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Behind the Scenes With Suzette: My First Virtual Travel Conference

Virtuoso Travel Week wrapped up recently, a huge event normally held in Las Vegas, which went virtual for the first time. While I missed seeing my colleagues and travel partners in person, the outcome was the same:  strong connections with the people who have the most influence over my clients’ travel experience, who will hand select their hotel room and VIP them, and who I will call on for support with a special request or a problem.

Suzette Mack with team from Africa

A supplier’s network of contacts and personal relationships with hotels in the destination are my most important consideration when selecting who to partner with for my clients’ trips.

Of course it’s a sales event as well, and I love getting the inside scoop on what’s new and what’s going on behind the scenes that you won’t find on the internet.

Some highlights this year:

  • An adventure tour operator has structured their pricing so 6-7 travelers can take over many of their tour dates as a private trip with no increase in cost. How great for family groups or couples traveling together!
  • A sneak peak at two new resorts: one opening soon in Sonoma wine country, and something completely unique on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
New hotels in Sonoma Wine Country and the Pacific Coast of Mexico

Exciting new hotels opening in late 2020 – reservations being accepted now!

  • Suppliers are working on vetting more private luxury beach houses, villas, and apartments so we can book them with confidence for our clients.
  • Some resorts have interconnecting 2-4 bedroom options, but they are not advertised on their website because they have to manually block them. We must contact our sales reps to book these.
  • A luxury cycling company has the motto is BIKE – EAT – DRINK – SLEEP.  You can choose your priorities!
Cycling tour in Zion National Park

A Southwest national parks trip includes a visit to lesser known Snow Canyon State Park.

  • Hotels are coming up with creative ways to make the vacation experience special while still social distancing:  private movie nights offered on bungalow patios, mobile bar carts instead of public bars.
  • A Sedona resort is debuting a new adventure center for hikers and mountain bikers. Talk with an expert to pick the right trail, and rent top of the line gear.
  • Several guest ranches are open through winter with fun programs for families.
Guest ranch lodge with christmas tree

Ranches offer a “home away from home” winter experience, with accommodations from lodge rooms to cozy private cabins to multi-bedroom fully-equipped homes.

  • One of the most exciting and innovative developments: A few resorts have announced homeschool packages, where they will provide remote learning space and staff so kids can keep up with coursework while the parents work.

Holiday space is starting to book up, and I can confirm that as I have had two clients this week find out the resort they wanted is not available. But many properties which normally sell out by now do have space.  Cancellation policies are more flexible than usual (some even up 24-48 hours prior to arrival), so planning now is risk-free for at least several months.

St Regis Bora Bora overwater bungalow

Virtuoso exclusives in Bora Bora include 4th night free, daily breakfast (some  with dinner, too), $100 hotel credit, and roundtrip airport shuttle.

Also check out Virtuoso’s recap of the 9 Best Things Learned at Virtuoso Travel Week.

I didn’t attend any cocktail parties, but I did get martini tips from a bartender in London. And I bonded over a love of boxers with the owner of a beautiful Tuscany resort who’s also a Michelin chef. (I don’t speak Italian, but I think  our dogs may be betrothed now??)

Screenshots of meeting with Tuscany resort owner and luxury hotel in London

Il Falconiere, a Relais & Chateaux property in Cortona, and Egerton House, one of only 15 Forbes 5 star hotels in London.

Whether or not to plan travel now is a personal choice, but if you hope to get away in 2021 (or even 2022 for big trips like Africa), we should talk.  Drop me a note or give me a call at 408-223-6155, I’m always happy to talk travel!

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10 Fun Facts About Vermejo Ranch, a Ted Turner Reserve

I had the great pleasure to visit Vermejo Park Ranch in northern New Mexico recently. I had heard of Ted Turner Reserves, and assumed they were just another luxury guest ranch.  I learned they are so much more, and why Vermejo is often referred to as a private national park.

  1. Exceeding 550,000 acres, the ranch is approximately the size of Rhode Island, and only six National Parks are larger.

    map of vermejo ranch

    The yellow arrow marks the location of the main lodge.

  2. When the ranch is at full capacity, every guest would have over 8000 acres to themselves. It is the largest contiguous ranch in the US.
    view of vermejo landscape while hiking

    Views for miles, and we can only see a small part!

    bar and lounge in vermejo ranch lodge

    Our favorite gathering place after a day of activity.

  3. The driveway is 45 miles long (the road starts at the far right of the map, near the border with Colorado).

    entrance sign to vermejo ranch

    Entering the boundaries of the ranch. Our adventure begins soon!

