Showing posts with label American Express. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Express. Show all posts
Hotel and Shopping Tips to Enhance your Luxury Travel Experience in Italy
Hotel and Shopping Tips to Enhance your Luxury Travel Experience in Italy
by Virginia Morgan
Italy is consistently in the top five luxury travel destinations for American Express Vacation clients. Italy is full of history, beginning with the ancient Roman Empire, to the rise of the Vatican, to the Italian renaissance. Traveling to Italy requires certain tips to make your luxury travel vacation enjoyable, and hassle-free.
Hotel Tips
Though traveling to Italy is quite safe. However, it's advisable and useful to gather some basic Italy travel tips. There are hundreds of small luxury hotels of the world and the cities of Italy have plenty to choose from. Some Italian hotels, and nearly all hotels in Rome, have at least one staff member who speaks English. Search out this person to ask for additional tips, such as great dining spots, local sights, public transportation and shopping areas. Staying in touch with family and friends can be expensive in Italy, especially if you call from your hotel. Keep in mind that American cell phones will not work without special international services or devices. And since hotels tend to overcharge for long-distance and international calls, it is best to make such calls from public phones, using international calling cards. Staying in a luxury hotel is quite fun, but if you have already been there and done that, it's never too late to consider booking one of the many available luxury world cruises.
Shopping Tips
One big draw for Italian tourists on a luxury travel vacation is the shopping tour. Consider booking one of these guided tours, instead of charging off on your own. These shopping tours offer travelers a more comfortable way to shop 'til you drop. Most of these tours include transportation to several different shopping districts and stores. Your guide will speak both English and Italian, in order to mediate your shopping experience. Yes, your major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa and Master Card, will work. But keep in mind that most American credit cards will charge a hefty currency fee, and use the most unattractive exchange rates. The best way to be safe and save money would be to use a combination of Euro Travelers Checks, Euros in cash and a credit card. Pick Pocketing can be an unfortunate reality of modern travel, so spreading the type of money you carry is the best choice.
Most stores and shops in Italy have operating hours that can be considered different, at least in comparison to what is expected in the United States. Normally, most Italian shops are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stores are usually closed between 1 and 3:30 p.m., to allow employees a chance to have a family lunch. Stores usually reopen around 3:30 or 4 p.m., and finally close around 7:30 to 8 p.m. In large cities and tourist areas, there is a tendency to stay open from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., with possible variations from town to town. Keep in mind that shopping etiquette in Italy is much different than in the United States. When shopping for clothing, take note that many stores will not allow shoppers to try on shirts and blouses. Also, there is a size discrepancy, so make sure that an attendant measures your body before you purchase. It is also customary to tip attendants if they are personally assisting you with fittings and selection. Whether shopping or relaxing in a small luxury hotel, a customary tip can go a long way!
Your accommodations are often considered one of the most important parts of your luxury travel vacation, so use these tips to make the most of your upscale hotel stay. When you use these American Express Tour tips to experience the best of small luxury hotels and high class shopping, you can enjoy yourself with no strings attached!
READ MORE - Hotel and Shopping Tips to Enhance your Luxury Travel Experience in Italy
by Virginia Morgan
Italy is consistently in the top five luxury travel destinations for American Express Vacation clients. Italy is full of history, beginning with the ancient Roman Empire, to the rise of the Vatican, to the Italian renaissance. Traveling to Italy requires certain tips to make your luxury travel vacation enjoyable, and hassle-free.
Hotel Tips
Though traveling to Italy is quite safe. However, it's advisable and useful to gather some basic Italy travel tips. There are hundreds of small luxury hotels of the world and the cities of Italy have plenty to choose from. Some Italian hotels, and nearly all hotels in Rome, have at least one staff member who speaks English. Search out this person to ask for additional tips, such as great dining spots, local sights, public transportation and shopping areas. Staying in touch with family and friends can be expensive in Italy, especially if you call from your hotel. Keep in mind that American cell phones will not work without special international services or devices. And since hotels tend to overcharge for long-distance and international calls, it is best to make such calls from public phones, using international calling cards. Staying in a luxury hotel is quite fun, but if you have already been there and done that, it's never too late to consider booking one of the many available luxury world cruises.
