Are you missing live events?  Even though parts of the country are starting to emerge from lockdown orders, major events like concerts, plays and more are not going to return anytime soon as we continue to practice social distancing.  There are, however, opportunities to get your cultural fix – virtually.  Here are some upcoming performances that will pique your interest (and I’m sure there are more to come):

Metropolitan Opera.  Each night at 7:30pm ET, the Metropolitan Opera is live streaming performances from their repertoire for free.  These will continue until the Met opens its doors again, so take advantage of some of the most amazing performances available.

The Show’s Must Go On.  This YouTube Channel releases a different Andrew Lloyd Webber musical each Friday for 48 hours.  Previous performances include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, Phantom of the Opera and more.  This week (May 18th) is the ever-popular CATS! 

National Theatre at Home. National Theatre normally performs live productions from around the world and streams them into cinemas for your viewing pleasure.  During the pandemic, they have introduced National Theatre at Home, where each Thursday they release a different performance and make it available for viewing for 7 days.

Cirque du Soleil.  Cirque du Soleil is featuring 60-minute performances of some of its best shows on line for your entertainment.
 
Billboard Livestreams and Concerts.  Billboard knows that music fans need to hear their favorite artists in concert, so they have set up a page on their website dedicated specifically to livestreams and virtual concerts around the globe.  The list is updated on a regular basis, so be sure to check back frequently. 

Artists are adding more virtual concerts and performances as we continue through the coronavirus pandemic.  You can find your favorite artist streaming on YouTube, Facebook and more.  All are just a click away.  And when you are ready to start planning a trip to your next live concert, festival or vacation, Luxury Destinations Concierge is also a click (or phone call) away.  Give us a call at (805) 236-4437 to start planning.

As we all continue to combat the coronavirus pandemic by staying home and implementing social distancing procedures when we do venture out, many are looking forward to taking a vacation – escaping to somewhere fun, surrounded by people, and making happy memories after months cooped up.  The question is, what will that vacation look like and how does the travel industry have to change in order to accommodate the “new normal”?

Focus on Health. The one thing that will be on everyone’s mind as they begin to plan any vacation is their health and the health of those that they will be around. Crowded airplanes and packed cruises may be a thing of the past as we will most likely need to continue with some form of social distancing. You may even need to provide proof of good health when traveling by plane or cruise ship – especially if you are in one of the more vulnerable health groups.

Airlines. When non-essential flights return, air travel will be much different than before the pandemic hit. Most airlines will concentrate on high-traffic routes and may even eliminate or severely curtail those flights that weren’t profitable.  Most travelers will prefer direct flights to limit exposure, and flight attendants and crews will most likely wear masks and gloves as they interact with their customers. Expect to see a ban on middle-seat occupancy and changes to boarding procedures as airlines practice social distancing as well.

Cruises. One of the hardest hit in the travel industry will be cruise lines.  As we’ve seen over the past few months, cruises have been hammered with COVID-19 outbreaks, and many struggled (and are still struggling) to find ports where their passengers could disembark.  This is on top of the other periodic outbreaks aboard cruise ships that we’ve heard about in the news for years.  Cruises tend to get a bad rap as far as health and safety are concerned, but this is much different. There are several hurdles that cruise lines need to overcome in order to bounce back after the pandemic ends – especially trust.

Cruise lines are going to have to prove to the public that their ships are not a health risk. Endless buffets will be a thing of the past, with glass protecting food and servers in masks and gloves handing you your selections. Casinos, theaters, swimming pools and even dining rooms will limit the number of passengers allowed in at any given time. Cruise lines will have to make the public aware of what they are doing to keep the ships clean and their procedures to contain onboard illnesses.  In fact, most will probably increase their medical staffs and facilities to ensure they can handle medical emergencies.

Another issue that cruise ships will need to explore is air circulation.  Right now, most cruises rely on recirculated air, thus making it very easy for viruses and other illnesses to spread throughout the ship. We’ll most likely see systems put in place that bring fresh air into common areas and cabins, and an increase in sanitizing procedures.

When it comes to handling sick passengers, cruise lines will have to improve their coordination with ports around the world, ensuring that remaining passengers are protected and there is little threat to the port city as they disembark.

Hotels and Rentals. In addition to airlines and cruise lines, the hotel industry will have its own challenges. Hotels will need to promote their cleanliness, and will contend with a slow return of leisure, business and group travel.  Rentals will have a bit more to overcome as people continue to be concerned about health conditions and cleanliness of those vacation homes.

In all cases, expect to find discounted rates as the travel industry tries to rebound. Travel agents, like Luxury Destinations Concierge, will have the most up-to-date information to help you plan your trip, and will be there for you in case your plans change. Give us a call at (805) 236-4437. We’re happy to answer your questions and make your next vacation memorable!

