Travel Guide to Tuscany
The hills are alive….in Tuscany! The rolling hills, vineyards, and olive orchards are only some of the highlights of our women-only tour to this side of Italy. The Tuscan lifestyle can be experienced with your best girlfriends if you go on this very special tour created just for you.
Discover the heart of Italy and explore the hidden regions of the region. Taste the world-renowned Chianti and Brunello wines and enjoy the regional authentic cuisines as part of the special tour.
If you want a more relaxed travel, then a trip to the Tuscany countryside would be perfent. Life is quiet and tranquil in the forested area of Chianti. See for yourself the endless views and beautiful vineyards.
To complete the experience, you’d be staying in a quaint, lovely farmhouse located at the Podere Ciona Vineyard. It will be your home for three nights. The hosts will be gracious to teach you how to cook the famous regional dishes in a cozy country kitchen.
For several days, you will travel to the nearby villages that are as picturesque as the rest of the country. A visit to the magnificent medieval city of Siena will also be part of this women-only trip.
To experience nature, you’ll venture south of Tuscany where a natural hot spring can be found. It’s situated in a small village of Bagno Vignoni. It will be another adventure you don’t want to miss. Enjoy another luxurious day at the Adler Spa Report where excellent fitness, relaxation, and spa services are offered.
MOVING AROUND TUSCANY
You can rent a car to go around town but it is more convenient to use the train as the stations are strategically placed. It’s quite affordable too so there really is no need to worry about gasoline and rental car rates.
WEATHER IN TUSCANY
Climate in Tuscany is mild. Summers are usually hotter in the valley and the coast compared to the mountains and the hills. The best months to visit Tuscany are April, May, October, and November. It’s sunny most of the time with occasional rainy days. During winter, nights can be cold but sunny during the day.
Here are some more places you can visit in Tuscany:
WINERIES. Visit any tourist-friendly wineries so you can meet the makers and get to taste wine in the region.
TOWNS. The towns of Siena, Lucca, Cortona, and San Gimignano are all enthralling and enchanting.
CHURCHS. The churches in Tuscany are considered iconic. You may start touring the Basilico di San Franceso in Arezzo.
SHOPS. Shopping in Tuscany will be fun. Check out the handmade paper products, gold, and leather goods. Shopaholics will love this town.
Gateway Destinations can customize a women-only tour for you and your girlfriends. Your tour will begin and end in beautiful Florence. If you’re interested to visit Tuscany, contact Gateway Destinations.
Learn more about our Chianti Cooking & Tuscany Spa Retreat Package HERE.
Avoid Suspected Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards While Traveling
Have you ever experienced the inconvenience and even embarrassment of having your credit card declined for a purchase while traveling? Due to the increasing amount of fraud, card issuers are even more vigilant in approving charges that appear out of your customary spending habits. Make it a habit to call your bank or other card issuer before you leave home and let them know where and when you will be traveling.
10 Travel Tips to Peru
Peru may not be the most popular destination for travelers but it is highly-recommended for women-only groups. What better way to learn the interesting life and work of the Peruvian women than with your girlfriends?
Gateway Destinations offers a customized tour package that lets you discover the mystical beauty of modern Peru.E xplore the Sacred Valley with Peru’s top historian as your tour guide. By visiting a private visit to the largest private colonial art collection in Latin America, you can learn about colonial history.
You can also learn more about art safari by going to a vibrant mountaintop city of Cuzco. And to learn the modern Peruvian women’s role in the society, visit a weaving project and a community agricultural site.
Our Peru In All Its Splendor women-only tour will be a 9-day journey that lets you discover art, beauty, and food in this South American country. It’s a trip worth taking as it is filled with many adventures. It’s not only fun, it’s also educational.
Traveling to Peru anytime soon? Here are some tips:
1. Take care of your migration card. An Andean Migration Card will be handed to you at the airport. It is imperative that you don’t lose it. Bring it with you everywhere because you’ll need the card especially when you check into hotels.
2. Hold onto your bag. Watch you bag and other belongings very carefully. It’s relatively safe in Peru but it’s best to be careful. You don’t know when pickpockets and thieves will strike.
3. Always bring wet wipes, tissues, and hand sanitizer with you. It’s best to be prepared and hygienic at all times.
4. Haggle. When shopping, it’s okay to haggle. Don’t pay more for stuff you usually find in your country. Check the quality. If you like the product, negotiate the price.
5. Most establishments accept soles or US dollars. It’s okay if you only have dollars with you because people will accept the American currency in Peru.
6. Wear sunscreen. Because the sun is intense in Peru, make sure you wear sunblock or sunscreen all the time. Even if it is cloudy, put on skin protection.
7. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear. It’s warm in Peru so wear light clothes and flip flops if possible. However, there will be a lot of walking so comfortable rubber shoes or sneakers are also recommended.
