We’ve all been missing travel, the delight of exploring an exciting destination and soaking in its sights, sounds and aromas. The joy of meeting new people and learning about their culture has also been missed, but did you know there are many hidden benefits of travel beyond the obvious?

Maybe you have been traveling recently, or perhaps you are waiting for the right moment to explore the world once again, either way in case you’re undecided, we at Luxury Gold have put together some extra reasons for you to get back out on the road when you’re ready.

It is good for your heart

Travel is fun, that’s for sure, however were you aware that it is scientifically proven to be good for your heart? Studies have shown that taking vacations can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, a real concern for many today. A study by Finnish researchers using data collected over a 40 year period showed that those who take their full holiday entitlement are significantly less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack. And a U.S Travel Association joint study concluded that women who vacation twice a year significantly reduced their risk of heart attack when compared to those who only traveled once every six years. The same study also concluded that men who don’t take vacations at least once a year increased their risk of heart disease by 30% and their risk of death by 20%.

Travel improves your mental health and reduces stress levels

Travel is good for your mental health in numerous ways. It promotes happiness and helps you to take your mind off stressful situations, leading to lower cortisol levels, making you feel calmer and more content. Stepping into an unfamiliar environment among new people enables you to learn and adapt building resilience, ultimately making you more flexible, patient and emotionally strong. Plus taking a break from the daily hustle and bustle is essential for your mind to relax, recharge and rejuvenate. According to one study, three days after taking a vacation, travelers report feeling less anxious, more rested and in a better mood, with these benefits lingering for weeks after the journey has ended.

La Alhambra complex, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

Of course, we know the complexities of travel can be somewhat stressful, which is why we at Luxury Gold take care of every detail so you can just concentrate on having an amazing experience. When you choose luxury guided travel with us you can relax knowing your Traveling Concierge and your Well-Being Director are at your service for the entire voyage. Combine this with the very best 5-Star hotels and exceptional dining, who wouldn’t feel content and refreshed!

Planning a vacation makes you happy

The anticipation of taking a vacation is far greater than the anticipation of acquiring a physical possession according to this study by Cornell University, thus the benefits of traveling begin well before the journey does. We suggest that you test this theory by taking a look at our Luxury Gold Chairman’s Collection and imagining yourself sipping tea with a Duchess on a luxury guided tour of Great Britain (British Royale, Castles & Kingdoms) or by reading more about our VIP Experiences and picturing a private, after-hours visit to Graceland (The Sumptuous Soul of America). Just to be completely sure maybe add some thoughts about spending the night swathed in five-star splendor at Ashford Castle in Ireland, one of our fabulous hand-picked hotels (Ultimate Ireland and Castles & Kingdoms). Truly exclusive travel. Feeling happier yet? We thought so!

Travel promotes physical activity

With busy lives and regular routines, it is easy to let physical activity slide, and we all know how important it is for us all. Traveling allows you to be active for many hours a day, without really noticing how much you are working your muscles as you get discover your destination, peruse through grand museums, explore quaint towns and stroll around beautiful gardens.

Vineyards at Dianella Winery in Tuscany

Luxury Gold tours offer three activity levels of guided tour – Leisurely, Balanced and Dynamic – so you can chose the pace you want to take. For example, if you’re looking for a more active pace you’ll love our Dynamic tours which can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills – take a look at Ultimate Italy, Majestic Japan or Inspiring Indochina for three inspiring examples.

Travel benefits People, the Planet and our Wildlife

The benefits of responsible travel and tourism to communities are huge. Your visits can help support ancient traditions, boost employment and equality, and exchange important information and opinions with the characters you meet about ways of living with our planet and its wildlife.

We certainly believe travel is a force for good and include MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences on every Luxury Gold tour, which not only enable you to leave a positive impact but are lots of fun and will even give you some new skills!

Marta, workshop director of the Giuditta Brozzetti Atelier

When in Umbria, Italy, you can meet the delightful Marta, Director of Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, and delve into the colorful history of traditional Perugian textiles – try your hand at loom-weaving at one of the few remaining traditional frame hand weaving workshops in the country. Or get a unique insight into the slow food movement at Tracey’s Farmhouse in Northern Ireland – roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with an Irish soda bread-making lesson and indulge in a seasonal Farm-to-Table lunch in the most beautiful setting. Just two fabulous examples to whet your appetite.

Benefits of Luxury Gold

With all these extra benefits of travel, we thought it is a good moment to also mention some extra benefits of guided travel with Luxury Gold. As well as fantastic destinations, magnificent hotels, exceptional dining and VIP experiences, no matter where you journey with us, there’s never a crowd. Starting in 2022, you’ll always travel in a small group of about 20 guests on average on our luxury tours. With our small groups, you benefit from more personalized service from your Traveling Concierge and gain access to people and places that are closed to larger groups. You also benefit from having both a Traveling Concierge and a Well-Being Director to look after every detail of your vacation, and to ensure everything runs smoothly throughout leaving you free to enjoy every moment. So, the only thing you have to decide is where you want to go next?

For more information on Luxury Gold destinations click here. Tours for 2022 & 2023 are now available to book.

