Posts tagged with "holiday"

LOS ANGELES TOURISM KICKS OFF MEGA SPORTING EVENTS

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LOS ANGELES TOURISM & CONVENTION BOARD CELEBRATES LA’S COMEBACK, KICKS OFF THE DESTINATION’S HISTORIC DECADE OF MEGA SPORTING EVENTS WITH SERIES OF EVENTS IN NEW YORK INCLUDING A LOS ANGELES-THEMED TAILGATE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

For its first client, media and consumer events since the beginning of the pandemic, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) set its sights on New York, LA’s largest domestic visitor market. Aligned with the timing of the Rams vs. Giants game taking place at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, October 17, Los Angeles Tourism is hosting four days of activity beginning this Friday, October 15, with a preview of the Los Angeles-themed tailgate experience that is open to the public on October 16 and 17 and concluding on October 18 with an intimate luncheon for key sales clients.

Serving as a kickoff to the decade of mega sporting events LA is hosting beginning with Super Bowl LVI in February 2022, Los Angeles Tourism officials will visit with key clients and media to share information on the destination’s safe and responsible reopening and LA’s seemingly endless supply of new hotels, restaurants, venues and cultural exhibitions.

“New York is an important market for us, both in terms of leisure and group business, so when the time was right to host our first mission since the pandemic, we knew it had to be in the Big Apple,” stated Adam Burke, the President & CEO for Los Angeles Tourism. “While technology has been instrumental in keeping us connected during these challenging times, I think we can all agree there is no replacement for meeting in person. We are elated to see our industry colleagues and share all that’s new in the destination as LA continues its comeback.”

On Saturday, October 16, and Sunday, October 17, Los Angeles Tourism is hosting an “LA Tailgate,” which is open to the public, at the aptly named TailGate Outdoor Sports Bar in Brooklyn. The experience features tacos from Enrique Olvera’s new LA taqueria, Ditroit; beer and wine from LA brands Golden Road Brewing and Angeleno Wine Co.; LA trivia hosted by dumbfoundead; major trip giveaways including round-trip air transportation to LA courtesy of American Airlines; and a limited-edition merch drop from LA Tourism x Obey Clothing by House Industries and Studio Number One.

Over the next decade, Los Angeles plays host to an historic line up of sporting events including the 2022 Super Bowl LVI; 2022 MLB All-Star Game; 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship; 123rd U.S. Open Championship at LA Country Club; 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball West Region Championship; and, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

To learn more, visit @discoverla on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Visitors are encouraged to #TravelResponsibly and follow all guidance from Los Angeles County Public Health.

ABOUT LOS ANGELES & LOS ANGELES TOURISM

Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is the non-profit destination marketing and sales organization for the Los Angeles tourism industry and the ultimate resource for where to stay and play in the L.A. area.

Los Angeles is a dynamic, ever-evolving destination – where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome. Discover the true L.A. by exploring its more than 30 culturally rich neighborhoods, each one offering a distinct vibe. L.A. is home to more than 300 days of warm sunshine, 75 miles of idyllic shoreline, more museums and performing arts venues than any other U.S. city, and an innovative culinary scene led by influential tastemakers. A global creative capital and the epicenter of the sports universe, L.A. presents limitless possibilities for visitors from around the world. For more information, visit discoverlosangeles.com, follow at facebook.com/DiscoverLosAngeles, or @discoverLA on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day

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By Reb Czukoski

Today is Columbus Day, October 11th.

Columbus day is a U.S. holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October each year to mark the landing of Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492. This holiday is oftentimes associated with days off for most schools and businesses, and in some areas parades and street fairs are held.

Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451. Given his nationality, the federal holiday created in the 19th century was intended to honor Columbus’ discovery as well as Italian American heritage because of the persecution that Italian immigrants were facing during the period in which it was made. The day is a reminder for Italian Americans of their culture and to remember that the United States is an immigrant country.

