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TRAVEL TRAVEL NEWS, TIPS AND TIDBITS Professional Purveyors of Travel H U F F M A N T R AV E L LT D Q3 2016 HTL THE C H I C A G O D AY TO N TATTLER HTL LETTER FROM THE CEO HTL NEWS DISCOVERING ICELAND HELLO, COLUMBIA! TRAVEL TIPS & TRICKS TATTLER TIDBITS

Travel tattler q3 2016

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Virtuoso agency specializing in luxury travel. This issue's featured destinations are Iceland and Colombia!

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Page 1: Travel tattler q3 2016

TRAVEL TRAVEL NEWS, TIPS AND TIDBITS

Professional Purveyors of Travel

H U F F M A N T R A V E L L T D

Q3 2016

HTLTHE

C H I C A G O • D A Y T O N

TATTLERHTLLETTER FROM THE CEO

HTL NEWS DISCOVERING ICELAND

HELLO, COLUMBIA! TRAVEL TIPS & TRICKS

TATTLER TIDBITS

Page 2: Travel tattler q3 2016

Dear Friends of Huffman Travel,

Aspen in the summer is amazing and if you have only been here to ski, you’re really missing out. The air is crisp, the sky clear and the town vibrant! Writing from my balcony at the St. Regis, the town of Aspen today makes me think of a Christo installation as the sea of white tents pepper the downtown that is overflowing with celebrity chefs and people who love them. We are all here for the 34th FOOD & WINE Classic. Regarded by many as THE culinary event of the year, the festival sells out almost as soon as the tickets go on sale. After attending numerous parties and a slew of cooking demonstrations and wine seminars where chefs, sommeliers and vintners are all readily accessible, it’s easy to understand why this is such a sought after event.

Being here really validates a growing trend I see among our clients – where culinary tastes and preferences influence, and sometimes even drive, travel decisions. More and more people are interested in incorporating food into their itineraries through experiences such as visiting markets and hands on cooking classes… and seeking local specialty foods to bring home with them as the ultimate souvenir. This year in particular I’ve noticed that some of our clients - you - are deciding where to travel based on a particular restaurant or chef in that destination. If you’re looking for inspiration, just pick up the latest issue of Food & Wine Magazine here which features the Best New Chefs of 2016!

Here’s to delicious travels!

Shawna Huffman Owen

LETTER

T H E T R A V E L T A T T L E R

Professional Purveyors of Travel

FROM THE CEO

President & CEO, Huffman Travel LTD

Shawna and husband, Jay, enjoying the scene at Aspen’s Food & Wine Classic

“The Classic is in a class by itself. You can’t compare it to other culinary events.

This is it. This is the superstar. This is the place to come. If you’re going to go to one festival event, it

has to be the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen.”

- Thomas Keller

Page 3: Travel tattler q3 2016

The Huffman Travel Team is getting ready for Virtuoso Travel Week, which will take place the first week of August! Travel Week is the luxury travel industry’s largest conference. Networking opportunities abound as we will interface with our industry partners and suppliers and learn as much as possible about new properties and destinations!

Tony Huffman and his wife Pokey, along with a select group of senior decision makers in the travel industry, recently attended Virtuoso Symposium in Cape Town, South Africa. This industry-leading event consists of a series of seminars and networking sessions   to discuss travel trends, challenges and opportunities with thought-leaders in the luxury travel space. Following the event, Tony and Pokey went on safari. Having been to South Africa many times before, they sought out camps that were new to Huffman Travel. One of their favorite finds was  Grootbos Private Reserve (a member of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World) where marine meets safari.

Tony and Shawna were invited by Abercrombie & Kent to spend few days at Kohler’s American Club in Wisconsin. They joined A&K for their annual ‘100 Club’ meeting. Huffman Travel has been among the Top 100 travel agency partners with A&K for more than 15 years! As a testament to the strength of this relationship, Shawna was invited to join their advisory board along with a select group of other agency owners.

At r ight , Tony and Pokey in Cape Town.

HTL

Aspen in the summer is

amazing, and if you’ve only

been here to ski, you’re missing

out.