  4. There were only 97 bison when Ted Turner bought the property. Now there are approximately 1500, including some genetically pure Yellowstone bison. There are >50,000 bison across all Ted Turner properties.

    bison crossing road in vermejo

    Looks like Yellowstone, but without the traffic and crowds.

  5. Botanical specimens from the early 1900’s were discovered in the attic by Jane Fonda, and are now on display in historic Casa Grande mansion.
    framed botanic specimens in casa grande at vermejo ranch

    The label says “Plants of New Mexico” and the date is September 1913.

    casa grande exterior at vermejo ranch

    Casa Grande is 25,000 sq ft with rooms and suites for guests, plus gorgeous public spaces. Another historic building is being restored and will open in 2020.

  6. Rio Grande cutthroat trout were almost on the endangered species list until Ted Turner rehabilitated the creeks in Vermejo, removing non-native species. Now genetically pure Rio Grande cutthroats can be fished exclusively on the ranch.

    Wildlife and streams by the lodge at Vermejo

    Beautiful scenery and wildlife right out the front door of the lodge.

  7. Parts of the ranch are frozen in time with an old coal mine, charcoal kilns, abandoned homesteads, a turn of the century cemetery, and native American artifacts.

    coal kilns at vermejo

    A fun setting for a special lunch!

  8. Costilla Lodge is a certified LEED Silver solar-power ecolodge in a private location 45 minutes from the main lodge.  The lodge is available for full buyouts (occupany 16), and is perfect for corporate or family groups. You can even customize your menu!

    Costilla Lodge at Vermejo

    Imagine having this place all to yourself. Great food, great views, great guides.

  9. Casa Grande looks remarkbly much like it did a hundred years ago.

    The Grand Entry and Great Room in the earl 1900’s. Source: “Vermejo Park Ranch a History”

    Casa Grande interior

    Casa Grande today.

  10. Depending on the time of year, guests can go shed hunting, or on an early morning elk safari. And there are many other activities including biking, hiking, horseback riding, and geocaching.
    vermejo ranch scenery

    Ready for a scramble up Castle Rock. (And for those of you wondering, no ticks here!)

    alpine lake at vermejo ranch

    I love alpine lakes!

Vermejo is not just a place to spend an one of a kind vacation, but a chance to witness one of North America’s greatest conservation comeback stories.  Because each visit is customized, contact me for more information on what to expect and how to plan, and also to receive our exclusive Virtuoso amenities.

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One of a Kind Family Celebrations

We’re coming up on graduation and wedding season, so today’s post is about celebration trips.  Here are my top suggestions for a one-of-a-kind trip to celebrate a special occasion or milestone birthday or anniversary.
                  
My criteria:
– It’s multi-generational, with accommodations and activities suitable for all ages
– It offers unique and exceptional experiences in the destination
– Meals are included or there is ample onsite dining.  No hassles figuring out what to do for dinner!
– There is a supervised children’s program or ample activities for kids
– It requires minimal advance planning on the travel organizer’s part.  Just book it, show up, and have a fantastic time!
Lindblad Expedition Cruise–  No casinos or nightclubs, instead travelers get up close to wilderness and wildlife.  Great destinations for families are Alaska, Baja California, and the Galapagos.  There’s hands on learning for everyone, kayaking and snorkeling right off the boat in warm waters, and intimate, personal service since ships have less than 100 passengers, and most less than 70!  There is no minimum age on family sailings, and kids under 18 get $500 off.
Virtuoso amenity:  $25 onboard credit on all sailings, additional credits and exclusive discounts on select sailings.

You won’t have this view of glaciers calving
 from a traditional cruise ship.
If they were any closer they’d be swimming with them!

Alaska Wilderness Lodge – This is another trip perfect for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts, the land version of an expedition cruise.  Expert guides and naturalists lead activities such as hiking, fishing, bear watching, and glacier climbing during the day, and then you have downtime or educational presentations at night.  The type of activities vary greatly by location and time of year, so research is key to find the best fit.  And advance planning is a must, as it’s not uncommon for them to book up a year or more in advance for peak periods.

Wilderness doesn’t mean roughing it- fresh crab!
Relaxing after a full day of activity

Caribbean Villa Resort – There are lots of private villas and homes available, but if you book one that’s part of a resort, you get the benefits of both worlds:  the services & amenities of a luxury hotel, plus the space and privacy of a home away from home. It’s the perfect compromise if you have some who want to relax beach or poolside, and others who want to be on the go. It’s also a good option for families with very young children. 