Shopping Tips
One big draw for Italian tourists on a luxury travel vacation is the shopping tour. Consider booking one of these guided tours, instead of charging off on your own. These shopping tours offer travelers a more comfortable way to shop 'til you drop. Most of these tours include transportation to several different shopping districts and stores. Your guide will speak both English and Italian, in order to mediate your shopping experience. Yes, your major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa and Master Card, will work. But keep in mind that most American credit cards will charge a hefty currency fee, and use the most unattractive exchange rates. The best way to be safe and save money would be to use a combination of Euro Travelers Checks, Euros in cash and a credit card. Pick Pocketing can be an unfortunate reality of modern travel, so spreading the type of money you carry is the best choice.
Most stores and shops in Italy have operating hours that can be considered different, at least in comparison to what is expected in the United States. Normally, most Italian shops are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stores are usually closed between 1 and 3:30 p.m., to allow employees a chance to have a family lunch. Stores usually reopen around 3:30 or 4 p.m., and finally close around 7:30 to 8 p.m. In large cities and tourist areas, there is a tendency to stay open from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., with possible variations from town to town. Keep in mind that shopping etiquette in Italy is much different than in the United States. When shopping for clothing, take note that many stores will not allow shoppers to try on shirts and blouses. Also, there is a size discrepancy, so make sure that an attendant measures your body before you purchase. It is also customary to tip attendants if they are personally assisting you with fittings and selection. Whether shopping or relaxing in a small luxury hotel, a customary tip can go a long way!
Your accommodations are often considered one of the most important parts of your luxury travel vacation, so use these tips to make the most of your upscale hotel stay. When you use these American Express Tour tips to experience the best of small luxury hotels and high class shopping, you can enjoy yourself with no strings attached!
Posted in American Express, Enhance, Experience, hotel, Hotel Tips, Italy, luxury, Master Card, Shopping, Shopping Tips, Tips, travel, vacation, visa 0 comments
American Express Travel Says Mammoth, California Is Great Fun In Both Summer And Winter
American Express Travel Says Mammoth, California Is Great Fun In Both Summer And Winter
by Virginia Morgan
American Express Vacations affirms one of the most popular vacation spots for adventure travelers is Mammoth, California. This year round resort offers travelers a wide variety of activities and entertainment. Mammoth is also surprisingly luxurious-offering several spas, fine dinning choices and upscale lodging. Mammoth is a great choice for vacationers who wish to experience the rugged beauty of the Californian Sierras and relax in elegant resorts.
Winter in Mammoth
Wintertime is one of the most popular seasons for travelers according to American Express Travel. In fact, Mammoth made its name as a winter resort. The name Mammoth actually refers to the large ski slope, which was so large, it was referred to as "Mammoth Slope." Thus, the area retained that name. The near by town is called Mammoth Lakes. The town is little more than a village, with a permanent population at about 500. However, the winter population is often ten times that. Mammoth Lakes actually has more condos than stores or restaurants. These condos can be rented on a weekly basis and range in price. The average price for a weekly condo in the winter is about $2000. Mammoth also offers several luxury resorts, including the Mammoth Inn, which is literally across the street from the most popular ski slope. For more conservative travelers, there are a number of budget inns and motels.
Summer in Mammoth
Despite the booming winter business of skiing, Mammoth is also quite popular in the summer time. There are a number of American Express Travel Deals in the early part of the summer before the crowds come in. Early June is best for weather and availability. Again, there are a number of options for accommodations in the summer, with more availability in the condos. Prices are also marginally less.
