Why I Travel to the World's Haute Spots

Why I do it? Travel writing takes me beyond my comfort zone and into parts of the world that many people only dream about. I hear it all the time—I wish that I were in your shoes… traveling to exotic destinations, staying in 5-star hotels and resorts and dining at some of the best restaurants in Paris, Acapulco, Vancouver or wherever my travels take me. An added plus, I write about spas and luxury travel so I also experience decadent spa treatments as part of my story research giving birth to the “glamorous life.” But for me, there’s nothing glamorous about it.

I’m a story teller and I love to write. Travel is just one subject that I write about. I’m also a speech writer and communications strategist. But for me, travel is a lifestyle. It’s part of who I am. I’m very clear about what I want my life to look and feel like… so I set it up to include traveling to the world’s most beautiful places (even if the destination is ugly to others) and meeting people who add perspective and provoke thought about the world that we all live in.

My travels have helped me appreciate life in its many forms… like the solo trips that I take to the Bahamas or other parts of the Caribbean where I spend my days capturing life with my camera. No matter where I am, I always find something unique or different about that place and its people that I take home with me. I remember one summer in Paris when I took a photography class with people from all parts of the world.

On a recent trip to England, I learned a little bit about the people of Manchester and their support of President Lincoln’s efforts to abolish slavery. Who knew that in a far away land, there were people who (also had a vested interest in the cotton industry) felt that slavery was wrong and spoke out against it no matter the cost? The moment that I heard that… I felt a connection to the people of Manchester, particularly since I’m a southern girl.

As a little girl, travel for me was that quarterly road trip to grandma’s house in the country. But it shaped my curiosity about the world beyond my front door. Today, travel is a way of life… giving birth to inspiration, creativity, and passion! I just wish that every little boy or girl that I pass by on the way to grandma’s house gets to experience a life without limits and appreciation for other cultures. 

As I unpack my bags and plan for my next trip, I’ve created yet another memory of a place beyond my hometown. But more importantly, I’ve gotten to experience something that holds great value… and can’t be bought at Neiman’s.

What are you passionate about?

TRAVEL THE WORLD FOR FREE: Become a Travel Writer!

The Creator of Haute Travels Blog and veteran travel writer, Marian Anderson offers individuals who are passionate about travel a 6-hour coaching session. The program is designed to shape an individual’s writing platform and position him or her as an attractive candidate for press or blogger trips hosted by tourism boards, airlines, and luxury hotels and resorts around the world!

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If you love to travel and tell your story—this is the way to go!

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Would you like to travel the world for FREE?

Haute Shopping and Dining in Leeds!

What happens when three girls who love to travel, shop and dine find themselves on the same trip to the United Kingdom? They map out a plan to venture north of London to find all the Haute spots! New York City shoe designer Hillary Latos and Visit England’s Emma Thomas and I made Leeds our first stop.

Shopping in Leeds

Leeds offers some of the “hautest” unique boutiques and high end designer shops in Victoria Quarter. This shopping and dining destination has been dubbed the “Knightsbridge of the North.” Here you’ll find international designers like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Vivienne Westwood snuggled next to cute little independent shops carrying jewelry, clothes, shoes and other little trinkets that make fashionistas swoon.

Even if you want to window shop through Victoria Quarter… you’ll find it delightful with the stain glass roof and breathtaking architecture mixing a little bit of history with modern touches. It’s simply haute!

Dining in Leeds

There are plenty of little cafes and dining options throughout Leeds. But our first stop— Piazza by Anthony in the historic Corn Exchange. The restaurant occupies the ground floor where it sits in a central open space. Along the walls of the restaurant are little stalls with an archway entrance that were once the center of barter and trade action back in the day… you’ll find a cheese shop, Chocolate and pastry spot along with the haute Veuve Clicquot Champagne Lounge and cellar. While dining here… be sure to look up at the glass dome.

Visit http://www.anthonysrestaurant.co.uk/piazza/ to learn more.

Where to stay in Leeds

If you love apartment living for short term travel then you’ve got to check out Residence 6 for luxury living. It’s modern, fresh and different, but oh so European as a matter of fact, it use to be the old post office! It’s like staying in a hotel only without room service in a location that’s close to everything. The units come with a kitchen, living room and bedroom(s) and Molton Brown products in the bath. I even spotted a washer and dryer in the closet! There’s also a business center and workout room. Visit http://www.residencesix.com/ to learn more.Visit England hosted my trip… For future information, vacation-planning advice and access to passes and transport tickets, go to www.visitengland.com

Are you planning to visit England?

American Airlines has Haute Route to Manchester!

American Airlines may extend their non-stop daily service out of New York to Manchester, England. It appears that the NYC flight AA 211 out of JFK International Airport to the UK is haute! Although the service is offered through summer in business and economy class… it could come back year round next year pending a review of the service. So far the flight loads are pretty full—people love it!