NEWS

- Shawna Huffman Owen

Page 4: Travel tattler q3 2016

South America was a region of the w o r l d t h a t I h a d n o t y e t experienced, mainly due to the fact that I was living in Europe and focusing on other parts of the world until I eventually returned to the USA. That being said, when I found out we were invited to a wedding of a dear friend in Colombia, I was ecstatic to hit my first country “over there”. The wedding would take place in Cartagena, but as I thoroughly researched Colombia, I discovered that its regions are quite different from one another. I knew we had to make it a 10-day trip and explore the various areas. Each region has its own history and a different climate than the others as well, so it was really like taking three trips in

in one.

We started the trip in Bogota, Colombia’s capital, located at an altitude of over 8,500 feet in the Eastern Andes. While Bogota lies almost on the equator, due to its high altitude the average daily temperature is only 60 - 64 degrees year-round. Dress in layers and be prepared for off and on rain!

Most of the hotel areas are located north of the historical center in Zona G, Zona Rosa, Park 93, and even further north in Usaquén. This once-separate city is a fashionable neighborhood wi th colonia l architecture, cobblestone streets, a central plaza, a Sunday market and plenty of bars.

HELLO COLOMBIA

“When I found out we were invited to the wedding of a

dear friend in Colombia, I was ecstatic.”

- Sandi Todorovich

T H E T R A V E L T A T T L E R

Page 5: Travel tattler q3 2016

Colombia, continued

Taxis are very easy to use in Bogota, but be prepared for the lack of English being spoken throughout the city. I found that the best way to get around, albeit a slightly higher price, is arranging a vehicle through the hotel.

We spent our days exploring the different neighborhoods and hitting the obligatory tourist spots such at the Gold Museum and a visit to the top of Monser ra te fo r the inc red ib le sprawling view of the whole city. There is a very large and international dining scene in Bogota, with numerous upscale restaurants around Zona G and Park 93.

After 3 nights in Bogota, we took a 50 minute flight on the domestic airline, Avianca, to Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia, in the Antioquia region. In this “City of Eternal Spring” the average high is 81 degrees year-round. English is spoken more frequently here than in Bogota, but it is not widely used.

but it is not widely used. Medellín is known as a friendly city, and once here it’s hard to believe it was ever known as the most violent city in the world. Recently its homicide rate and extreme poverty have dramatically decreased, thanks in part to a group of innovative mayors who laid out plans to integrate the poorest and most violent hillside neighborhoods into the city center in the valley below. By using a cable car system they were able to significantly cut down travel time between the two locations, which increased the opportunities for work. In 2013, Medellín was chosen as the most innovative city in the world.

We had only 2 nights to spend here, and spent one day exploring the city. On the second day we wanted to venture outside of town to take in some of the local villages and hiking opportunities. We hired a driver for the day who took us to La Piedra Del Peñol and Guatapé, approximately 2 hours away. La Piedra is a massive

T H E T R A V E L T A T T L E R

Page 6: Travel tattler q3 2016

“You must venture into the streets, they are

so quaint and colorful!”

- Sandi Todorovich

stone rising 650 feet out of the flat ground of Guatapé that you can ascend to the top for stunning views of the surrounding lakes and islands. The climb up is done entirely by a set of 649 stairs that have been built into one side of the rock. The ascent is straight up, but the vantage point from the top is worth the effort!

After the climb, we went to the nearby town of Guatapé to spend a few hours exploring the streets. This picturesque town is known for their zócalos - the beautifully sculpted and painted depictions of village life that adorn the lower half of most buildings in the town center. It is truly a contrast to the cosmopolitan larger cities we had just visited.

On Day 6 we flew just one hour north to the beautiful Caribbean sea-side city of Cartagena, where we spent the next 5 days. Unlike Bogota and Medellín, Cartagena features a tropical wet and dry climate, with average highs around 90° and humidity averaging around 90% year-round. English is spoken here much more frequently than in the south.