Thoughts of postcards likely bring a deep nostalgia to many people. Some might even wonder if they can still be found in the far flung parts of the world? The fact is, they are still sold, and there are many reasons why you should be buying and sending them.

Postcards are one of the easiest souvenirs that we can pick up on our travels. They are available everywhere, even at the airport if you’ve forgotten until the last moment. They are inexpensive and they are so much more than a picture on a card.

Since early 2020, we’ve all had our travel plans changed at some point. Whether it was a family vacation to see historic gems in Ireland or a luxury small group tour you were looking forward to with friends, it’s likely you’ve faced delays or cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic. That’s why returning to travel feels even sweeter and as countries open their borders, the memories we make on our next luxury tour will be more treasured than ever.

Reasons to Send a Postcard

Sending a postcard is now seen as out of the ordinary, which provides even more reason to send one. Everyone can make an Insta story on their smartphone, or a short video on Facebook to show everyone what a great time they’re having on vineyard tour or the stunning details of luxury hotels, but a postcard is something tangible that will last longer.

Sending one to yourself is a rewarding experience that takes a short amount of time, but will have a much greater impact in the future. Here are seven reasons why you should send yourself a postcard from your amazing vacation.

The Perfect Souvenir

Each destination has its own kitsch souvenir, like cowbells from Switzerland and mini sumo wrestler ornaments from Japan. Some people absolutely adore these, but mostly you find it amusing at the time and it simply collects dust when you get home.

Photo by Photo Mick Haupt

Your postcards can be hung in plain sight, such as on the fridge or on a pinboard in your bedroom or study, reminding you of an incredible adventure you went on years ago.

A Reminder for Years to Come

The incredible power of imagery means that a simple glance can transport you back to an exceptional venue you discovered on your travels. You might be transported back to your VIP Experience at the Vatican Museum in Rome or the views of Pont du Gard in Provence.

You might lose your camera, or forget to download the photos from your old phone, but your postcard will be there to take you down memory lane.

Postcards often spark conversations too. Perhaps your neighbor will see when they pop around for a coffee or your grandchildren may ask where the postcard came from?

A Quick Way to Record Details

Sometimes it’s the beautiful mundane details that bring joy. When you mail yourself a postcard, you can jot down about the tiny restaurant that your Traveling Concierge booked mid-way through the vacation that you want to remember for your next visit.

After a long day of exploring, it’s hard to remember all the details of the day, but if you pick a postcard up as you go, you can jot down some notes over a meal.

You might note down the afternoon you spent exploring the Jewish Quarter in Prague, or a funny character you spoke to over dinner. Your postcard will certainly evoke a memory that you might have forgotten otherwise.

Enrich Your Journey

The simple act of buying and sending a postcard on your travels is something that can add something unexpected to your vacation.

Perhaps it will support the work of a local artist or photographer, if you buy one of their postcards? If you need to buy stamps, you may meet some of the locals and need to speak a few words of their language to explain?

You’ll certainly learn something about a foreign postal system; the price of a stamp and the friendliness of those who sell them!

Build a Collection

If you make it a mission to build your own collection of postcards, not only do you get the benefit of the memories and photos, but much else besides.

On your postcard, there’ll be the stamp from that country. Some of these may show their head of state, a national emblem or might be a limited edition from an event taking place that year, such as the Olympics or a sports tournament. These are another unique reminder of the place you have visited.

Photo by Mason B. on Unsplash

The stamp will show you when and where it was posted, so you’ll never forget the date of the vacation either. You’ll have an amazing collection that is unique to you.

To Pass Down to Family Members

If you build a collection, you can dip into it with family members. Simply choosing one can spark off a conversation about the exclusive hotel you stayed in, overlooking the pyramids in Egypt, or the extraordinary wildlife in Cape Point Nature Reserve, South Africa.

Your assortment of postcards can form a family heirloom that is particular to your travels. Imagine how special that will be to future generations? Borders may have changed; certain countries may be less accessible or (more likely) different destinations may become more fashionable. Your postcards will be a snapshot of a time passed in your own life adventure.

Conserve all your postcards in a photo album for a beautiful family keepsake.

Discover Your Next Travel Adventure

In order to start building your new collection, you need to book your next vacation. Luckily, Luxury Gold has an amazing selection of last minute travel specials this summer. Europe has opened its borders so you can a luxury guided tour steeped in culture on Spain & Portugal in Style or uncover the treasures of the Adriatic on Captivating Croatia and Montenegro.

You’ll be accompanied by a Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director for every step of your journey, so you can travel with confidence. We’re also offering full flexibility to change your dates or destination up to 30 days before your departure, for your peace of mind.

“I do not believe there is another city on earth so beautiful as Paris in France, nor another people with such an appreciation of the beautiful as the French.” – Edward Hopper

Following the fantastic news that France has added both the United States and Canada to its green list, many travelers are eager to book their summer sojourn in Europe. Luxury guided travel in France is a popular choice among holidaymakers, providing peace of mind with the backing of an experienced travel company.

