If you are looking to make a positive impact in this world with your travel dollars, here are the 10 countries that came out on top of the Travel Morality Index.
1. Germany
Germany emerged as the top country in the world for ethical travelers.
Germany is a contracting party to the UN’s essential human rights treaties and their Additional Protocols which include anti-racism, women’s rights, anti- torture, children’s rights and rights of persons with disabilities. In 1994, German Constitution declared environmental protection as a “state objective” which means the country strives to safeguard the environment and natural resources of the benefit of future generations.
2. Austria
A central European country known for its music, Mozart’s birthplace, discipline and charming mountain villages, Austria earned the number two slot on the Travel Morality Index. Similar to Germany, it ranked very high in the categories of Human Rights Protection; Animal Welfare, Gender Equality, and Workers’ Rights.
3. Iceland
Iceland earned spot number three on the index, however, regrettably, the country has a very low score for animal welfare protection, the report points out, with only the most basic national laws in place to protect animals. Iceland is known for its glacial lakes, erupting geysers and black sand beaches. The country is also known to suffer from “overtourism” which means too many visitors landing in one particular destination at the same time. If you plan traveling to Iceland, don’t travel during peak season which is July and August. Also, take a tour as opposed to going on your own as the reputable tour companies tend to go through off-the-beaten path.
4. The Netherlands
The Netherlands is often at, or near, the top in international civil liberties and political rights rankings. Human rights in Netherlands are codified in the Dutch constitution. Like Iceland, The Netherlands is also afflicted by overtourism. The country attracts over 14 visitors each year and since it prides itself for being a “tolerant country”, the government has taken interesting approach to curb tourism by subtly moving tourists away from the most popular attractions like the Red Light District and rebranded some lesser known attractions to entice travelers to steer clear of popular places to visit.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand, featured in “Lord of the Rings”, is famous for its welcoming and accepting predisposition. A campaign urging New Zealanders to refuse to spread intolerance was launched in 2017 by some of the country’s celebrities: “How we treat other people will define what kind of country we become and what kind of person a New Zealander is”. Although 95% of people in New Zealand believe tourism has helped the economy immensely, the country is nervous about the adverse effects of tourism. To counter this, the country has launched the “Tiaki Promise” which asks visitors to act in a considerate and respectful manner and states: “When traveling in New Zealand, I will care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace. Travel safely, showing care and consideration for all. Respect culture, traveling with an open heart and mind”.
6. Canada
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Canada the third best country in the world on the list for being the best country for women and cultural inclusion and celebrating diversity. The country also ranked the sixth best by Vision of Humanity.org in global state of peace among 84 countries. Canada prides itself for welcoming diversity and co-existing.
7. Belgium
According to the 2019 Best Countries Report, people in Belgium are viewed as caring about the environment and human rights. Belgium is considered a high income country and offers relatively high standard of living for its citizens as well as healthcare and high standards for education.
8. Finland
Finland, famous for its Northern Lights, was ranked the happiest country to live according to a UN report in 2018. It is a poster child for standard in many ways when it comes to morality. Finland consistently ranks above average among the world’s countries in areas such as democracy, freedom of press, and human development.
9. Czech Republic
This Central European country with 12 UNESCO cultural heritage sites has nicknamed itself “UNESCO Superpower”. The country is also famous for its native beers and the fascinating capital of Prague. It ranks the 6th most peaceful country, while achieving strong performance in democratic governance with the lowest unemployment rate of EU members.
10. Denmark
The Scandinavian country tops the charts for quality of life and contentment. In the span of several years, the country has focused on important social issues from freedom of expression and religion to eliminating racism, and children’s rights. More recently, Denmark’s government has turned its attention to corporate social responsibility.
….. 21. United States
The United States, with all of its various headline-making challenges of late, came in quite far down the list, at number 21, just behind Chile.
Thanks for reading our blog!
See you soon,
Michelle Hacoobei, Owner
M&H Distinctive Journeys
contact@mhdjourneys.com
What to do when your flight is delayed or canceled
Postponing or Cancelling theTrip
If the trip can be postponed for a later date, most airlines will let you reschedule or cancel your flight. If you opt for traveling at a later date, your travel agent or the airline can make arrangements for you to be able to re-use your ticket. Some airlines will allow up to one year for using the ticket again. You may be required to pay a fee or additional fare payment.