The reasons that Columbus day is renowned are also the basis for criticism. Columbus did land in the Bahamas, but he was not the first to find it. Believing he reached East Asia, Columbus actually landed on an island in the Bahamas that he called San Salvador, disregarding its name from the native Lucayan inhabitants of the island, Guanahani. The identification of the holiday, as mandated by the government, fails to acknowledge the native populations that were displaced and decimated.

During his lifetime, he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean and paved the way for future European exploration and colonization of the Americas. His first expedition, to what is now known as the Caribbean, he placed his men to settle down, kidnapped a great number of Native Americans, and took gold, native birds and plants to bring back to Spain and his financiers upon his return. The abduction and maltreatment of the Native people were only the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade and genocide, which is why many people nowadays reject the endorsement of Christopher Columbus on this day.

Although the appreciation of Indigenous people on Columbus Day is slower to be incorporated in youth education, many higher institutions such as Colleges and Universities are conscious of the historical significance of the day and their curricula are reflective and validating of Indigenous awareness.

Beyond schooling, the discussion on whether or not to change the values of Columbus Day extend to corporate. Companies and retailers are open with their stances on the holiday, choosing whether or not to support Columbus Day or as it was previously and informally recognized, Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Their contributions come from choosing to keep their stores open, posting their views on social media, or using their platforms to boost Indigenous voices and businesses. Brands such as Sephora, Ben & Jerry’s, Patagonia, and Vogue Magazine, are known supporters for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Twitter and used their accounts to amplify their principles. Equally, there are retailers that support Columbus Day causes for Italian American legacies.

On October 8th, the 47th president of the United States, Joe Biden, issued the first ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day to be observed on October 11th. The objective of this domestic pronouncement was to shift the focus from a holiday celebrating the controversial efforts of Columbus and instead to appreciate Native folk, “On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, our Nation celebrates the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognizes their inherent sovereignty, and commits to honoring the Federal Government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations” (Joseph R. Biden Jr.).

Indigenous Peoples’ Day does not replace Columbus Day and his statement does not condemn the celebration of Columbus day. However, for Indigenous people, the affirmation that there have been systemic inequalities because of the annexation of their ancestral land is a positive move in the direction of keeping the existing native land autonomous and protected.

Omaha Steaks – Holiday Gifts

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As you plan your holiday gifts, I wanted to share some suggestions from Omaha Steaks, which has over a century of experience and wisdom to pass along this holiday season – from gift-giving expertise to an array of easy-to-prepare, high-quality meals bringing people around the table. Some examples are below:

Even when seasons change, you don’t need to put the grill away, so gift the special people in your life with the best holiday grilling packages from Omaha Steaks: the Gourmet Holiday Grill Out ($99.99) and the Ultimate Holiday Cook Out ($129.99). They have everything you need for the best grilling of the holiday season, including a mix of filet mignons, boneless chicken breasts, flavor-packed burgers, gourmet jumbo franks, all-beef meatballs, scalloped potatoes, signature seasoning, and decadent caramel apple tartlets.

The Holiday Surf & Turf Meal ($159.99) features a full spread of favorites from land and sea in one great collection perfect for any meal this holiday season. Loaded with butcher’s cut filets, tender lobster tail skewers, loaded baked potatoes, mini baguettes with garlic butter, signature seasoning, and scrumptious chocolate molten lava cakes, you can’t go wrong. 360 Magazine is getting hungry hearing about these options for the holidays!

Send someone special (or gift yourself) the Holiday Spiral Sliced Ham Dinner ($169.99), including all the fixings for a comfort food-filled gathering. Celebrate with an 8 lb. spiral-sliced ham, smashed red potatoes, steakhouse creamed corn, mini baguettes with garlic butter, and the best-ever sticky toffee pudding.