8. Choose street food vendors that have a lot of crowd. If you get hungry, there are street foods to choose form. Search for a crowd or those dining areas that have a lot of people so you know food is clean.
9. Always carry coins. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Peru but it’s best to have coins to pay for public restroom access or pay food street vendors.
10. Hot water is a luxury in Peru. Sorry, but you may have to shower with cold water while on tour.
More details about our Peru Tour Package HERE.
5 Travel Tips to India
One of the most popular destinations for women who want to travel in Asia is India. It’s one of the best places to visit because of its marvelous sights and very rich history. Our “India Unveiled” is a Women-only Tour that is highly recommended for ladies who want to bond with a friend, sister, daughter, or mother.
This customized India trip will last for 13 days. Almost two weeks of adventure in India to discover hidden treasures in the country. From a woman’s perspective, India will be discovered and explored with peace of mind.
Travel with your girlfriends to India. You will have a blast learning about the history of Delhi by visiting popular sights and participating in a unique culinary experience in a local Indian family home. Discover the beauty of Taj Mahal and take a photo while in front of it as souvenir. To cap off your day, maybe go on a thrilling elephant ride in Amber Fort.
If you’ve decided to go an our India Unveiled Women-only Tour, here are some tips you need to remember:
1. PLAN AHEAD
Just like every trip, you need to plan this trip to India very well. Plan how you want the trip to turn out. Research on the tourist spots, activities, and prepare your itinerary. It is important that you read about India ahead of time. Check online for more tips and recommendations.
2. BE COMFORTABLE
Wear comfortable clothes and bring a good pair of walking shoes and sandals. There will be a lot of walking while in India. If possible, wear cotton underwear and clothes because it will be warm most of the time in the country. To blend in with the crowd, you can also buy the traditional Indian suit (salwar kameez). The outfit is best for the climate in India so you are guaranteed to be comfortable all day.
3. AVOID THE CROWDS
There will be a lot of locals and travelers visiting the top tourist destinations in India. Avoid the crowds and choose to go on quite places if possible. After all, this should be a relaxing and memorable trip for you and your girlfriends.
4. STAY HEALTHY
Never drink tap water while in India or eat food that may have been washed in it. Don’t take ice or eat fruits and veggies you didn’t wash yourself. It is recommended that you eat at restaurants that are packed with locals and tourists.
5. STAY CLEAN
Always bring a pack of tissues and hand sanitizer with you. Keep yourself clean and fresh all the time. If possible, also bring soap with you so you can wash your hands properly wherever and whenever you need.
You can still book at trip to India with your girlfriends. Our upcoming adventure in Delhi is this October 13 to 26, 2015. More details HERE.
In Search of the Northern Lights
If you are like most Americans living in the lower 48 states, you probably have never seen the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights – or at least not in all their glory. This really can be a magical sight to behold. Caused by electrically charged particles from the sun entering and colliding with gaseous particles in our earth’s atmosphere, these colorful displays of light range from blue, purple, green and red. The color is determined by the distance from the earth’s surface.
Did you know that there are vacations organized around viewing this phenomenon at peak times? Although they can sometimes be seen during any time of the year and even far from the north pole, optimum viewing is during winter when nights are longer, typically from October through March. Due to heavy snowfall in Alaska and Canada, early spring is usually the best time of the year in that area, but tours and independent trips are available beginning in October. There are great opportunities to experience the Aurora Borealis in Iceland and Greenland as well as Scandinavia and Siberia.
A winter holiday in Alaska or Canada can include not only a fun Northern Lights hunt late in the evening, but many other activities such as snowmobiling, dogsledding, and soaking in a hot springs. Iceland truly is a winter playground, offering a variety of activities such as super jeep tours, snowmobiling, glacier hikes and boasts a number of beautiful hot springs to enjoy including the infamous “Blue Lagoon.” You can even enjoy the Northern Lights on a cruise, such as with Hurtigruten Cruises out of Norway. Seeing the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, is a bit more difficult as the best viewing is in Antarctica, but they can also be seen from southern Chile or Argentina and from southern New Zealand and Australia from time to time.
Girlfriend Getaway: Yoga Tour in Costa Rica
Yoga is fast becoming a popular fitness activity among women. It’s a combination of mental, physical, and spiritual disciplines and practices that aim to improve the body and mind. Its known origins were the Indians and Buddhists who practiced yoga by combining the body and mind. The word ‘yoga’ means “yoking together”—joining together of the mind and body.
There are many variations of yoga: anusara, ashtanga, hatha, iyengar, jivamukti, kripalu, kundalini, sivananda, viniyoga, yin, bikram, power, prenatal, and restorative. It’s a long list but the most popular is bikram yoga which is a favorite of women because of its weight loss benefits.