If you decide to no longer travel either because your original flight was canceled or you are delayed in excess of two hours, you can receive a refund to your original form of payment (ticketing fees may not be refunded).
What if the Flight is Cancelled?
The airline typically rebooks you on the next available departure when the flight is cancelled. You also have the option to request a full refund, or rebook yourself on an alternate flight via the airline’s website or customer service line. If this is the case, you shouldn’t have to pay any change or cancelation fees.
When a missed connection or connection cancelation causes you to stay overnight for a new departure the next day, most airlines will try to put non-local passengers up in hotels, on their dime. Airlines may issue vouchers for free meals at the airport, or possibly free or discounted rates at nearby hotels or motels. It always help to play up your status as a loyalty member.
Delayed Flight?
If your flight is delayed for reasons beyond the airline’s control for things such as bad weather and mechanical issues, the airline is not contractually obligated to do anything other than get you to your destination on the next available flight. There are no real Federal requirements which means each airline can come up with its own policies and procedures about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting at the airport.
On international itineraries, you may be able to get a refund under Article 19 of the Montreal Convention for expenses directly caused by a delayed or canceled flight. You can do so by filing a claim with the airline. If the claim is denied, you may take it up in small claims court or if you believe that the carrier did do its best to minimize damages caused by the delay.
Know the European Rules
Under the EU legislation, airlines are not obligated to make a refund when they can prove that the cancellation or delay was due to extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures are taken. These extraordinary circumstances are assessed on a case by case basis. According to European Union regulations, if your flight has been canceled and it’s the airline’s fault, the airline is required to provide meals, refreshments, and (assuming you are delayed overnight) free hotel accommodations. An airline responsible for a canceled flight must refund passengers’ money within seven days of the cancelation.
What’s more, European airlines must pay you for delays for about 250 to 600 euros if you reach your destination more than four hours after the estimated arrival time.
Check ahead for free changes
When severe weather is about to strike, airlines often give you the option to change to another day ahead of time, free of charge. These notices usually get posted a day or two before the weather event on the carrier’s travel alerts pages. Here are the pages for American, Delta, Southwest and United. Check early and you’ll beat the rush for the first seats after the storm clears.
Check Inbound Plane for Your Flight
Go to flightaware.com and enter your flight number to see if track inbound flight link. If you see your plane is going to land late, you can get a head start and make other plans. But please beware: sometimes the airline will substitute a different plane to get you out on time so keep an eye on the status when your original departure time approaches.
Rebook without an agent
When a flight is cancelled most people’s instinct is to stand in line at a service counter or get on the phone. But while you’re waiting, use your phone’s browser to see if you can rebook on your own for free. Delta, for example, offers the feature consistently via both its app and website for even the smallest of delays as do numerous other airlines. Just pull up your reservation and you’ll see the option to rebook.
Get Free Access to Your Airline’s Website While Inflight
Few things are more frustrating than being on a flight with a tight connection and being helpless to do anything about it until you land. On flights with wifi though, most airlines offer you free access to the airline’s own website so you can use your smartphone to check the status of your connection see if you can rebook on your own for free. Delta, for example, offers the feature consistently via both its app and website the even the smallest of delays as do numerous other airlines. Just pull up your reservation and you’ll see the option to rebook.
Use International Numbers to Get Ahead
In dire situations, when the airlines call centers have hour plus hold times consider using Skype from your smartphone to call an international number for your airline. Sometimes those numbers lead to different agents who will pick up faster.
Look for Extra Sections
When things get really bad, airlines sometimes add extra flights called extra sections at hubs to get people moving. They’re hard to spot but sometimes they’ll show up if you do a flight status search for your destination. Otherwise, keep an eye on the departure board for flights to your destination that weren’t displaying before. It’s possible those are extra sections that have space.
Consider Alternate Airports
Although you may have landed at a major airport, there may be smaller airports nearby. There is always a way to get from airport to airport; whether it be by renting a car, taking a taxi, or hiring a shuttle just throw all that into your recovery budget when your’e calculating.
