Travel - International Archives - Sophisticated Travel

Why Upscale & Luxury Travelers Are Embracing One-Bag Travel (And How to Pack Like a Pro)

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond For years, upscale and luxury travel was synonymous with steamer trunks, matching leather luggage sets, and an entourage of porters making sure every outfit and item followed you from hotel suite to private car. But the modern luxury traveler is redefining elegance — and increasingly, it’s all about simplicity. A growing number of well-traveled individuals are embracing a new mindset: one-bag travel. At first glance, “one-bag travel” might seem like a concept more suited to backpackers than to guests who frequent five-star resorts and charter private yachts. But make no mistake: this ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-07-10T13:25:33-04:00July 10th, 2025|

Embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO): A Travel Mindset Worth Packing

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond In a world where we’re constantly nudged to “do more, see more, share more,” it might feel counterintuitive—almost rebellious—to slow down, unplug, and step away from the noise. But that’s exactly what a growing number of travelers are doing. They're not just taking vacations—they're seeking a deeper, more intentional kind of rest. Enter JOMO: the Joy of Missing Out. Unlike its anxiety-ridden cousin, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), JOMO is a mindful movement. It's about feeling content with where you are, fully present, and not concerned with what you're not doing. In ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-04-08T09:38:56-04:00April 14th, 2025|

Travel in a Time of Trade Tensions: How Economic Shifts Are Shaping Vacation Choices Across Generations

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond nternational travel is one of life’s great privileges. It connects us to different cultures, opens our eyes to new perspectives, and brings families, friends, and communities closer together. But like everything else, travel doesn’t exist in a bubble. It responds to global events—including the economic ones. In 2025, trade tensions between the world’s largest economies are having a noticeable ripple effect on the travel landscape. For travelers across the U.S., this means shifting costs, changing priorities, and in some cases, a bit of hesitation before booking that next big trip. But here’s ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-04-07T13:02:15-04:00April 9th, 2025|

The Rise of “Calmcations”: How Serenity-Seeking Travelers Are Shaping 2025’s Tourism Landscape

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond In an increasingly chaotic world, a new travel trend is emerging that promises to redefine how we experience vacations. Welcome to the era of "calmcations" - a phenomenon that's set to dominate the travel industry in 2025. This innovative approach to leisure is not just a passing fad; it's a response to our collective need for tranquility and a deeper connection with our surroundings. The Birth of Calmcations As we navigate through 2025, the concept of calmcations has gained significant traction among travelers seeking respite from the constant buzz of modern life. This ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-01-17T14:09:18-05:00January 20th, 2025|

Coronavirus – my perspective

Not surprisingly, I’ve been getting calls over the past few weeks about the coronavirus. It is an issue of concern that we should all take seriously, but not panic over. I am not a doctor and not giving medical advice. After reading many articles by health experts, the cruise line industry, and public health experts, here is my take on coronavirus: How Does the Coronavirus Affect My Cruise Plans 1) THE SITUATION IS CHANGING ALMOST DAILY This is a new virus and health professionals are still learning about how it spreads, who is most at risk, what treatments are ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:20-05:00March 7th, 2020|

30 essential things to do before you leave on vacation

If you are like most of us, the closer you get to your vacation, the more frantic things become. There is so much to do and the time seems to vanish. Start your planning early as some items can take time. To help you properly prepare for your vacation, here is our list of 30 Essential Things to do before you leave on your vacation: [ ] Verify if you will need a visa – Visa & Other Requirements [ ] Make sure your passport is good for 6 months beyond your return date [ ] Make color copies of your passport, ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:28-05:00October 27th, 2019|

Put smartphones in “Airplane Mode” before leaving the U.S to avoid hefty fees

?AVOID A $1,106 BILL ?Smartphones have become such a critical part of our lives that it seems second nature to want to take your phone along with you on vacation. Smartphones have all of your important contact information (friends, doctors, banks, family members, etc.), and once you find a free WiFi hotspot, using Google Maps in a foreign city can be a life and time saver. However, there is a dark-side to smartphones that many people find out about the hard way. I was reminded of this in an LA Times article where the writer had received a $1,106 ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:32-05:00November 4th, 2018|

Airport VIP concierges can let you skip the line

Jump to the front of the line at immigration & passport control ?If you've ever flown into one of the world's busiest airports, you know how miserable the immigration, passport control, and customs process can be entering a foreign country. We've waited hours in line at London's Heathrow. During high tourist season, expect long waits in Madrid, Amsterdam, Paris, Amsterdam and Milan of up to four hours. While TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry can speed you up in the United States, they don't help you overseas. But we have clients who don't want to wait for hours to clear ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:35-05:00October 18th, 2018|

Travel – International