Other delicacies are on the website, including favorites like build-your-own packages and the brand-new chocolate peppermint mousse cake! The fifth-generation, family-owned company offers a wide variety of the finest quality beef and other gourmet foods, including seafood, pork, poultry, slow cooker and skillet meals, side dishes, appetizers, and desserts, perfect for holiday meals and gifts.

PLUM GUIDE EXTENDS ITS FOOTPRINT WORLDWIDE

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WITH AN EXPANDED PRESENCE IN THE U.S.

Recognized as a global benchmark for quality, innovative vacation booking platform, Plum Guide (www.plumguide.com), the world’s most recommended homestay company, is extending its footprint worldwide with an expanded presence in the United States. A success story since it launched in London in 2016, Plum Guide has attracted $57 million in investments and has become the premium alternative to Airbnb.

Ready for the post-pandemic global travel boom anticipated with this holiday season, Plum Guide offers the affluent traveler access to exceptional properties across the United States, such as New York, Los Angeles, Aspen, Miami, Joshua Tree, and the Hamptons among their roster of 500 destinations worldwide including some of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

According to Co-Founder & CEO Doron Meyassed, “Restaurants have the Michelin Star. Books have the New York Times Bestseller List. Vacation homes now have the Plum Award. Our mission is to find and award the best homes in the USA with our mark of trusted quality.” He adds, “It’s time to upend our competition’s model of letting anyone rate a home. We are taking a powerful new stance on quality control by allocating a team of trained professional home-reviewers dedicated to ferreting out ‘home truths.’ Our quality standard is one the world can trust.”

Plum Guide is more than simply a booking platform. It is, in essence, the Michelin guide for home rentals. With standards so high that they eliminate literally millions from the 5,000,000+ vacation homes listed online, accepting only 3% of submitted places to stay. Understanding that the pandemic postponed travel plans for many, leaving some with a residual sense of travel anxiety, Plum Guide takes the guesswork out of booking a stay with their highly curated approach to global vacation home selection. Guests can expect excellence; quality is guaranteed no matter the price point.

WHAT SETS PLUM GUIDE APART

Plum Guide has a unique model for curating homes unlike their competitors. They use a combination of technology, data, and human expertise. The quality control process culminates in an onsite visit from a specially trained “Home Critic” and only homes who have passed this final test receive the Plum Guide Award.

“Home truths” are revealed on each listing —such as, assessments revealing if the kitchen is indeed fully functional, or if the living area really has enough dedicated space for a family of four. It is this highly curated approach that sets Plum Guide apart. Explains Co-Founder and CEO Doron Meyassed, “Not only has every nominated and awarded home been subject to a meticulous vetting process but our comprehensive price-checking assures that our prices are consistently the best available.” Given the stringent testing before being accepted as a home rental option, only one in a 100 pass the 150 different criteria set forth by Plum Guide. It is important to note that such “musts” include only properties in a desirable neighborhood with three places for breakfast within a five-minute walk. Additional “musts” include rooms with plenty of natural light, ample space for socializing, bedrooms quiet enough for restful sleep, showers with strong water pressure and fast Wi-Fi connection.

THE BACK STORY

The origins of Plum Guide are personal, rooted in a vacation home Meyassed booked in Tel Aviv. “I felt like I won the lottery. I asked myself, ‘Why isn’t it always like this? Why is booking a home so hit-and-miss?’” Then he realized, “Every time someone books a holiday, it shouldn’t feel like a lottery.” So how to avoid the gamble? A team of architects, travelers, interior designers, and psychologists was assembled to scientifically decode the secret ingredients of the perfect stay. 150 criteria determining everything from shower pressure to Wi-Fi speed as well as design credentials became the stringent standards allowing just the smallest fraction of homes submitted to be accepted as Plum Guide properties.