Don’t accept the first option you’re given
When an airline tells you it will be three days before you can get home, don’t buy in. In bad weather, seats are constantly changing hands. So if you don’t like what you’re given be persistent but polite and keep checking for options on your smartphone. In addition to your airline, tools like kayak and google flights are great about showing creative options you can feed to an agent. While airlines aren’t required to rebook you on other airlines, sometimes they can, especially if your flight is cancelled outright.
Check FLY-RIGHTS Page
Use the United app. The ability to modify your reservation, check in and view real-time flight status, seat maps and standby lists is available to you almost anywhere you are. The same functions are also available on united.com
Buy travel insurance
There are many factors beyond your control that can affect your travel, such as inclement weather. Many of our customers have found that buying travel insurance is an affordable way to protect against problems that could occur when traveling. While coverage will vary by provider, the premiums are usually a small fraction of your ticket price and insurance can offset most or all costs incurred due to flight irregularities, baggage delays and even emergencies that happen while you’re abroad. We offer a travel insurance option through our partner, AIG Travel.
Keep essential items in your carry-on bag
You can help yourself through a delay by keeping snack items, baby supplies, medicines, travel documents and other essential personal items while waiting til the situation clears.
Wine Cruises to Keep an Eye for in 2019
Best Travel Gadget Gift Ideas for the Tech Savvy on your List
If you are a gadget kinda person, chances are that you’d enjoy giving the gift of a gadget to some people on your holiday shopping list.
This year, we have compiled some gift ideas that are sure to satisfy the traveler on your list:
1- Bose Quiet Comfort
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Amazon Price: $349
Best Features:
- Three levels of noise cancellation for better listening experience in any environment
- Alexa-enabled for voice access to music and information
- Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear sound and voice pick-up
- Balanced audio performance
- Hassle-free Bluetooth pairing and personalized settings
Amazon User Review:
These headphones are amazing! I might have been perfectly satisfied with the first version of the QC35s, but I luckily stumbled on the second generation which includes the Google Assistant integration. I initially thought it would be a small bonus, but I totally underestimated how powerful and convenient this could be. It’s more than just a trigger for voice commands. It’s a surprisingly flawless implementation that allows Google Assistant to turn you into much more productive multi-tasker.
2- Xenov Pro Lens Kit for iPhone and Android
4.5 Amazon Rating
Prize: $39.99
Best Feature:
Captures 45% more picture with every snap.
Shoot stunning photos of people, pets, travel scenery, landscapes, architecture, selfies and more.
No dark corners.
Multi-element, coated glass lenses minimize ghosting, reflections, lens flare, and other artifacts. Mirrorless camera lenses ideal for hobbyists and photography pros alike.
Amazon User Review:
“Best IPhone camera lens I have ever purchased!!! This is hands down the best quality lens I have purchased. You will be amazed on how much detail you will get using the macro lens. Plus with the combination of the lenses you will capture a better picture for any use you normally use your iPhone camera for you can get just about every combination you will need to take photos with your IPhone with this one device. I have tried many and this one is the one you want stop searching and buy this camera lens”.
3- Go Pro Hero 5-Black
Amazon Rating: 4 stars
Price: $237.95
Best Features:
4K video and 12MP photos in Single, Burst and Time Lapse modes. Charger not included
Durable by design, HERO5
Time Lapse Photo Intervals: 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds
Preview and playback your shots, change settings and trim your footage
Waterproof BUT only up to 33’.
Disclaimer: If the only intention is to only use the device in water, based on some of the reviews on Amazon, this is not your ideal purchase.
4- Mobile Cell Phone Camera
Amazon Rating: 3.5
Price: $17.97
Best Features:
ENS UNIVERSAL CLIP – An easy way to take unique pictures with most of the smartphones: Use the lens universal clip which suits most of the popular smartphones (Samsung, iPhone, Huawei and more) to easily plug all the kit’s lenses to your smartphone. If you plan to purchase other suitable lensses in future you may also use the clip with them.
Amazon User Review:
“This set contains a setup to put the phone on so you can take a picture of the whole family, plus a lenses set and all enclosed in an elegant case.”