Cartagena is comprised of 4 main areas including downtown, San Diego, Getsemaní and Bocagrande. We stayed in the popular area of San Diego, inside the city walls, in both the Sofitel Santa Clara and the Casa San Agustin. Both hotels are high-end, but have totally different vibes going on. The Sofitel is a large and grand luxury hotel with plenty of dining options. Their enormous swimming pool was a necessity with the heat and humidity after a day of walking around town! On the other hand, the boutique Casa San Agustin was charming and romantic, with an authentic Colombian style combined with contemporary touches throughout the hotel. The center courtyard pool is part of an ancient aqueduct and has a serene feeling to it. Both hotel choices are great options, depending on your personal preferences.

There is much to see and do in Cartagena, and we were unable to do it all due to the extravagant wedding activities that were being planned for us while there. You must walk the walls and venture off into the streets, as they are so quaint and colorful. You can rent a boat to the islands for the day – a very popular thing to do! The dining choices in Cartagena are plentiful, between local Colombian options and high-end fine cuisine. We fell in love with this ‘City of Sun’, and were so happy to end our stay here.

Overall, our first trip to South America was a huge success, and we can’t wait to see what the next adventure brings our way!

Luxury Travel [email protected]

T H E T R A V E L T A T T L E R

Colombia, continued

Sandi Todorovich,

Page 7: Travel tattler q3 2016

Like many of my travelers, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I arrived in Iceland. This remote island, which is relatively new to the list of popular destinations, has no 5-star hotels or bellmen standing by to assist. What makes it s p e c i a l , h o w e v e r , a r e i t s comfor tab le , ye t s impl i s t ic , accommodations and its jaw-dropping scenery. The landscape is full of contrast and diversity that felt other-worldly at times. Waterfalls abound at every turn. Geysers and thermal pools are scat tered throughout the country. Iceland boasts one of the best landscapes I’ve ever personally experienced.

Iceland’s entire population is only 330,000, with about a third of the

cit izens being in Reykajvik. Although the city is relatively small compared to US cities, it has a surprisingly good selection of dining options focused on ultra-fresh ingredients. Grillmarkadurinn has an 8-course tasting menu for the true foodie. Grillio takes it down a notch offering a 4-course tasting menu with amazing food, and the views are spellbinding. GLÓ Restaurant uses as many Icelandic and organic ingredients as possible and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

The locals have invented interesting ways to overcome their short growing season. One of my favorite experiences was when we visited Fridheimer Farms. They’ve created

ICELAND DISCOVERED

“Iceland. Simplistic, yet spectacular”

- Gabrielle Warncke

Page 8: Travel tattler q3 2016

sophisticated greenhouses, and using “bees by the

box”, they grow tomatoes and cucumbers year ‘round. In addition, they offer a small menu at their

restaurant within the greenhouse. For lunch, try their grilled tortillas with tomato, basil, and mozzarella

and don’t leave without sampling the Green-tomato and apple pie à la Friðheimar with whipped cream

for dessert!

Ice land has a la rge ar t i s t

population and a number of

shops offering local works including paintings, glass

pieces, and creations u s i n g s h a r d s o f

v o l c a n i c r o c k . Wandering the shops

l o o k i n g a t t h e original creations

can easily fill an afternoon. The main

s h o p p i n g s t r e e t s

L a u g a v e g u r a n d Bankastræti lead up to the

m a g n i fi c e n t c h u r c h , Hallgrímskirkja. This uniquely

designed church in the heart of Iceland is the most recognized building in

the country. Its architecture was inspired by the Black Falls, another landmark in Iceland. A quick elevator

ride up to the tower offers breathtaking panoramic

views of the city.

If you have a week or longer to explore, driving

along the Ring Road will not disappoint. It circles the entire island, allowing you to experience some of the

less visited areas like the striking Kirkjufell Mountain s

near Grundarfjörður, or the hiking trail from Hellnar to Arnarstapi along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the

western coast.

If you do not have a week to circle Iceland on the

famous Ring Road, the Golden Circle highlights the most famous landmarks along the southern coast and

can be done in a few days. Here you will find some of the iconic sites like Gullfoss

Waterfall and the Strokkur

Geyser.

Þingvellir National Park

is also easily accessible from Reykjavik as a

day trip or the start of a three-day tr ip.

