In the Northern Hemisphere we are enjoying the sunshine and heat of summer. With the better weather we are out in our gardens or balconies and enjoying time with family and friends sharing in good food. For our Southern Hemisphere friends, we hope this blog tides you through to warmer months ahead.   

At Luxury Gold you’ll know we are passionate about delicious authentic and local food. But did you also know that we are committed to bringing vegetarian options to the fore on our tours? As part of The Travel Corporation’s 5-year sustainability strategy we have committed to reducing not only our carbon impact but also food waste. As such this blog shares only vegetarian and vegan recipes. It also features recipes with vegetables that are seasonal and that you just might have growing in your outside space. We hope that you will try them and have a meat free barbeque! 

Watermelon and Feta Skewers Recipe Here  

Photo by watermelon.org

These skewers are not just beautiful with the contrasting colors of the watermelon and feta but will also cool you down during a warm summer’s day. We love them with a touch of mint added but you can also quickly grill them on the BBQ if you want. The variations are endless! 

Beetroot Hummus Recipe Here 

Photo by pretty simple sweet

Can you see a color theme appearing? Once you’ve tried this bright hummus you will never go back to the plain original! The flavors are balanced beautifully in this recipe and what is even better is that you can make it ahead for easy prep. Cut up some vegetables to dip into it or use it as a spread in your burger bun. 

Vegan Burgers Recipe Here  

Photo by Jamie Oliver

Speaking of burgers we love Jamie Oliver’s recipe. This easy recipe is vegan, healthy and satisfying. Meat lovers will have nothing to complain about. If you aren’t too keen on some of the spices the base can easily be modified to suit all tastes.  

Tomato and Zucchini Tart Recipe Here 

Photo by A beautiful Kitchen

Do you have tomatoes and zucchini growing in your vegetable patch? Have so much produce you’re not sure what to do with it? Well this is the recipe for you! Not only is this tart delicious it looks beautiful and will impress guests. It reminds us of the flavors of France. Feeling inspired to go on vacation? We’re ready for you.  

Strawberry shortcake Recipe Here 

Photo by Ricciardo Cuisine

The Luxury Gold team have lots of strawberries ripening and look forward to making this strawberry shortcake. Sometimes less is in fact more and this recipe is just that, a perfectly fresh combination of strawberries, cream and sweet shortcake. This dessert will round off a perfect BBQ! 

Pimm’s Cup Recipe Here  

Photo by Pimm’s

We know that any BBQ isn’t complete without a drink and we are sharing our favorite from the UK. Pimm’s was originally blended by James Pimm as an aid to digesting oysters in 1840. It is a gin-based spirit with a fruity flavor. Now it is a signpost of British summertime. Start perfecting your cocktail now in time for Wimbledon!  

Watermelon Lemonade Recipe Here  

Photo by BBC Good Food

Remember the introduction of this blog where we spoke about Luxury Gold’s commitment to reducing food waste? This is a recipe that does just that. It reuses the watermelon you’ve used in the skewers to make this fun non-alcoholic cocktail that is simple to make but is a showstopper.  

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.