myretroperspective

My tip for those who want to write about travel—just do it! You don’t have to be the best writer but you should be passionate about travel. Find your voice and write about things that you know and like. Be authentic! When I started travel writing, I didn’t have clips or assignments but I had passion and curiosity. Even though I was a journalist, my expertise was producing broadcast news stories. However, I knew how to tell a story no matter the format. But the best thing that I had going for me—a strong support system… not only did my family and friends encourage my interests, but they invested in them. They saw something in me that I had not seen in myself and because they said that I could do it—I did! Four years later, I’ve traveled all over the world capturing stories about fabulous spas, exotic destinations, and haute hotels. My stories have appeared in both local and national magazines. And I’ve even given travel tips to the local NBC affiliate, plus I started a haute travel blog...

So you want to jet off to some place haute with your BFF? It sounds like a great idea after all girls just want to have fun, right? I’ve traveled with girlfriends both nationally and internationally over the years. There’s nothing like sharing fun stuff with your gal pals, but it can also turn sour if you’re not on the same page. It's not always a "Sex in the City" moment. Here are my Haute Travels tips to making your girlfriend getaway one to remember for all the right reasons: -Make sure that you’re on the same page when it comes to spending money. If you want to take a taxi and your friend wants to take the bus because it’s cheaper that’s setting the stage for drama. And think about meals… I went on a trip with a friend once and she preferred to spend her money on shopping instead of dinner at a haute restaurant. So we parted ways when it was time for breakfast, lunch and dinner! When it comes to hotels, some people prefer to go cheap as opposed to luxurious and posh. ...

Are you thinking of getting away but everybody is busy or can't commit to travel? Think of it as the perfect time to get a little "me time" into your hectic life by going solo. I have traveled to the Bahamas, Paris, and the Caribbean alone and totally enjoyed every adventure. I have to say it’s one of the single most exciting things that I’ve done. I’ve met some really great people, while learning so much about myself. I remember relaxing on the beach in St. Lucia and got invited to dinner by a group of people from New York City who were sitting nearby. As it turns out, we all had careers in television, at one time or another, so we had plenty to talk about. While traveling solo in Paris, I took a summer photography class and spent my days learning about my classmates who came from other parts of Europe, the US and Brazil! But my favorite discovery in Paris, my friend Carole, she and I have become great friends. I met her while working on a story about French beauty produ...

Staycation was so last year… make this year HAUTE with a getaway designed just for you. If you’re dreaming of getting away for summer don’t let the challenging economy keep you home. Here are my 10 money saving travel tips that will get you out of the house for a memorable vacation. Remember it’s a buyer’s market and deals are plentiful! Haute Travels Tips: -Be flexible with travel consider leaving midweek to get the best fares -Check airline fees after Midnight to capture discounted tickets -Compare rates for airfare, hotel/resorts and cruise lines on their sites before you go to sites like Travelzoo (compare multiple travel sites at once), Travelocity, Cheap Caribbean.com or Hotwire -Ask the properties for discounts and compare competitor’s rates… become a bargain shopper -Travel to places where the dollar is strong -When traveling to Europe in the summer consider renting an apartment to save money -Travel with friends and share the costs or try house swaps… exchange homes with other...

When you’re traveling internationally you may want to think about getting a little insurance in case your checked luggage gets lost. Most airlines are required by U.S. regulations to compensate travelers up to $3,300 in the event their checked bags are lost, stolen or damaged for domestic travel. Unfortunately, the same is not true when you travel internationally with checked bags. In fact, you’d be lucky to get a fraction of that because compensation for international travel is based on the weight of your checked luggage at just $9.07 per pound. So you might want to think twice about checking in grandma’s Louis Vuitton steamer trunk or Aunt CoCo’s Chanel luggage. However, there’s a little secret that may help you recover more of what your items are worth. It’s called Excess Valuation or EV. Most people have never even heard of it because it’s one of those things that “they don’t want you to know.” You must ask about EV at check-in or take your chances in the event of the unthinkable. ...

It’s no secret that I absolutely love vintage Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, but it’s hard to find great items at good prices. The reason why I love these designers—original design and innovation that never goes out of style. My secret shopping tip for effortless chic… Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. LH’s ever-so popular, highly attended couture and accessories auction in Chicago attracts fashionistas and dealers from around the world! Can’t make it to Chicago for the upcoming auction, don’t worry, you can browse items right in your living room and bid over the phone or online. If you’re like me… you love collecting great handbags, jewelry and all things girly. After all, that’s the hallmark of any fashionista worth her weight in baubles, beads and bangles. By now, you might be asking yourself, “Just how good are the deals?” Well, you had to ask. I’ll share a secret… I’ve been on the hunt for a Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Jewelry Case for a lot less than the retail price of $2,000, bu...

Chocolate Lovers Head to St. Lucia for FREE Chocolat-tinis! Jade Mountain, St. Lucia announces its annual chocolate festival, December 4-6, 2009. It is a delicious, interactive and exotic introduction to the world's favorite aphrodisiac - chocolate. Cacao has a history in St Lucia that dates back to the 1700's. Be one of the first to taste our premier vintage of our Jade Mountain Estate Grown chocolate. The event starts on December 4 with a "Chocolat-tini" party. Jade Mountain's well known Consulting Chef, Allen Susser will share his talents and passion for chocolate. Take pleasure in a complimentary chocolate martini. Taste local, seasonal chocolate inspired savory finger foods. And don’t forget the chocolate desserts! http://www.jademountain.com/ The Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos in Mexico offers guests two free nights for holiday booking. Escape the cold, celebrate the holidays in beautiful Los Cabos and leave with a great travel gift from The Westin Resor...

Travelistas know that even in an economic downturn or recession, you can still travel on the cheap. Generally, when traveling your biggest expenses are airfare and hotel accommodations. But with a little advance planning and loyalty programs, you can get free airline tickets, hotel stays and donate to charity. Companies know that customers enrolled in loyalty programs are more likely, in fact reportedly four times, more likely to return for repeat business. The programs are designed to encourage buying behavior, so why not take advantage? You can also trade points for merchandise and gift cards. After all, these value-added promotions are designed to say thank you and membership is free. Here are my haute tips for traveling in style for less: 1. Pick one or two loyalty programs and commit to staying at one of those properties or flying with a particular airline every time you travel. When I travel to the big apple, I generally stay at the Hilton New York located in Midtown because it’s...