Famed for its culinary splendor, rich viticulture and art history, France offers so much for every type of visitor. For those who love urban excitement, Paris has it in abundance while those seeking history or art can find it in over 130 museums in the capital. There’s also plenty to discover in the countryside, from the fragrant olive groves to the many chateaux dotted about the landscape. Vineyard tours are plentiful in one of the world’s top wine-producing countries.

A Luxury Tour in France

If this sounds heavenly, then the French Vogue luxury tour is a great option for your summer getaway. Featuring off the beaten track experiences alongside the major sights, this 10-day adventure combines the best of city and country so you can appreciate France from both perspectives.

Your journey begins in Paris, the City of Light. After checking into your elegant hotel, just steps from the Eiffel Tower, there is time to explore the nearby vicinity including the magnificent Moorish style Trocadero. In the evening, you’ll gather with your fellow travelers for dinner right by the Seine River, to soak up to romance of this wonderful city.

On Day 2, you’ll be escorted to Château De Vaux-Le-Vicomte for a VIP Experience exclusive to Luxury Gold. Explore the beautifully-landscape grounds of the oldest château in France and hear more about how the design set a precedent in architectural styles.

One of the best ways to experience Paris is through a foodie tour with your Local Expert. Sample the freshly baked goods at a patisserie, and let your turophile loose in the tiny cheese shops. You’ll also visit chocolatiers and small cafés serving up the delightful gourmet fare that has made France famous. Lunch is served at the Eiffel Tower, where you can admire the panoramas of Paris over a glass of wine.

Roman Relics and Charming Markets

Head south to Avignon on board one of the fastest trains in the world, the TGV. After lunch, marvel at the well-preserved Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only example of a three-story aqueduct that is left standing, a testament to the thousand men who built it over a five-year period in the first century.

Your luxury accommodation for the next three nights will be at the Château de Fonscolombe, a historic building set amid the lush landscape of Provence. There is plenty of time to enjoy all the estate has to offer, perhaps you can ask the concierge to arrange a picnic in the colorful park that the estate sits on?

Wander the artisan stalls of the lively St Remy market before lunch at the Michelin-starred Maison Prévôt, an institution that celebrates the best of Provencal cuisine.

Begin Day 6 with a guided walk through Arles, following the footsteps of the great artist Van Gogh. He stayed in the town for 14 months, painting over 200 masterpieces of its features and surrounding countryside. Stop by the Arles Amphitheatre to hear the echoes of the chariot races that took place here 2,000 years ago. In the afternoon, stroll amid the olive groves of Moulin de Calanquet, where olive oil has been produced since the 19^th century. Hear more about the family who has owned the mill for generations and sample their oils, jams and spreads. You’ll continue on to the charming village of Les-Baux-de-Provence, perched in the Alpilles Mountains.

Provence Your Way to the Glamour of Monaco

After browsing the market in lovely Lourmarin, you have a choice with Provence Your Way. Follow a guided walk through the trees, spotting the many works of contemporary art or experience one of the most insightful wine tasting tours in cellars designed by Jean Nouvel. Sample award-winning wines produced using organic and biodynamic principles.

After a few wonderful days exploring rural France, the next stop on your journey is the glamorous Principality of Monaco. This jet set paradise has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13^th century and is host to the Formula 1 Gran Prix. Some of the most expensive real estate in the world can be found here, which is unsurprising when you discover that over 32% of its population are millionaires.

In Monaco, you’ll spend three nights in lavish accommodation overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Pass by the cathedral to see where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace are laid to rest, and admire the royal palace, which was built nearly 1,000 years ago.

Should you wish to explore Nice, it is just 30 minutes from Monaco. The city has some wonderful museums and a beautiful promenade walk along the French Riviera.

The Wonders of the French Riviera

After a Relaxed Start, embark on the late morning drive along the Moyenne Corniche Road to see some of the most staggering vistas of the Mediterranean. See the opulent villas built during the Belle Époque era on this winding road hewn from the rocky hillside.

Join a Local Expert to explore the fascinating Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, one of the most incredible buildings on the coast. Art lovers can admire the enormous collection of works from across the globe, while those with a preference for botany will find plenty to examine in the nine gardens that surround the villa.

You’ll bid goodbye to France with a celebration dinner on the French Riviera, savoring the extraordinary gourmet flavors of the country.

Elite Experiences on the Chairman’s Collection

Select departures on the French Vogue tour are Chairman’s Collection journeys, which offer experiences that have been personally curated by Stanley Tollman using his extensive connections from a life in travel.

This provides our guests the exclusive opportunity to dine with Count Richard de Warren at his family’s property, Hotel Alfred Sommier. Over an expertly-prepared Parisien meal, the Count will share stories about his family history and developing the mansion into an exquisite hotel.

Discover Why France is Top Trending Summer Destination

If you’re looking for a luxury small group tour to France, you’ll find exceptional comfort and space on our French Vogue tour this summer.  Your Travel Director and Well-Being Director will provide any support and assistance you require on your tour, so you can simply relax and enjoy your travels.

From the historic walled city of St-Malo to relishing the produce of farm-to-table vineyards in the Loire Valley, this tour will indulge all your senses.

You can now book your French Vogue tour with up to 15% off for journeys in summer 2021. Turn your travels into gold with a luxury summer escape to France.