Hello February!

Japan seamlessly blends contemporary and traditional culture with thousands of years of history and heritage. Modern metropolitan marvels are aplenty, spanning from displays of technology, pop culture and delicious international cuisine. Discover outdoor adventure like skiing and hiking in Hokkaido, go scuba diving or lounge on the beach in Okinawa or become immersed in the local art and culture of Kanazawa. However you like to travel, we can plan the perfect custom vacation for you to experience all the wonders of this diverse destination. Plus, when you book through our travel agency, you’ll enjoy expert insight plus exclusive savings and VIP perks you won’t find booking on your own. Gastronomy -Stir-frying tofu Japan is known for serving some of the world’s finest sashimi, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and more culinary treasures. And while there are endless opportunities to taste the celebrated local fare, the country’s commitment to gastronomic excellence also extends to international cuisine. From fresh seafood to time-honored culinary techniques, dining in Japan can be a captivating experience for all the senses. Looking for more? Ask our travel agency how to elevate your culinary experience with a private food tour to reveal all the nuances of Japanese cuisine. Natural Wonders-Kerama Islands, Okinawa, Japan Japan offers a wealth of natural wonders for intrepid travelers to explore, as some of the country’s greatest treasures are found outside its cities. From Hokkaido’s snowfields to Okinawa’s subtropical islands, the country’s spectacular natural beauty is one of its best-kept secrets. With nearly two-thirds of the country covered in stunning mountainous landscapes, Japan is a paradise for outdoor adventure of all kinds, from hiking to cycling, snow sports, diving and golf. With Japan flaunting 34 stunning national parks filled with mountains, lakes, beaches and forests, explorers need only venture just outside of Japan’s major cities to discover wildlife and outdoor experiences that are breathtaking in any season. Wellness & Relaxation- Buddhist temple There are many ways to find relaxation in Japan. You are never far from bubbling, geothermal waters with the country's many hot-spring resorts. A soak in these warm, mineral-rich waters offers the perfect reprieve for body and soul. Or you might choose to participate in a relaxing zen meditation session, wander the country’s many pristine botanical gardens or simply book a spa treatment at your hotel. In Japan, you won’t have to travel far to find tranquility. #LTTRAVELCONNECTION #LUXURYTRAVEL #ASKUSHOW. Contact our travel agency to plan your Japan vacation.

This less-visited Greek island hits all the right notes. In the pantheon of Greek isles, Páros stands out as a Goldilocks destination. Nicknamed Little Mykonos for its vibrant nightlife, this pear-shaped, 75-square-mile volcanic rock in the Cyclades is still sleepy enough that there’s a beach where you can enjoy a sunset swim au naturel. Historically a hub for white marble (the Venus de Milo statue was made from two blocks of it), Páros has seen its tourism cachet grow progressively since the 1960s. Today, sun worshippers are falling in love with the island’s sandy beaches, clear waters, white-and-blue cliffside architecture, and winds too aggressive to be casual – the foundations of a classic Cycladic vacation. Building on top of that is where the fun begins. You can go the Mykonos route with a lively club in Parikia or Naoussa, the island’s two largest villages. But to get the full Páros experience, flesh out your trip with farm tours, local designer shopping, and some of the region’s best seafood restaurants. Here’s how to get a taste of the island on your day in port. 10 a.m. From the main port, it’s a short walk to the center of Parikia, Páros’ lively capital, home to one of Greece’s most renowned churches: The fourth-century Panagia Ekatontapiliani is known for its 99 doors (and a mythical 100th one that’s said to be hidden). Its interior – a classic basilica layered with elaborate Byzantine details such as a gilded crucifix and massive chandeliers – is worth a peek. Afterward, stroll the narrow, winding lanes lined with white-and-blue buildings that make up the center of town before stopping at stylish, all-day restaurant Chora for a freddo espresso, Greece’s frothy take on the iced coffee. 11 a.m. Take a 20-minute taxi ride north for a tour and tasting at family-run Petra Farm, overlooking the Aegean. Complete with goats and chickens, it grows everything from grapes and olives to capers, lavender, and figs. In the elegant main house, sample jams, cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and homemade breads. The prepackaged pantry items (including an addictively sweet-with-a-kick chili jam) make great souvenirs. 1 p.m. Cab ten minutes to Monastiri Beach Bar & Restaurant to tan and people-watch from a sunbed under its famous red umbrellas. Located on Ai Yiannis Detis peninsula, where rocky hills and a blue-domed monastery preside over the Gulf of Naoussa, Monastiri Beach Bar is among Páros’ most popular, thanks to the island’s growing party scene (book a daybed or cabana weeks in advance). At midday, the DJ spins a tranquil soundtrack for a few hours of alternating between sunbathing and submerging yourself in the Aegean. For the most local sip, try a red, white, rosé, or sparkling wine from newly launched Parian label Seiradi. #lttravelconnection #luxurytravel