Þingvellir is home to a mighty Rift Valley

where the Eurasian a n d A m e r i c a n

continental plates are

slowly tearing apart. It was amazing to be to be

wa l k i n g t h r o u g h t h e fissures of this rift. Another

option is the Lanmannlaugar area with its bubbling hot springs, lava

fields, the Hekla volcano, and the incredible multi-colored rhyolite mountains. It’s a striking

landscape for hiking or horseback riding on the famous Icelandic horses.

The Blue Lagoon may be the most recognized site in

Iceland. Although touristy, it is still worth the stop. The silica in the lagoon water is therapeutic, and

even the locals will spend a day here to soak in the benefits.

- continued

T H E T R A V E L T A T T L E R

Gabrielle tours the volcano

Iceland, continued

Page 9: Travel tattler q3 2016

Gabrielle Warncke

[email protected]

For the extreme adventurer, descending 400 feet into Thrihnukagigur Magma chamber in an open cable lift is unforgettable. I couldn’t believe the spectrum of colors and layers of differing rocks as I descended down the shaft. This was one of my favorite moments of my trip, and it’s the only place in the world you can actually do this. Thrill-seekers can also explore the Lofthellier Lava cave, at times reduced to crawling on your belly! When I go back, I will make time to head north and explore the lava cave and discover the natural ice formations it displays underground.

All in all, it’s no surprise that Iceland is an emerging destination. I’m already planning my next trip back to this magical, mystical island.

-

Absolutely magical.

Iceland, continued

Luxury Travel Advisor

We think not! Photos cannot convey the sheer perfection that is Rosa Alpina,, the luxe mountain property nestled in Italy’s Dolomite mountains. Picture yourself at the base of some of the world’s most dramatic mountain peaks in this uber stylish boutique lodge. Home to Michelin star chef, Norbert Niederkofler, a member of Relais & Chateaux, and only 124 miles from the Venice airport, this property has ‘rustic elegance’ written all over it. Aside from the unbeatable, breathtaking scenery, our favorite features are the spa,

the amazing restaurant and the contempt-rustic private mountain chalets. ‘Roughing it’ has never been so easy! Breakfast is delivered to your chalet via

mountain bike. The best part? J.MAK special amenities available exclusively to our clients!

DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN ROSA ALPINA?

TRAVELTATTLERTIDBITS

Page 10: Travel tattler q3 2016

T H E T R A V E L T A T T L E R

PACKING & PLANNING FOR…..

TRAVEL

COLOMBIA •

ICELAND

Professional Purveyors of Travel

• In Bogota, English isn’t very widely spoken. Translate your restaurant menus in advance online or use the Google Translate app while at the restaurant.

• Also in Bogota, La Candelaria and Monserrat are great places to visit during the day, but do not venture out into these areas at night.

• Check the weather before you go! Each city has a totally different climate, primarily based on its altitude. It can be chilly at night in Bogota!

• Dress code varies from city to city. Bogo t a i s j e an s , s c a r ve s and sophisticated styles, whereas flowing dresses and hats are quite common in Cartagena.

• Become familiar with the peso paper currency, as many of the smaller denominations resemble the larger ones and are easy to confuse!

TIPS & TRICKS

• Credit cards must have a chip to be used in Iceland and many times require a PIN (provided by your cc carrier)

• English is widely spoken (it is taught at the grade school level), but Icelandic is the official language.

• Tipping is not customary for any services. Occasionally, a restaurant might be an exception and, in that case, 10% is appropriate.

• Service level is lacking - lower your expectations. There are no 5 star properties in Iceland yet and hotels do not have bellman. Minimal amenities are available in the hotel rooms.

• Airport delays are common, so it is wise to cushion connections and other logistics.

Page 11: Travel tattler q3 2016

OURADVISORS

Angela knew from a young age that working in the travel industry would be her destiny. She started her travel career in 1998 and has been in the industry ever since. Angela started out specializing in Corporate Travel. From there, she went on to work in Convention & Meeting Travel, and then several years in Entertainment Travel working with everyone from small dance troupes to A-list celebrities.