 On a recent trip to England, American Airlines hosted my air travel and offered a business class seat on my return flight thanks to Lead Passenger Service Agent Paul Smith. I loved the level of service and relative short flight to England and back to the states.

I was also pleased with the reclining seat and the heavier blanket, unlike the thin one on other airlines. The menu offering were also great. My dinner selection—Scallops with Lime Champagne, complimented by a mushroom and asparagus sauté and rice pilaf with leeks. Plus, you can dine upon request and spend the first hour sleeping if you prefer.

The travel kit is also pretty cool offering not only a tooth brush with toothpaste, but dental floss with mints! You’ll also love the eye pillow with matching socks to keep your toes warm and Burt’s Bees naturally moisturizing Milk and Honey body lotion and lip balm.

But my favorite touch… the hot fudge Sunday and the Uno Four Cheese Pizza along with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies! It’s sinful but good!

The JFK-Manchester route is scheduled to end September 30th.

To learn more visit http://www.aa.com/ and http://www.visitengland.com/

Will you fly American to Manchester?

Haute Stuff! Sharmooz Satin Travel Pillow and Mask

When it comes to beauty on the go there’s nothing better than waking up to smooth skin and silky hair. And thanks to my new complimentary Sharmooz satin travel pillow cover and eye mask, I wake up with silky hair free of tangles and smoother skin no matter where I am. Beauty industry-insiders and celebrities have known for years that sleeping on 100% Charmeuse satin helps to reduce dryness caused by sleeping on cotton leaving your hair in a “matt” state and depleting your skin of hydration.

Sharmooz satin can be washed unlike silk and it’s completely travel ready offering cooler nights and a more beautiful rest. When you wakeup, you’ll find that your hair falls right into place and your skin feels softer offering a more youthful appearance.
To learn more visit http://sharmooz.com/

What do you think about Sharmooz?

My Chanel Obssession Began in Paris!

It was 10 years ago that I made my way to Paris to buy my very first Chanel handbag. I remember walking through the boutique doors at 31 Rue Cambon and setting my eyes on all things Chanel. This is the flagship boutique where the double C logo makes you believe that starting your collection of haute Chanel handbags, shoes, clothes and jewelry is not just a shopping experience but a lifestyle!

As I entered the main area of the boutique it is customary to greet the sales team with a “bonjour” after all when in Paris… you make it a point to greet the shop keepers. As I browsed the amazing collection, I could feel the presence of Mademoiselle Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel. Her influence and philosophy about fashion is timeless.

I had to purchase the classic shoulder bag with the gold chain and lambskin leather. I paid a pretty penny for it, but the dollar was strong at that time so it was less than it would have been had I bought it in the US. Today, the bag has appreciated in value and costs about $3,000.00, but it is expected to increase even more since prices for these sought-after handbags increase annually.

The sales clerk handed my purchase to me in an oversized black and white shopping bag with a Camellia attached with black ribbon—so Coco! As I strolled the streets of Paris with my new purchase, I remembered something Coco once said, “A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous!” And so it is… my Chanel obsession began to take on a life of its own.

Today, my collection consists of several handbags, luggage, accessories and clothing. Every Chanel purchase was carefully thought-out before any investment was made. After all a true collector understands the importance of capturing just the right piece that would make even Coco proud!

What's your obssession?

Piping Haute Treatments at The Spa at The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta!

When it comes to relaxation and restoration there’s no place like The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta to offer some ImmuniTEA from the insanity of life. Every travelista knows that in order to keep her sanity so she can globe trot with the jet setters, she must first capture that elusive “she-time” as often as possible. I’m no exception and I’m drawn to a great spa treatment like a moth to a flame! So when my friends at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta invited me into their haute spa to sample their new exotic TEA-inspired massage, it didn’t take much for me to jump into my car and head into town.

Once at the spa, I was surrounded by peace and tranquility. I couldn’t wait to slide out of my city gear and into that plush robe that’s hanging in my locker just a stone’s throw from the calmness of the relaxation room where a cup of tea and Park 75’s signature honey from the rooftop bee garden was beckoning me.

I love the fact that the new enhanced spa treatments feature a facial and massage with custom tea blends that are highly rich in antioxidants… once absorbed into the skin amazing healing transformations take place. I have traveled all over the world and sampled spas from Paris to Brazil… the beautiful people have one thing in common—beauty rituals that contribute to the overall wellness of the body take center stage in their lives.

My 50-minute massage started with a warm, soothing rooibos tea antioxidant masque for my back followed by a stress-relief massage targeting problem areas that just needed a little TLC. The combination of organic fruit juice extracts and vitamins did rejuvenate my skin giving it its glow. There is no better way to spend an afternoon… after all I’m worth it!

If you’re planning a little pampering at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta you should hurry because the new customized exotic tea blend treatments won’t last long. In fact, they stop brewing August 31, 2010.

To learn more visit http://www.fourseasons.com/atlanta/

Have you booked your spa appointment?