Yoga practice is strength building and calorie burning that is why women do it. And what better way to do this fitness activity than with your girlfriends. Check out the yoga studios in your community and you’ll see why women, together with their girlfriends, are crazy about it.
People say yoga has decreased their stress, helped them lose weight, and reduced hip and back pain. There are many good reviews about it so a lot of women regard yoga as life changing.
If you want to try yoga, you can simply go to a yoga studio and sign up for classes. But for the more adventurous ones, why not go on a yoga trip with your girlfriends? Go on a yoga travel with your favorite girls to a different country.
The Ultimate Yoga Bliss in Costa Rica is one of Gateway Destinations’ many custom women-only tours. We’ve partnered with Kim Bowen, founder of Prosper Wellness. Kim is a yoga instructor and a Stress Reduction Specialist, inspirational speaker, and founder of a local yoga based wellness company in Arizona.
Gateway Destinations and Kim Bowen have planned a special Costa Rican getaway designed to reduce the tensions of everyday life. During this trip, aim to rediscover yourself as you release stress, improve mood and the mind, and increase awareness of the body.
During a Costa Rican yoga bliss trip, the women on tour will practice daily yoga, east healthy gourmet food, focus on tapping inner energy, and relax on the sand while meditating to the sound of the ocean or swimming in the infitiy pool. Relax and revitalize by discovering a new you.
Here are a few things you can expect from this Ultimate Yoga Bliss in Costa Rica Trip:
- Get in touch with nature
- Flow into the blissful state of true self connection through mantra
- Learn the proper way of meditation
- Discover different yoga lifestyle practices
After this yoga bliss trip in Costa Rica, you and your girlfriends will feel and look better, your minds lighter, and your lives more fulfilled. This women-only tour will be a life-altering event in the beautiful tropics.
It’s time that you awaken your spirit for pure bliss. Go on a trip with your girlfriends to Costa Rica and feel alive again.
More information about our Ultimate Yoga Bliss in Costa Rica Tour HERE.
8 Travel Tips to Paris
Paris has always been the top travel destination for couples but the City of Lovers is also a favorite of women going on tours with their girlfriends. We even included it in our list of Top 9 Destinations for Girlfriend Getaways.
Paris in August can be fun but going to the city anytime of the year is quite lovely especially when you’re travelling with the people you love.
Almost anyone who has been to Paris would say the city is simply beautiful. Whether you’re on a honeymoon, a specialty tour, or a women-only tour, you will have the best time in Paris. Follow these simple travel tips and you’re guaranteed of a memorable trip:
- Prepare your itinerary.
Research early on what to do and where to stay while in Paris. Map out your itinerary and prepare a schedule. - Have a map handy.
You can get a real map or download a Maps app on your smartphone or tablet to use. A guide map will help you to not get lost in the city. - Visit the Eiffel Tower.
Of course, a trip to Paris won’t be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. If you want to go up the tower, expect long lines wrapping the structure. The best time to go there is early in the morning and very late at night to avoid the rush. - Make sure you visit the most popular sites in Paris.
The Notre Dame, The Louvre, and the Luxembourg Garden are only some of the must-see tourist spots in the city. Make the most of your Parisian trip by having your photo taken in these places. - Buy a metrocard.
You will be riding the subway a lot so it is advisable you buy a day pass. It’s cheaper, more economical, and more convenient to use. - Buy a museum pass.
You will also be visiting a lot of museums. Get a museum pass and you’ll save money. - Memorize key phrases.
Learn the basic French phrases so you’ll survive in the city. “Merci!” means ‘Thank you’. “Ou est le metro?” means “Where is the subway?”. To ask “Do you speak English?”, say “Parlez-vous Anglais?”. - Get on a boat cruise in the evening.
End the day with a lovely boat cruise along the Seine River. Discover the City of Lights. You’ll see the beauty of Paris all lit up.
Gateway Destinations can plan a luxurious Parisian trip for you. The team knows best how a women-only journey should go. Taste the regional wines at a local vineyard, learn the secrets of cooking rustic French dishes, or just shop in Paris to your heart’s content.
7 Things to Remember Before Going on an African Safari
Going to South Africa on a women-only tour with your girlfriends is definitely something to look forward to. It can be one of the most exciting vacations you and your best friends will ever have.
When people hear you’re going on a South African Africa, they will immediately think of wild animals. Of course, those kinds of animals are the main attraction and a safari is all the more exciting. It is educational at the same time—giving you an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
Gateway Destinations’ 11-day exclusive adventure through South Africa will include the “big five” and wildlife at the Kruger National Park. After each day of a fun trip, you will retreat to a luxurious lodge reserved only for you.
But how can one survive an African Safari adventure? This involves wild animals so it is important travelers like you know how to survive a safari.
1. Learn basic animal spotting etiquette.
Lower you expectations when entering parks and reserves. Expect that you might not see the big five on your trip as these animals can be elusive. Be patient when other passengers want to stay awhile at an area to spend some time looking for the animals.