  
5 bedrooms and more available!
Great gathering spaces

Check out:


Round Hill Jamaica – 26 private villas, 100 acres of lush gardens, a pristine crescent beach, and complimentary children’s program starting at age 3
Virtuoso amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
$100 spa credit
Early check-in/late check-out

Private pool (and lawn) with a view
Fun for little ones

Escorted Family Tour – This is a great option if your family wants to see as much as possible in a limited amount of time, but doesn’t want the hassle of managing travel logistics. These small group tours visit popular sights in destinations ranging from national parks to European cities to Africa.  Families get lots of quality time together,  but also get to socialize with other adults and children. (Great for families traveling alone!) Most widely known is Adventures by Disney, but Tauck and A&K also offer family departures.  Active families should check out cycling, hiking or multi-sport trips with Backroads 


Adventures by Disney in the Southwest

Guest or Dude Ranch – What’s the difference?  A very simple distinction is that guest ranches offer ala carte activities and more flexible check in /out dates,  where a dude ranch is all inclusive, generally runs Saturday to Saturday and has scheduled trail rides. But every ranch is unique so again, this is a trip that requires careful research to find the right match. Guests can do as much or as little as they want, so it suits a variety of interests and activity levels. Accommodations range from lodge rooms to large private homes to luxury tents.  And don’t worry about it being too rustic, gourmet dining and other resort-style amenities like a pool and spa are often available.

Heading out on the trail
Learning to rope

Check out:


The Resort at Paws Up – A guest ranch in Montana’s gorgeous Big Sky country, with 28 luxurious vacation homes and 30 luxury tents with private baths and a Camping Butler.
Virtuoso amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
Complimentary round-trip private airport transfers
Early check-in, late check-out, subject to availability
A $300 activity credit
Bottle of wine in room on arrival

Private luxury at Paws Up

Brush Creek Ranch – An all-inclusive luxury dude ranch on 30,000 acres of Rocky Mountain wilderness in Wyoming. Rates include on site activities and trail rides, and the Lil Wranglers program for ages 4-8. Ages 9 and up can participate in most ranch activities.

Virtuoso amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
A complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people
Choice of complimentary Cattle Drive, Scenic Float, Premium Fly Fishing or Wing Shooting Experience for 2 guests
Early check-in/late check-out

Wyoming scenery
Imagine waking up to this view!

If your group is large enough, you can buy out an entire property or tour. This is the ultimate celebration trip, completely private and customized, something to remember forever!

Are these choices overwhelming?  No worries, just drop me a note at suzette@family-treks.com and I’ll help you design the perfect celebration for your family.
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What Families Say About Dude Ranch Vacations

One of our most memorable family vacations was a week spent at a dude ranch in Colorado. As a parent, I was happy seeing my kids spend an entire week enjoying the outdoors. No TV, no movies, no video games, but not one complaint of boredom. The kids would jump out of bed in the morning and race outside to hang out with their friends, then after a hearty ranch breakfast head to the corral for a morning on horseback.

But don’t take my word for it, here is what kids have to say about dude ranch vacations:

“The Wranglers taught me how to get up on the horse and never give up. It was really worth earning the Cowboy-Up Award!” (Sean, 11)

“You get to ride on horses through the woods, and you get to do fun art projects. The petting zoo was one of my favorite parts, every day I would go out and see the animals. Sometimes you can make up your own activities- my friends and I did a little play for the other guests.” (Katie, 6)


“I had so much fun at the dude ranch! I really liked my horsey Bugsy.” (Sam, 4)

“I liked making the horses trot and gallop, and I really liked the food! It was delicious, especially the desserts. And all the kids got to go on a secret gold mining trip.” (Ryan, 8)

“I liked my horse, the awesome battle against the Indians at the fort, the front row seats at the rodeo, and snipe hunting.” (Kyle, 12)

And now the parents:

“The thing I like about dude ranches is that they allow for a very active outdoor vacation, without the work of camping. Besides all of the scheduled activities, the kids get to relax, run around and explore the outdoors on summer evenings. The adults get great food and company.”



“Delicious home-made country style food and wide open skies are great reasons to return!”

“I was worried that I would get bored, but there turned out to be plenty to do. There was enough structure to ensure we had a full day of activity, yet it was at a slow enough pace to feel refreshed and relaxed. “

“It was one of our best family vacations — a great way to relax with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. The friendly staff also made us feel right at home!”

There are over a hundred dude and guests ranches in North America, and they all vary in size, amenities, activities, and accommodations. As a family travel specialist, my goal is to help families find the ranch that’s right for them, and answer all their questions about what to expect and how to pack and prepare for their trip.

For more information about planning a dude ranch vacation for your family, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com

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