THE PLUM AWARD

The Plum Award is a coveted honor. To earn it, homes must pass all four stages of The Plum Test, successfully meeting 150 criteria, with a personal home visit from an independent Home Critic as the final deciding factor. Leaving nothing to chance, with every new city or country opened, Plum Guide creates a database of available homes which are then systematically reviewed. The multi-stage vetting process allows travellers to select from a remarkable selection of the world’s best homes in the US as well as global destinations including Paris, Milan, and Rome. New locations are constantly being added as Plum Guide continues to delight customers with their rigorous selection of only the best homes available from a worldwide catalogue.

Myths About Traveling the World

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Do you dream of the open road but find yourself held back by fear? Was that fear planted by many things you’ve heard over the years or impressions you’ve picked up here and there? There are many myths about travel that keep people from following their dreams, and below are just a few of them.

You Have to Be Rich

One of the most common misconceptions is that everyone who travels is rich. Not only is this untrue, but you are less likely to meet rich people while you’re traveling because they are saving money and working all the time. While it’s true that there’s a certain jet set lifestyle attainable only by the super-wealthy, most travelers are ordinary people. Many of them live and work abroad or work while they’re on the road.

Others have saved up for years while working very ordinary jobs, such as waiting tables. If you’ve got a professional job and other assets, such as a home, you’re already ahead of the game. You could even rent out your home while you’re on the road or tap into the equity in your home if you need to get more cash. To find out more about taking out a home equity loan and to learn about recent laws, you can review a guide about the process.

It’s Dangerous

Are there dangerous places in the world? Absolutely, and this includes countries where there is a great deal of political instability or very high crime. However, would it surprise you to learn that there are also countries that are considered much safer than the United States?

Paying attention to ways to stay safe is one of many expert traveling tips to think about. However, there are a lot of other factors to consider as well. Some countries are only dangerous in certain areas where tourists rarely venture. Of course, people aren’t the only danger. Bad weather, dangerous animals and other natural threats are out there too—but you probably have some of them at home as well. Do your research, be smart, and there’s no reason you can’t be as safe as you are in your hometown.

Language is a Barrier

It’s a false belief that everyone speaks English, but it’s also untrue that no one does. The big myth here though is that language is something that should keep you at home. Smart phone apps mean it’s easier than ever to make your way around without knowing any of the language, but it’s also very easy to learn a few basic, polite phrases in any language, which can take you a long way. You’d be surprised at how far you can get with this and gestures.

The key here is to practice travel etiquette and be respectful and not assume that everyone will be able to speak English. Even if you’ve just heard them do so with someone else, it’s polite to approach someone and ask if they speak English before launching into the rest of what you have to say. Preferably, you should ask this question in their language. Let go of your language-based fears and you’ll be surprised at the many ways you can connect with others.

You need to add a widget, row, or prebuilt layout before you’ll see anything here. 🙂

Ferraro’s White Truffle Festival

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Ferraro’s Announces its White Truffle Festival with a special dinner, October 1st through December 31st.
White truffle season comes to Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar beginning Oct.1 through Dec. 31. Ferraro’s announces a special three-course dinner and Nebbiolo wine pairing during which guests will savor one of the season’s most indulgent ingredients—Italian white truffles.
Italian white truffles are widely regarded as the most exquisite of all truffles. Their season runs typically from late October to late December. Truffles grow in the wild, where they enjoy a symbiotic relationship with mature oak, beech and hazelnut trees, from which they draw carbohydrates while growing underground. For this reason, truffles cannot be cultivated. That fact, together with their unmistakably rich and umami-filled flavor, makes truffles a universally rare and sought-after ingredient.
This extraordinary White Truffle Dinner stars three Nebbiolo wines—each one paired with dishes incorporating shaved white truffle. 360 Magazine is excited to try out the special dinner. The cost for dinner is $195++ per person. To make reservations, please call (702) 364-5300. The full menu follows:

Langhe Nebbiolo
Choice of one – Antipasto:
Carne Battuta
Prime sirloin tartare, roasted hazelnuts, white truffle cream, shaved white truffle
Sformato di Ricotta
Ricotta flan, pecorino, seasonal mushroom ragù, shaved white truffle