The travel attractions during the summer season are different than the winter season. Although there is no snow for the skiing masses, adventure travel enthusiast still flock to this location. From the Mammoth Inn, travelers can purchase bus tickets to be taken to Devil's Post Pile National Monument for $7.00 per person. This provides access to a number of scenic areas, including the geological wonder, Devil's Post Pile, the gorgeous Rainbow Falls and the peaceful Reds Meadow. The bus stops at ten different locations, and the traveler must hike from where the bus parks to see the sights. The hike to Devil's Post Pile is pretty mild, and most people say it's not that difficult. The hike to the top of the monument is quite strenuous, and is not recommended for the elderly or children with asthma, however. The hike to Rainbow Falls is also quite strenuous, as is the continuation to the Lower Falls. Make sure to bring at least two 12 ounce bottles if you plan to do more than Devil's Post Pile. Reds Meadow is quite breathtaking, but is a longer and strenuous hike, but the view is worth it.
With so much to see and do, it is no surprise that the active traveler is attracted to Mammoth Mountain. American Express Travel offers a number of packages that include some guided hikes and tours, combined with some of the best accommodations in Mammoth Lakes. Find out why active travelers love Mammoth!
READ MORE - American Express Travel Says Mammoth, California Is Great Fun In Both Summer And Winter
by Virginia Morgan
American Express Vacations affirms one of the most popular vacation spots for adventure travelers is Mammoth, California. This year round resort offers travelers a wide variety of activities and entertainment. Mammoth is also surprisingly luxurious-offering several spas, fine dinning choices and upscale lodging. Mammoth is a great choice for vacationers who wish to experience the rugged beauty of the Californian Sierras and relax in elegant resorts.
Winter in Mammoth
Wintertime is one of the most popular seasons for travelers according to American Express Travel. In fact, Mammoth made its name as a winter resort. The name Mammoth actually refers to the large ski slope, which was so large, it was referred to as "Mammoth Slope." Thus, the area retained that name. The near by town is called Mammoth Lakes. The town is little more than a village, with a permanent population at about 500. However, the winter population is often ten times that. Mammoth Lakes actually has more condos than stores or restaurants. These condos can be rented on a weekly basis and range in price. The average price for a weekly condo in the winter is about $2000. Mammoth also offers several luxury resorts, including the Mammoth Inn, which is literally across the street from the most popular ski slope. For more conservative travelers, there are a number of budget inns and motels.
Summer in Mammoth
Despite the booming winter business of skiing, Mammoth is also quite popular in the summer time. There are a number of American Express Travel Deals in the early part of the summer before the crowds come in. Early June is best for weather and availability. Again, there are a number of options for accommodations in the summer, with more availability in the condos. Prices are also marginally less.
The travel attractions during the summer season are different than the winter season. Although there is no snow for the skiing masses, adventure travel enthusiast still flock to this location. From the Mammoth Inn, travelers can purchase bus tickets to be taken to Devil's Post Pile National Monument for $7.00 per person. This provides access to a number of scenic areas, including the geological wonder, Devil's Post Pile, the gorgeous Rainbow Falls and the peaceful Reds Meadow. The bus stops at ten different locations, and the traveler must hike from where the bus parks to see the sights. The hike to Devil's Post Pile is pretty mild, and most people say it's not that difficult. The hike to the top of the monument is quite strenuous, and is not recommended for the elderly or children with asthma, however. The hike to Rainbow Falls is also quite strenuous, as is the continuation to the Lower Falls. Make sure to bring at least two 12 ounce bottles if you plan to do more than Devil's Post Pile. Reds Meadow is quite breathtaking, but is a longer and strenuous hike, but the view is worth it.
With so much to see and do, it is no surprise that the active traveler is attracted to Mammoth Mountain. American Express Travel offers a number of packages that include some guided hikes and tours, combined with some of the best accommodations in Mammoth Lakes. Find out why active travelers love Mammoth!
Posted in American Express, California, fun, great, Mammoth, Says, summer, travel, winter 0 comments
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