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Grand Voyages Weekly Digest
✈️ Pets fly first class + Europe truth
Happy Saturday, Grand Voyagers!
I'm writing this while prepping for my upcoming Paris research trip (more on that below!), and I have to share some discoveries that have completely captured my attention lately. From flying your pets first class to questioning whether shoulder season even exists anymore in Europe, this week's finds are a mix of "wait, that's actually a thing?" and some hard truths about travel timing.
In this week's edition:
Pet Travel Revolution: Bark Air is making first-class pet travel a reality
Shoulder Season Reality Check: My conclusion? It barely exists in Europe anymore
Coastal Escape Renaissance: Southeast luxury hotel openings reshaping summer extensions
Paris 'Budget' Hotels: Six design-forward properties under $600/night (yes, that's budget now)
✈️ PET TRAVEL REVOLUTION: BARK AIR GOES FIRST CLASS
I need to share this because it's honestly brilliant and I wish I'd thought of it myself - Bark Air is offering first-class flights specifically designed for your pets!
The Game-Changer: This isn't just allowing pets in the cabin - this is an entire airline experience built around making travel comfortable and stress-free for dogs and their humans. We're talking about dedicated pet-friendly aircraft where your furry family members get the VIP treatment they deserve.
What makes this extraordinary:
Pet-First Design: The entire cabin experience is designed with pets as the priority passengers
No Cargo Horror Stories: Your pets travel with you in a stress-free environment
Premium Experience: This is luxury travel that finally includes the whole family
The Reality Check: While the concept is amazing, this is definitely a premium service with pricing to match. But for pet parents who've struggled with traditional airline pet policies, this could be life-changing.
Strategic Insight: This represents a major shift in how we think about luxury family travel - finally recognizing that for many travelers, pets are non-negotiable family members.
Here's the exciting part…
Fora has partnered with Bark Air, which means I can help you book these pet-first flights. No navigating booking alone - let me handle the details so you and your furry family member can focus on the adventure ahead!
🇪🇺 SHOULDER SEASON REALITY CHECK: EUROPE’S NEW TRUTH
To be honest, I don't think shoulder season in Europe is a thing anymore. My conclusion? Maybe January/February, but that's about it.
The Hard Truth: Out of our top 5 hotels booked for fall, 3 are in Italy and rates are only down about 20% per night from June-August peaks. That's... something, I guess, but hardly the significant savings shoulder season used to promise.
What's still working in Italy:
Castelfalfi in Tuscany: Showing those 20% fall savings and still delivering that authentic Tuscan experience
Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como: Classic luxury with slightly better fall availability
Il Pelicano in Porto Ercole: On my personal bucket list and seeing some fall rate relief
The Context: Last year our top 5 was all about Sedona and Hawaii - this shift to Italy shows where sophisticated travelers are finding value, even if it's not the dramatic savings we once expected.
Strategic Reality: The old rules about shoulder season don't apply anymore. Europe is popular year-round, and travelers need to adjust expectations accordingly. The slight savings exist, but they're modest compared to historical patterns.
🏖️ COASTAL ESCAPE RENAISSANCE: SOUTHEAST’S LUXURY WAVE
Something incredible is happening in the Southeast - a wave of boutique and luxury hotel openings is completely reshaping how we think about extending summer on the East Coast.
The Hotel Revolution:
Four Seasons Naples: Elevating Southwest Florida's luxury landscape
Oetker's Vineta in Palm Beach: Due late fall, bringing that legendary European hospitality to Florida
EOS's Sanderling Resort revival in the Outer Banks: Transforming a classic coastal destination
St. Regis Longboat Key: The much-anticipated addition that makes the Southeast a year-round luxury destination
Strategic Advantage: These properties are making year-round coastal escapes accessible without international travel - perfect for those easy, sophisticated getaways.
Value Play Discovery: Want to stretch dollars further? Lean into Caribbean low season (hurricane season) between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Properties like Chablé in Yucatan are getting multiple shout-outs from fellow advisors singing its praises.
What this tells me: Value-driven luxury is winning. Travelers are willing to accept some weather risk to access the highest levels of comfort and luxury at significantly better rates.
🏨 PARIS 'BUDGET' HOTELS: SIX DESIGN-FORWARD FINDS
I'm heading to Paris soon for a design-forward hotel research mission, and I wanted to share six properties I've been booking clients at lately - all usually priced $600/night or less. Yes, that's now considered 'budget' in Paris. Don't get me started about Fashion Week prices when I'll be there!
My Paris 'Budget' List:
The Pulitzer: Design-forward sophistication without the luxury hotel price tag
Adele et Jules: Boutique charm in a prime location
Hotel Florida: Classic Parisian style with modern sensibilities
Hotel Dames des Artes: Artistic flair in the heart of the city
Hotel Hana: Contemporary design with authentic Parisian character
Experimental Marais: The Marais location with experimental hospitality group's signature style
The Reality: I actually have a longer list than this, so contact me for the full recommendations if you're planning Paris travel and want to avoid paying $2K/night at the usual suspects.
Strategic Timing: My upcoming research trip will give me firsthand insights into how these properties deliver on their promises - perfect timing for your future Paris planning.
