The capital and largest city in the Netherlands is incredibly friendly and offers a range of activities.  While it has a reputation for the naughty, there are a variety of things to do and it can make for an amazing trip with friends or even family.

While you’re there, be sure to cruise the canals (above) to take in the architecture of the city.  Stop and buy some flowers at the floating market or just partake in some people watching.  You may even make friends with a local and get the insider info on a show or new restaurant.

Art lovers will enjoy the Rijksmuseum or the Stedelijk Museum for contemporary arts. The Van Gogh Museum houses the artist’s most famous works, including his well known Sunflowers (above). 

There are also plenty of diamond factories you can visit and watch as craftsmen cut the stones into brilliant shapes.  No trip is complete without visiting the historic Anne Frank House (above).

Even if you choose not to partake, the Red Light District is quite the scene, as are the city’s coffee shops.  Just be warned: The brownies and moonshakes are made out of more than just food products.

There are plenty of five star hotels in Amsterdam including the Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate, Hotel Okura and Hotel Pulitzer. Boutique hotels are incredibly hip and there are also a number of cozy Bed and Breakfasts.

Enjoy your trip!

Sincerely,

Tom Taraci

P.S. For information on my new Taraci Collection, featuring my quintessential list of NYC restaurants and a variety of the worlds’ most recognized luxury brands, please click here and have a great day.

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There is plenty to take in during your trip.  One must-see is the architecture of Antonio Guadi.  His Sagrada Familia church (above) is a completely unique modern masterpiece.  Also, be sure to take a stroll around Park Güell, a garden complex with architectural elements situated in the Catalonia district and another of Guadi’s wonders.

Some fun activities are visiting the Zoo or the Aquarium, which is Europe’s largest.  Also make sure to scope out the sites of the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Take a walk down the bustling Las Ramblas (above) to get a taste of the city’s culture.  It is full of restaurants where you can drink sangria while you enjoy the street’s performers.  Or, get out of the city for a bit and take a side trip to the Rioja wine region to taste the indigenous wines.

But of course you can’t survive on sangria and wine alone.  An excellent restaurant choice within Barcelona is Ca L’Isidre, which is one of the grandest in the city.  Another option is Cal Pep, which is enormously popular and celebrated for its seafood tapas bar.  Cinc Sentis uses only the finest produce.

As for a place to stay, The Gran Hotel La Florida(above) offers 75 luxuriously restored rooms and sits upon Mount Tibidabo providing magnificent views of the city.  The Hotel Palace is a classic 120 room Old World hotel situated on a tree-lined boulevard in the city center.

Enjoy your trip!

Sincerely,

Tom Taraci

P.S. For information on my new Taraci Collection, featuring my quintessential list of NYC restaurants and a variety of the worlds’ most recognized luxury brands, please click here and have a great day.

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London is an amazing city full of charm. Whether laughing it up at a local pub or experiencing high society at afternoon tea, this city offers a pleasant travel experience. There are plenty of attractions to keep you busy and there is no language barrier.

One of my favorite things to do while there is watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. You never know if you’ll spot the Queen. Cruising down the Thames is also enjoyable and no trip is complete without taking in a play at Shakespeare’s original theater The Globe.

London also offers a rich museum experience. The Tate has modern pieces while the Victoria and Albert and British Museum are filled with classic masterpieces.

Shopaholics will love the world famous Harrod’s department store and those with a keen sense for designer and emerging designer goods will adore Top Shop.

For a good glimpse into the contemporary dining scene visit Notting Grill in Notting Hill; Les Trois Garcons in trendy Shoreditch; the stunning China Tang in the Dorchester Hotel. As for a place to stay hot spots include The Berkeley, Brown’s, The Dorchester which is known for its elegance and, of course, The Ritz, with its own private casino.

And remember, no trip is complete without seeing Big Ben.

Have fun,

Tom Taraci

P.S. For information on my new Taraci Collection, featuring my quintessential list of NYC restaurants and a variety of the worlds’ most recognized luxury brands and travel destinations, please click here and have a great day.

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This stainless steel travel clock is easily packed, gorgeous and ensures that you won’t oversleep.  It is also beautiful enough to keep on your nightstand at home or your desk at work.

Another great option in travel alarm clocks is this one by Movado,  a Swiss company renowned for their Museum watches which feature black clock faces and a single gold dot at the twelve o’clock.  With high polished brass and dual time zones, this clock can also be used at home or while traveling.

Best,

Tom Taraci

P.S. For information on my new Taraci Collection, featuring my quintessential list of NYC restaurants and a variety of the worlds’ most recognized luxury brands, please click here and have a great day. 

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If you travel often, a good suitcase is essential.  If you frequently take long trips the HighSierra 35″ Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel is the way to go.  Measuring 7,690-cubic-inches, you can fit everything you need and then some.

The handiest feature about this bag aside from the space is the dual compartments which allow you to organize or keep dirty items on one side and clean on the other. 

This bag is highly durable and is made of Teflon-coated, ballistic-grade nylon.  It has molded corner guards, study handles and a kick plate so it will withstand even the roughest airport handlers and long arduous treks.

The red color is also great for quick identification.

Best,

Tom Taraci

P.S. For information on my new Taraci Collection, featuring my quintessential list of NYC restaurants and a variety of the worlds’ most recognized luxury brands, please click here and have a great day. 

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You’re tired.  Your flight is delayed.  The airport is pure chaos and you are worrying about your upcoming meeting.  One thing you’re not stressing over-your luggage.

Tumi is well regarded as the leading international brand of luxury travel, business and lifestyle accessories since its inception in 1975.  

