Australia! | HNHO - Hotel Yellowstone | Highlight - the Australian Outback ??

Dear Traveler,

Have you ever been somewhere or experienced something that felt indescribable?

The Australian Outback is one of those places for me.

I once had a client who had taken her family on safari the year before ask me "How can we possibly plan a trip that will be as good as or better than a safari?"

My answer would absolutely include Australia.

In many ways the places we visited in Australia remind me of an African safari - remote, wild, fascinating, wildlife, warm people, luxurious and delicious food.

It was an experience that I couldn't have imagined.

Read more about it in this week's Highlight below.

I've been home for three days since my two weeks up and down the east coast of Australia. The flight home was quite easy - non-stop Sydney to LAX and then to Boston. My helpful colleague, Janine, consulted a jet lag app and told me when to fall asleep on the plane to help me reset before arriving home. It worked quite well. A quick afternoon nap yesterday had me back on track in the Eastern time zone (although sleeping later than usual).

The length of travel time to Australia and desire to be there for longer than the typical American 1 week vacation (2+ weeks are ideal) are two of the biggest hurdles people have when thinking about a trip there.

I can tell you it is absolutely worth it! Yes, flying in lay flat seats makes a big difference (at least for adults). So does having a non-stop flight from the US. Delta is adding another non-stop flight in March - to Brisbane. Which is going to be a big bonus - as it makes it easy to fly into Sydney and home from Brisbane, saving you time and no backtracking.

Another bonus to flying Delta - they are days away from opening their new Delta One lounge in LAX. I spent several hours in their lounge in each direction and it was lovely - outdoor seating on the terrace, staff making custom omelets, sound proof rooms for private calls and I even took a quick shower to wake up and refresh.

But the new Delta One lounge will be even better and more exclusive. Wishing it had opened for our trip, but I'm also looking forward to flying through LAX again.

And there was another bonus that I experienced on my flight home. When you arrive back in the US you must pick up your bag and recheck it. Delta One has its own private check in entrance - security with no line, staff handing you a Pellegrino and a direct entrance to the Delta One or regular lounge (they also have a Delta One lounge at JFK).

It makes the airport experience so pleasant!

Last week's most popular article was The Uncrowded Destinations Where Travel Advisors Are Quietly Sending Their Clients.

This week's inspirational articles include the best 5-star hotel openings of 2024, the most beautiful hot spring resorts in the US, remarkable wildlife experiences and secret up-and-coming hotspots to add to your bucket list.

Also articles on Scotland, Chile, Jackson Hole and ski resorts.

The informational articles include new requirements on traveling to the Schengen Zone of Europe - beginning November 10, 2024 and how travel makes life feel longer (in a good way!).

Have a wonderful week!

Warmly,

Mimi

Below:

• This week's highlight - The Australian Outback
• Hot New Hotel Opening - Hotel Yellowstone
• Inspiration + Information

Click here to continue reading this week's newsletter.