Grand Voyages Weekly Digest

Happy Saturday, Grand Voyagers!

Just dropped my latest YouTube video on Dubai and I'm still buzzing from the experience! From the traditional souks that feel unchanged for generations to the world's tallest building and indoor ski resort in the desert, Dubai really is unlike anywhere else on earth.

Plus I've been diving deep into Italy's incredible value propositions and some game-changing travel strategies that are saving my clients thousands. 🍕 

If you're enjoying these bi-weekly finds, please share with a friend! There's a handy button below to make it super easy. ✨

🏙️ WHERE CENTURIES COLLIDE IN THE MOST SPECTACULAR WAY

In my latest YouTube video captures something I've never experienced before - a city where literally centuries of development have been compressed into decades.

Walking through Dubai's Gold Souk (where 20% of the world's physical gold passes through annually!) then taking the metro to Ski Dubai where it's 30°F inside while it's over 100°F outside? Mind-blowing.

What struck me most was crossing Dubai Creek on the traditional Abra water taxi for just 27 cents, then looking up at the dramatic architectural contrast - centuries-old trading dhows loading cargo for Iran and India right below the gleaming Burj Khalifa skyline. The visual embodiment of a city where tradition and innovation coexist in the most fascinating way.

The Dubai Mall alone is worth the trip - it's not just shopping, it's a destination with a 10 million liter aquarium, Olympic-size ice rink, and that incredible 24-meter waterfall installation. Then watching the Dubai Fountain Show at sunset with 22,000 gallons of water choreographed to music against the backdrop of the illuminated Burj Khalifa? Absolutely magical.

🍝 ITALY’S INCREDIBLE VALUE

Been researching Italy extensively for clients and honestly, the value proposition in places like Florence is incredible right now! While everyone talks about Italy being expensive, I've found some absolute gems that deliver luxury experiences without the luxury price tags.

In Florence, the FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli sits perfectly between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria - you literally can't get a better location. What I love is the attention to detail: vintage brass chandeliers, hand-painted ceilings in some rooms, and those big windows overlooking Via Calzaiuoli for the best people-watching in the city. Plus it's family-friendly with soundproofed rooms sleeping up to six.

The Rivoli Boutique Hotel completely blew me away - it's hidden behind a modest doorway but opens up to reveal a former 14th-century monastery with cloisters, pietra serena columns, and a garden courtyard with a Jacuzzi plunge pool. The fact that it includes spa access and sits in the heart of Florence for under $500? Incredible value.

For the countryside, nothing beats the Montepulciano and Montalcino region. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco offers 5,000 acres of private estate with sprawling villas, private pools, their own Brunello-producing winery, and even a private golf course. It's the kind of place where you unpack once and never want to leave.

Want the full scoop on Italy? Check out my Insider's Guide to Tuscany and if you're stopping in Florence, here are my luxury boutique picks for $500 or less.

💳 THE ART OF COMBINING POINTS, MILES & CASH

OK y'all, this is where I get seriously excited! I've been deep-diving into points strategies for clients and the game has completely changed in 2025. The old "save your points forever" approach? Dead. The new reality is way more interesting.

Here's what's actually working: hybrid redemptions that mix points and cash strategically. With card annual fees jumping 30-50% and award availability getting scarce, experts are saying use your points NOW rather than hoarding them. The sweet redemption opportunities disappear fast, even on peak dates.

My favorite current strategy? Amex points transferred to Hilton at that gorgeous 1:2 ratio. I'm getting clients 2+ cents per point value at luxury properties - way better than the measly 0.7 cents you get booking hotels directly through Amex travel. Plus those cash + points combo rates? Often better value than straight points bookings!

I have clients leveraging their points stash for some hotels and paid stays for affordable luxury in Thailand. Another client doing this for Italy. The secret sauce? It's about optimizing the entire trip, not just individual bookings. Sometimes cash gets you the room upgrade, spa credit, and VIP treatment that points never could.

Send me an email if you're curious how to best spend that points stash vs when to focus on paid stays - [email protected]

WHAT'S COMING UP?

I've got some exciting cruise adventures lined up over the next few months! The all new NCL Aqua and the HAL Rotterdam for Norwegian Fjords, plus I'm seriously considering a Transatlantic for fall.

Honestly, I'm loving the idea of using repositioning cruises to travel slowly from place to place - flying, even in premium class, has become a lot less fun lately.

Would you be interested in a deep-dive piece on slow travel via repositioning cruises? Let me know!

Thanks for joining me on another edition of luxury travel insights. Until next time, keep dreaming big about your next adventure!

Have a wonderful rest of your week!

Stacey

[email protected]