Sticking to the self-quarantine guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic can get a little monotonous.  There are just so many board games we can play or hours we can spend binge-watching the latest Netflix series before boredom sinks in.  To avoid a bad case of cabin fever, why not escape for a while with a virtual tour?

Whether you want to visit a museum, go to the zoo or check out a piece of history on the other side of the ocean, virtual tours can give you the experience of (almost) being there.  Here are some great examples to indulge any interest:

The British Museum, London.  The British Museum offers an excellent “tour through history” on it’s website, where you can virtually travel through time to the distant past and learn all about the history of Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.  
 
The Louvre, Paris.  If you’ve always wanted to go to the Louvre, now’s your chance.  They currently have four virtual tours for you to explore – The Advent of the Artist, Egyptian Antiquities, The Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and Galerie d’Apollon. 

The Vatican Museums.  Always wanted to visit the Vatican?  Now’s your chance!  See the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and more through the power of 360-degree imagery.  

National Museum of the United States Air Force.  For aviation and history buffs, the National Museum of the United States Air Force virtual tours offers a look at models of America’s early airplanes and their history.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.   Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts has 17 virtual exhibits to tour.  Whether it’s fashion or art, there is much to discover here. 

The Winchester Mystery House.  If museums aren’t your cup of tea, then maybe a virtual tour of the Winchester Mystery House will pique your interest.  Built in 1884 by Sarah Winchester, heiress to a large portion of the Winchester repeating rifle fortune, under odd circumstances,  this house certainly lives up to its name. 

Houston Zoo.  If you need a little diversion, watch the live feeds from Houston Zoo.  Whether it’s the giraffes, gorillas or ants (yes ants!) you’ll have a front seat to how they spend their time.

Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Sea life more your thing?  Then tune into the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 24-hr livecams to catch a variety of creatures from the deep (including sharks!)

NASA Tours.  If you really want to get out of this world, then take one of NASA’s virtual tours.  From the Hubble telescope and NASA Research Centers to the International Space Station, you can learn a lot about our universe.

Machu Picchu, Cuzco.  Take a tour of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the comfort of your living room.  This 360-degree guided tour details all you would see and learn about Machu Picchu in all its glory.

Ellis Island.  Want to learn about the immigration process in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?  Then take a virtual tour of Ellis Island, where over 12 million immigrants passed through the doors overlooking the Statue of Liberty. 

Virtual tours allow you to discover the world – from the comfort of your own home.  If you fall in love with any of these places and want to see more, Luxury Destinations Concierge is here to help you plan your next in-person trip.  Give us a call at (805) 236-4437 to get started.

As the number of people impacted by the coronavirus continues to grow, and as governments take measures to keep us safe and try to slow the progress of COVID-19, the question that keeps coming up is:  What about my vacation and travel plans?  Here is what we know about travel for the near future:

• As of March 15th, we are at a Level 3 Global Health Advisory, which means you should reconsider travel.  This means that many countries experiencing (and even not experiencing) outbreaks of COVID-19 are taking action to limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and restricting border passage.  These restrictions could happen without notice, which may strand visitors indeterminately.
• Many countries have implemented strict screening processes to prevent the spread of COVID-19
• Travel to the U.S. has been restricted for those coming from China, Iran, and certain European countries.  This does not include U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents.  However, U.S. citizens and residents must travel through an approved airport.  The Department of Homeland Security’s website has further details on approved airports and procedures.
  
• U.S. citizens, especially those with underlying medical conditions, are advised not to travel by cruise ship.  The CDC has stressed the increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 on cruise ships.  In addition, many countries have not allowed cruise ships to dock out of public health concerns and, if they do allow passengers to disembark, they are subject to local quarantine procedures and flights back to the U.S. may not be possible until the quarantine is lifted.
• Most airlines are being flexible, waiving change fees and accommodating passengers.  In addition, many have cancelled service both domestically and internationally.  If you must travel, check out advisories on your airline’s website.
• Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to stay up-to-date on what’s happening worldwide with travel and COVID-19
  
• Travel insurance does not necessarily cover you for health advisories.  If you are considering booking a trip and getting travel insurance, make sure you understand the circumstances and coverage you can expect.

The Bottom Line:
When all is said and done, what is most important is your health and the health of those around you.  If you need to travel or are wondering whether or not to cancel/postpone your travel plans, consider the following questions:

• Is your destination affected by the coronavirus outbreak?
• Are you part of a group that is at risk of a coronavirus infection (older people or those with preexisting medical conditions)?

Whether you are traveling or staying home, do your part to help limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often
• Cough/sneeze into your elbow
• Don’t touch your face or your eyes
• Practice social distancing, staying at least 6ft away from others
• If you feel sick, stay home

In this confusing time, we’re here to help.  Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437.  We’ll answer all your travel-related questions and help you navigate through this process.