Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

Spectacular New Year's Eve view from the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London New Year's Eve 2013 falls on a Monday giving many of us a four night weekend - a great opportunity for a fabulous getaway. Here's a few ideas on where to celebrate! CNN's From Dubai to Kyoto: How to see in the New Year in style  offers the ten best cities in which to ring in the new year. Hong Kong New York Berlin London Edinburgh Sydney Samoa Kyoto Taipei Dubai Forbes Magazine 5 Hot New Year's Eve Parties Around The World  suggests five landmark hotels for a memorable celebration. The Royal Horseguards , London Mandarin Oriental , Las Vegas Luna Hotel Baglioni , Venice The Balmoral , Edinburgh, Scotland The Sebel Pier One , Sydney

Tzell Travel Group signs deal to merge with Protravel International, Inc. Newly-combined New York City-headquartered travel agency powerhouses to represent over $2.35 billion in annual sales volume Today, Tzell Travel Group – a Travel Leaders Group company – is announcing that it has signed an agreement to merge with Protravel International , pending government antitrust approval. This merger helps us lay further claim to making our company the undisputed leader in travel.   We couldn’t be more thrilled to now join forces with such an exceptionally well-operated company.   The merged operations within Travel Leaders Group would represent combined annual sales volume of over $2.35 billion. Travel Leaders Group CEO Barry Liben has indicated that once the deal closes, Tzell and Protravel would continue operating “as is” with no plans to change the successful models both companies have created. Under the terms of the agreement, Protravel founder Priscilla Alexand...

FEATURING WORLD-FAMOUS PRIMATOLOGIST and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall , DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, and 20-year National Geographic magazine contributing photographer, speaker, author and teacher, Joel Sartore . Only 20 guests will have the opportunity to join this 20-day fully escorted luxury safari journey from July 9 – 28, 2013 , traveling almost entirely by private plane, staying in five-star safari camp and hotel accommodations (or best per destination). Our guests will explore some of the most exotic, fascinating regions on the continent and at the same time gain a unique educational experience.   Highlights EXPLORE Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s bustling capital, and examine the 3.2 million-year-old hominid fossil remains of “Lucy” at its National Museum. DISCOVER unparalleled Big Five wildlife viewing, including enormous herds of buffalo and elephants in Tanzania’s remote and untouched Katavi and Selous National Parks....

I booked a half-day city tour of Helsinki through Crystal Cruises , which was a nice introduction. The city is celebrating its 200th anniversary as the capital of Finland, so there isn’t a preserved medieval quarter here (like Stockholm and Tallinn); instead new buildings and old blend together to create a fascinating cityscape. It's no wonder Helsinki was named the 2012 Design Capital of the World.  Monument to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius I enjoyed seeing the Sibelius Monument at the waterfront park named for the composer. The monument was created by the Finnish sculptress Eila Hiltunen in 1961 (apparently, it caused quite a stir as the first abstract public monument in Finland). The famous Rock Church (also called Temppeliaukio Church) was special, but I think the Post Office thrilled me more with it's clean lines.   The Post Office in Helsinki After the tour, I stayed in town walking all along the narrow, cobblestone streets. Each block has such a ...

Tallinn from Dome Hill First stop on my Baltic Cruise aboard Crystal Cruises ' Crystal Symphony was Tallinn, Estonia. This charming medieval walled city on the sea could call itself the Dubrovnik-of-the-North: narrow, winding, pedestrian-only streets with adorable cafes and shops,  and plenty of sea views to engage your camera. You could do a short walking tour of the old town so you notice all the highlights (an inexpensive shore excursion option), but it's fun to just wander aimlessly too. Architectural details catch your eye like a 17th century clock on the side of Holy Spirit Church and a dragon gargoyle.  Unfortunately, I was not the only tourist here; the streets were crowded. Corny tourist traps abound and vendors in period costumes sell everything from spiced nuts, elk soup and elf shoes. And there are an awful lot of burlesque clubs and 'adult' entertainment on offer. But the history is interesting (I loved the story of their singing revol...

Stockholm's charming harbor My Baltic Cruise aboard Crystal Cruises ' Crystal Symphony began in Stockholm, Sweden. Departed from Newark on SAS ’ non-stop flight to Stockholm. The trans-Atlantic flight leaves early (around 5pm) and arrives early the next morning. Plane was reasonably comfortable (2-4-2 configuration) and there was a personal entertainment system for each seat in all classes (but no plugs or internet access). The meal was OK (chicken in red wine sauce both coming and going) served with complimentary wine. It was an 8-hour flight made painless by taking a 4-hour Ambien immediately upon being seated, so I slept most of the way there and arrived feeling halfway decent. While the Arlanda Express is an easy way to get into the heart of the city (and there are even less-expensive buses available), I do prefer to arrive as effortlessly as possible, so I took a taxi ($60, 30-minute ride). Happily, the Scandic Grand Central had the room ready so I coul...