The Tumi Voyageur Lightweight Cortina Boarding Tote features a large interior that can fit your essentials and then some.  It has organizer pockets to keep items separated and easy to find, as well as two exterior accessories pockets. The strap length is 10.5″ from the shoulder so it hangs comfortably and it has an exterior pocket sleeve that slips over extended luggage handles.

What’s great about this particular bag though, is the weight.  When using a carry on, you don’t want to be lugging something around that is too heavy for you.  Crafted from lightweight nylon, this bag is extremely light. 

It also has a vachetta leather trim and details including leather covered key locks and contrast stitching, so it looks stylish.

Happy Travels,

Tom Taraci

P.S. For information on my new Taraci Collection, featuring my quintessential list of NYC restaurants and a variety of the worlds’ most recognized luxury brands, please click here and have a great day.

[Image Via WENN)

Heidi Klum recently revealed in Marie Claire Magazine that Seal proposed to her in an igloo, complete with rose pedals and candles.

Sounds romantic, huh? Well you don't to be famous or an Eskimo to get this type of arctic experience. The Ice Hotel, made up of-you guessed it-ice, just may be the place for you.

Everything is made of ice!

[Image: Photo by Ben Nilsson of Big Ben Productions].

Located in the village of Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the Ice Hotel operates from December to April and is rebuilt with blocks of ice taken from the Torne River each November. The inside stays between 5-8 degrees Celsius and there are options for rooms, which are all designed by different artists.

All rooms include a thermal sleeping bag set up on reindeer skins set on a bed of snow and ice. In the morning you are given a cup of hot loganberry juice and there is a breakfast buffet and sauna. The ice rooms are part of a regular hotel so you can choose to spend one night in an igloo like structure and the rest in a regular old hotel room, if you choose. Also be sure to check out the famous Absolut Ice Bar.

Reindeer skins help keep your bottom warm!

[Image: Photo by Ben Nilsson of Big Ben Productions].

In addition, the hotel offers a number of additional activities and adventures. You can take an ice sculpting class, go on a tour of the wilderness by snowshoe or range rover, eat dinner under the sky while searching for the Northern Lights or even go on a Moose Safari.

For more information or to book your stay, click here.

Best,

Tom Taraci

P.S. If you’re looking for the best-of-the-best in luxury travel as well as products, services, and more, please ask for The Taraci Catalog. It’s the world’s premier incentive marketing catalogue and features the finest luxury brands including Sony, Callaway, Burberry, Canon, and Cartier. The Taraci Catalog is perfect if you’re building a company incentive marketing program, need special products for a big company meeting or you’re looking for holiday gifts for your employees. (Please note, we do not offer products individually.) Click here for more info.

(Images Via WENN)

Jen and John met up this weekend and were seen canoodling all over the city.  The couple stayed in the Madarin Oriental, one of the hottest properties on the waterfront that offers every luxury you can imagine.

If you are traveling to Miami soon, this is the place to stay.

The Mandarin is renowned for its rooms and suites, each which feature a balcony that overlooks the bay.  For those of you honeymooning or just look for the most extravagant accommodations, the Oriental suite has a theater and the Mandarin Suite has its own private spa sanctuary. 

If you choose to just go with a spa-less room, never fear. The hotel has a spa of its own, Voted the Best in the US by Travel and Leisure Magazine, which offers 15,000-square-feet of pampering overlooking the Bay. The Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese and Thai services will melt away any tension left over from the plane, as well as work-related stress.

Most of your time however, will be spent at the hotel’s private Beach Club or there infinity-edge pool, which features a sushi and pool bar.  The hotel’s fitness offerings includes a fully-equipped health center, yoga, Pilates, personal training, a relaxation area, sauna and steam rooms.

For those who want to be active outdoors, there is also  golf, tennis, kayaking, snorkeling and deep sea fishing. 

After working up a sweat, why not check out one of their restaurants?  There is Azul, Café Sambal, and M-Bar, which has a menu of  250 martinis.

All in all – a great place for a family vacation, company meeting or even a motivational gift for your team!  For more incentive marketing ideas, click here.

Pompeii is teeming with history. 

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius during the 1st century and the subsequent annihilation of the entire city makes it one of the most tragic events to ever take place.  This moment was preserved by ash and lava and has now been uncovered to street level through archaeological digs.

One thing you should know about this Roman city is that you have to walk everywhere.  There is a parking lot for your car outside the city gates which cost just a flat fee.  You will also have to buy a ticket to get into the town, which makes it seem sort of like Disneyland.  Trust me, it is nothing like the amusement park.

Once you’ve gained entrance, a guided tour costs a relatively small amount of money or you can roam around on your own.   Pamphlets and audio guides are available if you chose that route.

Perhaps the most startling thing to see during your visit is the preserved bodies at the Archaeological Museum.  Not only is it bone-chilling to see them stuck eternally in the fetal position, but they are also very small.  Grown men measured what looks to be only 4 ft.  The House of the Vettii, along with the rich frescoes of the House of the Mysteries and ancient thermal baths are a wonder to look at.  From the inscriptions written on everything from floors to walls (the equivalent of an olden day sign and also modern day graffiti) you can see the sense of humor of the time.

For example, one that especially struck me was “Salve, lucru,” meaning ‘Welcome Money,” written on the floor of a trading company.

Another display of Pompeiian humor and one you won’t find in a guidebook is the penis shapes cut in stones and seen everywhere from streets to houses. Many say that they are meant to bring fertility, but I was told a different story by a local: Being a port town, there were many brothels and they pointed the direction towards them.  Nowadays, if you step on one, you are supposed to have luck in bed.  There is also plenty of erotic relics and paintings.

Happy travels!

Tom Taraci