Angela is Office Manager & Luxury Travel Advisor at our Chicago office. She prides herself on her level of service; no client need or want is too big or too small. She specializes in all facets of luxury leisure travel as well as corporate. She has a real passion for tropical destinations and will make your tropical vacation relaxing and unforgettable!

Angela resides in Chicago and enjoys the city life and all that the great Windy City has to offer when not traveling. Her interests besides traveling as much as possible include reading, wine tasting, experiencing fun and interesting restaurants, going to the spa, and scrapbooking.

ANDRÉ KOESTER

André has loved to travel for as long as she can remember and was truly bitten by the travel bug when she lived in both Italy and France during her junior year in college, and then Japan for two years after graduation.  Every weekend was a new adventure.

André received a BA from Davidson College in Economics and an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth.  She worked in brand management at Colgate-Palmolive before deciding to turn her passion into a career.

André lives in Bronxville, NY with her husband and 4 sons.  She is a member of the Children’s Health Leadership Council at Mount Sinai and a Board Member of Graham Windham in New York.

Passionate about planning trips for families, André loves watching how travel opens children’s eyes and gives them a sense of perspective that is hard to gain otherwise.  In addition to planning the perfect family trip, André also realizes how important it is for busy parents to have a chance to reconnect with each other alone, so one of her specialties is planning romantic adult getaways.

When we asked André about her most memorable travel moment, she said it’s seeing the world through the eyes of her four sons. They’re animal lovers, and experiencing these animals in the wild - be it Tanzania, Kenya, Ecuador or Brazil has brought her immense pleasure. She loves sharing this passion with them!

Each issue of Travel Tattler will help you ‘get to know’ two fabulous members of the Huffman Travel team..and what makes them so passionate about travel!

T H E T R A V E L T A T T L E R

ANGELA SCHOENHARD

Page 12: Travel tattler q3 2016

In the midst of the La Riscal domain’s vineyards, sits the Hotel Marques de Riscal, a modern accomplishment designed and built by Frank O. Gehry. Located in the medieval site of Elciego, this hotel dominates the landscape with 1,800 meters of titanium ribbons intertwined with boxes of sand colored stone. Design enthusiasts will enjoy the Verner Panton and Alvar Aalto furnishings, along with the red, gold and silver accents inspired by the surrounding landscape. Spa Vinothérapie ® Caudalie Marqués de Riscal sets itself apart as a haven of wellness promoting the health and beauty properties of the mighty grape. Don’t miss the hammam, rain forest showers or the honey and wine body wraps with crushed Cabernet scrubs!

Great architectural feats take place on both land AND sea! Seabourn’s newest ship, The Encore, is the most modern and acclaimed ultra-luxury ship out there! The vibe on this vessel is one of an exclusive club. You will feel right at home as the staff caters to your every whim. With multiple areas for dining and lounging, it also offers exceptional spaces including a library, computer center and European Konditorei-style coffee bar with an espresso machine. The Encore is designed to surprise and inspire, and it does not disappoint! The options for activities, both

on-board and off, are endless. Another great feature? This ship is going everywhere you’ll ever want to visit. Maiden voyages in 2016 include Arabia, Indonesia and

Australia!

Santorini’s Canaves Oia Suites is an esteemed member of the world’s most romantic and treasured portfolios. We love the private plunge infinity pools on every balcony, but what really sets this hotel apart is that it is comprised of 17th century Canaves carved into the cliffside - modified and transformed into chic suites that exude pure sophistication and minimalism. Dramatic white walls against the azure blue Aegean Sea provide the ultimate backdrop for a noteworthy getaway. Unsurpassed luxury awaits inside the spa…..

whether it’s with panoramic views or sipping wine on your private terrace, we’re sure you’ll find it hard to leave!

TRAVELTATTLER

LUXURY ABOUNDS ON SEABOURN

CONTEMPORARY LUXURY IN SPAIN’S BEST VINEYARDS

AN EXCLUSIVE HIDEAWAY FROM THE J.MAK PORTFOLIO!

H U F F M A N T R A V E L L T D

Professional Purveyors of Travel

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