Barbaresco
Choice of one – Primo:
Tagliatelle Al Burro and Salvia
Flat ribbon pasta, butter, sage, shaved white truffle
Risotto Al Prosecco
Prosecco risotto, mascarpone, Parmigiano-Reggiano, shaved white truffle

Barolo
Choice of one – Secondo:
Vitello Reale
Sautéed veal scaloppine, butter, sage, fried egg, shaved white truffles
Berretto di Costata di Manzo
Prime rib cap, truffle potato purée, seasonal mushrooms, extra virgin olive oil, shaved white truffles
Dolce
Gelato Alla Nocciola
Hazelnut Gelato

Wilderness Scotland – New Winter Itineraries 2022

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Wilderness Scotland Announces New Winter Itineraries for 2022

Scotland’s #1 adventure travel company is inviting eager travelers to experience stunning scenery, fresh crisp days, cozy nights, and a slower pace.

Crisp fall days and winter frost are around the corner, and travelers are already planning their seasonal getaways. Winter trips are invigorating, spacious, and wild; they awaken a true sense of discovery. Wilderness Scotland has the perfect set of new winter holidays to inspire slow winter travel to help guests disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature.

Boasting spectacular views of the moody Orkney Islands, breathtaking drives through the Cairngorms National Park, skiing in secret places favoured by locals, and wildlife sightings in the Abernethy National Nature Reserve; Wilderness Scotland unveils these carefully curated experiences for travelers to enjoy within the vast and expansive landscape, where fresh air and space compliment exciting adventures. Days are spent soaking in the expanse of Scotland’s natural, idyllic vistas, and evenings melt away at a dreamy pace in cozy pubs, sitting next to crackling fires with a warm drink or glass of Royal Lochnagar whisky.

Wilderness Scotland’s small group and private departures layout an unparalleled path to discovering the tranquility and beauty of a Scottish winter while being warmed by the country’s exuberant spirit and affectionate hospitality.

Here is a sampling of Wilderness Scotland’s winter departures:

Ski The Scottish Highlands

While it may not be the first destination that comes to mind, you can ski in Scotland and when it’s good, it’s really good. While Scotland makes no claim to compete with the Alps, it can offer a fantastic winter experience both on and off the mountain. If you have a sense of adventure, are flexible and simply enjoy being in the mountains you will be delighted by winter skiing in Scotland.

Trip Highlights:

Ski multiple Scottish resorts

Ski the secret places favored by locals

Relax and enjoy as your hosts take care of all the details

Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Highlands

Winter in the Orkney Isles

Winter is a spectacular and invigorating time to visit Orkney. Moody skies, crashing waves against stoic cliffs and salty gusts carrying the taste of the sea through this ancient landscape. Winter is the perfect time to escape and be recharged by the unbridled power and majesty of nature. Outside the traditional tourist season, you’ll enjoy the company of locals – hardy wildlife and welcoming people.

Trip Highlights:

Invigorating wild weather walks with sweeping coastal views

Experience the natural and cultural heritage of these special islands

Enjoy Orcadian hospitality and fresh local produce

Winter Highland Cosy Cairngorms

Imagine snuggling up together with a warming dram, the crackling fire chasing the last of the icy outdoor air away. After a day outside exploring the charms of a Highland winter, you have definitely earned this. Embrace the stillness of the winter landscapes, the rich smell of the evergreen pine forests, the sparkle of ice crystals, and cracking of frozen puddles under your feet. As you explore the Cairngorms National Park you may catch rewarding glimpses of the local wildlife wearing their winter coats and see the star-strewn skies that seem to go on forever.

Trip Highlights:

Hiking in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park with an expert guide

Relax in luxurious 5-star hotels

Gaze at the endless stars in the clear winter night skies

Enjoy rejuvenating treatments in the spa

Customize the itinerary to create your perfect trip

For information on price, inclusions, and available dates, click here.