5- Travel Laptop Backpack- Anti Theft, USB Charging
Amazon Price:$29.99
Amazon Stars: 4.5
Best Features:
- LOTS OF STORAGE SPACE&POCKETS: One separate laptop compartment hold 15.6 Inch Laptop as well as 15 Inch,14 Inch and 13 Inch Macbook/Laptop. One spacious packing compartment roomy for daily necessities,tech electronics accessories. Front compartment with many pockets, pen pockets and key fob hook, make your items organized and easier to find
- COMFY&STURDY: Comfortable airflow back design with thick but soft multi-panel ventilated padding, gives you maximum back support. Breathable and adjustable shoulder straps relieve the stress of shoulder. Foam padded top handle for a long time carry on
Amazon User Review:
“This little backpack got me through 12 days of traveling Europe! I used a few space saver bags as well, but was able to bring 4 pairs of pants, 7 shirts, and 1 dress, then wore a few things twice. It held up really well throughout, and fit dimensions for WOW, Vueling, and EasyJet”
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Give Elephants a Voice!
The latest news about the senseless death of the two dedicated, extraordinary human beings who selflessly devoted their life to save the elephants was both startling and sad.
Two weeks ago, the world lost a great defender of wildlife when ivory investigator Esmond Bradley Martin (above photo) was killed in his Nairobi home. Esmond worked for nearly 18 years, researching the legal and illegal wildlife trade across the globe. His violent death, just six months after the murder of conservationist Wayne Lotter has sent shock waves across the world. His and Wayne’s death is a call to action to remind the world that the battle to save the elephants must move on.
I had often wondered why I was so drawn to these adorable largest land animals. When I read more about them, I realized that we share many Human Characteristics with Elephants. In fact, they can teach us a thing or two about their resilience, poise and the unmistakable quiet confidence. Let’s look at some of their human characteristics:
Family
Elephants have a very close-knit family bond. The fabric of the elephant’s world is family. When reuniting with a family member that has fallen behind, they rub against each other’s bodies and intertwine their tusks as if to give a warm hello and welcome.
Empathy
When a fellow elephant is in distress, they show and give support, compassion and comfort by caressing the trunk.
Mourning
The elephant mourns when a family member dies. He/she touches the deceased body and often spends times with the remains for days. Some lay branches or leaves over the remains. Some show signs of depression when they lag behind dragging their feet for days. This is extremely hard to swallow knowing the current state of poaching, habitat loss and mistreatment in captivity.
Strong Maternal Instincts
Males wander from group to group in search of different mates to maximize their longevity. Orphaned elephants are usually cared for by matriarchs in the pack to learn the essentials of survival. It’s critical for orphans to find a mother figure, otherwise, they won’t have the opportunity to learn how to fend for themselves and eventually they become victims of the harsh surroundings.
Self-Awareness
Study after study has shown that unlike other animals, elephants can recognize themselves in the mirror.
Where do they live?
Most elephants live in Sub Saharan Africa, rain forests, Central and West Africa, Sahara Desert and Mali. Asian elephants live in Nepal, India and Southwest Asia.
Elephant Crisis
Asian elephants are considered endangered species. African elephants are vulnerable with only 450,000 remaining.
How to Help
Do as much as you can for these magnificent animals by spreading the word about not buying ivory.
If you would like to donate, please consider visiting the following foundations:
- International Elephant Foundation
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- African Wildlife Foundation
- Amboseli Animal Research
China has the largest market for ivory. The Government has pledged to “gradually” phase out legal ivory trade. Urge your legislatures to support the ban.
Sustainable Tourism
Tour companies like Abercrombie & Kent and G Adventure have helped raise money and awareness to help the elephants. When possible, make your travel arrangements with these tour companies. The tourism money used from these companies goes back to the local communities so they don’t resort to working for poachers.
Captive Elephants
Ban circuses that use elephants and boycott zoos that offer insufficient living spaces for elephants.
Adopt an Elephant
For more information, please visit:
- World Wildlife Foundation
- World Animal Foundation
- Born Free
- Defenders of Wildlife
Get Involved with Roots and Shoots
This is a youth program with 120 countries helping to create a better world.
Elephants and the animals in the wild do not have a voice. We salute and honor Wayne and Esmond who through their tireless work gave these magnificent beings a voice and pledge that we will keep their legacy alive by spreading the word about these magnificent creatures and do our part of help end the crisis.
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M&H Distinctive Journeys
Written By: Hacoobei, H.
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