2. Don’t get out of the vehicle.
Some areas may be safe but as much as possible, don’t get out of the vehicle especially without the knowledge of a tour guide.
3. Don’t pack a lot of things.
For obvious reasons, do not pack a lot of your stuff. There is no need to bring too many things during your trip. Some safari camps limit luggage weight.
4. Don’t talk loud or too much.
There will be plenty of time for talking with your girlfriends but during a safari ride is not one of them. People’s voices easily distract animals so make sure you keep quiet as much as possible.
5. Don’t be a know-it-all.
Seriously, don’t be. If you know a lot of trivia about an animal, don’t over share. If you’ve been on a safari before, don’t brag about your experience so as not to frustrate other passengers.
6. Turn phone to silent mode or mute the camera.
You are on a safari so don’t think about work. Don’t worry about receiving business calls. Turn phone to silent mode or mute your camera. The constant beeping will annoy the other passengers.
7. Don’t forget to tip your guides, drivers, and camp staff. Thank them for all their hard work.
Top 8 Luxury Honeymoon Destinations
So you’re getting married. While you are too busy with the wedding preparations, don’t forget there is still that honeymoon to plan. Don’t be too stressed with the preparations. Instead, think of the day after— your happily ever after! This is an exciting time for you and your partner. You and your future husband (or wife) must try to enjoy each day as the wedding day draws near.
But if you do not have enough time, you can leave the planning for your honeymoon with us. Gateway Destinations would be glad to plan custom luxury honeymoon tours for you and your love.
We can customize a plan for you. Want to go on honeymoon in Greece? We have the Ancient Athens & the Greek Isles tour. How about Italy? There’s our popular Versilia Coast & The Cinque Terre tour in Italy.
Our team can work closely with you each step of the way. Tell us what you want or where you want to go. We will show you what we can plan for you and your fiancé for a honeymoon vacation of a lifetime.
We’ve listed our Top 8 Popular Honeymoon Destinations:
1. Ancient Athens & The Greek Isles
Venture out of Athens in style aboard the Monarch Ocean Countess. For three relaxing days with your new spouse, cruise the sapphire blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Travel to a variety of beautiful Greek Isles and explore the fascinating ancient site of Ephesus in Turkey.
2. Bounties of Bordeaux Wine Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing six-night cruise with your love and the rest of the group in southwestern France on the River Garonne. Pass through the Gironde Estuary and the Dordogne River near Bordeaux in a cozy air-conditioned hotel barge.
3. Corfu & Crete, Greece
For a wonderful contrast, visit the island of Crete to round off your honeymoon trip to Greece. Largest of the over 4,000 islands in Greece, it has varied topography, remnants of ancient civilizations, and a rich gastronomic culture you and your significant other would definitely enjoy.
4. Italy’s Versilia Coast & The Cinque Terre
Spend relaxing days after stressful weeks of wedding preparations in the other side of Tuscany, the Versilia Coast, with its beautiful and expansive beaches. Venture further south to explore the five cliff-side villages of the Cinque Terre with the love of your life.
5. London Theatre & Shakespeare Country
Absorb the sights and sounds of the busy London with its numerous historical sites and incomparable museums and charming pubs with your new husband or wife. The two of you can enjoy London’s famous live theatre performances.
6. Sensational Sorrento & The Amalfi Coast
Bask in sunny southern Italy on the hillside of Sorrento as you enjoy your honeymoon. Enjoy a country cooking class, taste regional wines and limoncello, and learn more about olive oil. Visit Naples and Pompeii with your local guide and discover secret shopping places on the isle of Capri.
7. Ultimate Yoga Bliss in Costa Rica
Practice yoga, focus on tapping into your energy within, eat wholesome gourmet healthy food for vitality, relax on the sand as we meditate to the sound and vibration of the ocean. Swim with your love in the oceanfront infinity pool and discover a new you through relaxation and revitalization.
8. Venice, Verona & Lovely Lake Garda
Revel in the unique beauty of Venice with its impressive architecture and network of intricate and romantic canals. Visit the island of Murano, famous for its beautiful glass designs throughout the world. Enjoy the city on a honeymoon tour after the wedding.
Gateway Destinations promises an unforgettable honeymoon adventure. Choose from our numerous honeymoon tour destinations and we’ll make a custom travel plan for you.
Want To Extend Your Trip?
Did you know that you can often plan a stopover for free or very little additional money when traveling abroad by air? Overnight or several day stops in major hubs like Singapore, Tokyo, Paris, Dubai, Istanbul, Honolulu and even lesser frequented areas like Helsinki and Reykjavik, can be added to your itinerary very cost effectively in many cases. This may be a nice way to ease a long journey. Call us for help in enhancing your next adventure!