Images are available here: Winter Walking & Winter Highland Cosy Cairngorms.

For more information on Wilderness Scotland’s reopening, experiences, and booking policies, please visit wildernessscotland.com or call 1-844-235-6240.

For details on Wilderness Scotland’s Travel Planning and Advice in response to Covid-19, please click here

NIZUC Resort X Spa X Miss USA

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The spectacular NIZUC Resort & Spa will welcome the contestants of Miss USA 2021, who will have for the first time the natural beauties of the Mexican Caribbean as the setting for their preparation towards the grand finale of the contest, which will be held on November 29 in Oklahoma, United States.

The 51 contestants will participate from September 17 to 20 in multiple activities and entertaining training sessions that will allow them to be better prepared to obtain the maximum crown of beauty pageant.

The exclusive luxury resort, awarded for the fourth consecutive year with the AAA Five Diamonds, was chosen by the Organizing Committee of the 70th edition of the iconic beauty contest so that the representatives of the 50 states of the country and the District of Columbia conclude with their preparation prior to the pageant that will choose the successor of the current Miss USA 2020, Asya Branch.

Within the framework of the Miss USA 2021 activities at NIZUC Resort & Spa, the actual Miss Universe, Mexican Andrea Meza, who last May became the third representative of Mexico to obtain the maximum beauty title, will also attend.

During their stay, the candidates will have swimsuit photo sessions as well as record content and promotional videos taking place in the lush 29-acre nature preserve, surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, which will be broadcast in the grand finale. On the mystic land of Punta Nizuc, where verdant mangroves, hidden rivers and a vibrant coral reef flourish; this serene sanctuary offers the ultimate in luxury, refinement and sophistication. Bordered by a stunning coastline, this paradise retreat overlooks the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and offers two exclusive beaches, lavish spa by ESPA, a state-of-the-art conference and events center, a kids club and heavenly accommodations throughout its 274 expansive suites and private villas. NIZUC’s magnificent setting and unsurpassed service provide a destination like no other in the Yucatán region.

Naia Resort Welcome Back Traveler

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BELIZE IS BACK!

Luxurious beachfront Naia Resort welcomes travelers with packages to relax and recharge.

It’s been a stressful 18 months. With travel restrictions eased, the boutique Naia Resort and Spa invites luxury travelers to its 200-acre beachfront reserve to take a deep breath, relax and recharge with a variety of packages designed to bring your Zen back.

Located in the low-key fishing village of Placencia, Naia Resort and Spa focuses on authentic wellness, with one of the top spas in the country featuring over-water treatment rooms. Belizean culture is fused into everything from spa treatments to the resort’s décor, cuisine, and excursions. This fall Naia has crafted these turnkey vacations for discerning travelers:

Total Relaxation Honeymoon-Brides Magazine named Naia the most romantic destination in the Caribbean, and with this six-night package, honeymoon couples can celebrate their bliss with highlights like a private beach dinner and special spa day.

Forever Friends Girls Getaway-You and your best gal pals will enjoy a beachfront home with a private plunge pool, spa treatments, daily local drinks, and plenty of girl time on the beach.

Ultimate All–Inclusive-Simply book this 4-night experience, show up, and relax. Everything is planned for you.

Waves and Wonder-This 7-night experience combines the best of all worlds for nature lovers with a jungle experience at our partner resort, Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, and a seaside escape at Naia. Expect cave tubing, zip-lining, and cultural tours paired with barefoot relaxation and water activities.

Caribbean Beach & Inland Adventures-Combine a stay at the Chaa Creek Eco-luxe resort to explore Mayan ruins and the jungle landscape with a beachfront getaway at Naia focused on water sports, spa services, and relaxation.

Spa Day-Dedicate a day to pampering with the Alone Time Spa Day or Couples Retreat. Each includes spa services and a Belizean cuisine-based lunch.

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