St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia Cruising the Baltic Sea was as wonderful as I expected.  Every destination was special, but by visiting so many in one trip I really experienced the region and learned about their relationships with each other and the sea. Here’s a quick summary of my trip: 3 days in Stockholm at the Scandic Grand Central 11-night cruise on the Crystal Symphony 3 days in Copenhagen at the Scandic Copenhagen Crystal Cruises' "Journey of the Czars" itinerary included these ports of call: Tallinn, Estonia 3 full days in St. Petersburg, Russia! Helsinki, Finland Warnemünde, Germany St. Petersburg was as amazing as I expected, but the Amber Room at Catherine's Palace was mind blowing. I knew I'd love Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and wandering the Old Town of Tallinn, but was surprised how much I liked the canals of Stockholm and the architecture of Helsinki. All the Scandinavian ports were clean and ...

My Baltic Cruise departure date finally approaches and I wanted you to know my schedule. My last day at work will be Thursday July 19, and I won't be back at my desk until Monday August 6. If you anticipate any travel needs, please get in touch as soon as possible so I can help you before I go. Don't worry: I'll have my laptop with me so I can access reservations and answer questions (although the time difference and busy itinerary may make it difficult), I will have a colleague available to assist you while I'm away and the 24-hour hotline is always available if you have a travel emergency. This trip will be amazing! I'm escorting a group of 85 guests sailing on the Crystal Symphony's " Journey of the Czars " from Stockholm to Copenhagen with three full days in St. Petersburg. It's my first time cruising with Crystal Cruises , which has been voted the World's Best Large-ship Cruise Line 17 years in a row by Travel & Leisur...

It’s absurd that yet another year had passed without my having been to Paris. I’d been to Cannes and Marseille. I’d been to Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America.” I’d even been to Albania! What if I got hit by a bus tomorrow and died without having seen the City of Light? So on my birthday, I booked myself a last-minute long weekend to Paris: Not even another month would go by before I could cross it off my Bucket List.  This is not why they call it the City of Light My whirlwind visit to Paris was wonderful! I arrived at Hotel de la Tremoille on Friday morning, and this gem of a hotel in the “Golden Triangle” of the Right Bank welcomed me like an old friend. The contemporary décor was inviting, and my Superior room was spacious, with an excellent bath (which I immediately tested with great satisfaction). Next I made nice with the concierge, the charming and sage Patrick Le Clere, to arrange my first dinner in Paris. (Priorities!) Then I was off explor...

The Grand Lobby with Cunard memorabilia Cunard ’s Queen Victoria embodies the glamour of traditional cruising. Memorabilia adorns the Grand Lobby connecting us to the glory days and making us ‘ Feel Famous ’ as their current promotions invite. She offers plenty of diversions to while away a week (or more) at sea. FYI- her 110-night World Cruise itinerary is available to book now. Queens Room hosts Royal Nights The Queens Room is the grand ballroom complete with resident orchestra, which hosts “Royal Night” theme balls. If you’ve ever longed to be a Princess waltzed by your shining Knight (or like me, just want to channel Rita Hayworth for one enchanted evening) this is your chance to break out the ball gown and live the dream. Theme Balls include a ‘Masquerade Ball,’ a ‘Victoriana Ball’ and a ‘Royal Ascott Ball’ so pack your favorite fascinator. Gentlemen Hosts are always available if you need a willing partner.    Royal Court Theatre with private...

Fabulous christening event for the new Disney Fantasy in NY tonight. Jerry Seinfeld performed and Mariah Carey is the Godmother. Here Neal Patrick Harris sings about the super, splashy synergistic Disney celebration! Here's Mariah Carey with Bob Eiger and Mickey toasting the new ship: Mariah Carey is Godmother of the new Disney Fantasy

I had a wonderful time listening to Christine Ebersole performing "The End of the World as We Know It Cabaret" at the Cafe Carlyle . The show was amazing — my favorite numbers were Irving Berlin's "Get Thee Behind Me Satan" and the Depression-era classic "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" but her version of Cole Porter's "Blow Gabriel Blow" was triumphant. It was thrilling to see her in such an intimate setting, and we were only a few tables away from Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller. The show is playing through February 25. The view from Suite 2801 Before the show, I was able to tour The Carlyle and inspect many of its suites with panoramic Central Park views (the very best in the city). Each room is individually decorated with lots of antiques (some traditional in style, some more art deco), so let me know your preferences when making a reservation. (Note: Not all rooms have a modern bath.) After the tour (but before the...

You're invited to set sail with me this summer on Crystal Cruises ' " Journey of the Czars ." The Crystal Symphony departs from Stockholm on July 23, 2012 for an 11-night Baltic cruise ending in  Copenhagen on August 3.  With overnights in both Stockholm and Copenhagen, and three full days in St. Petersburg, this is an amazing itinerary. It will be a pleasure hosting this Signature group on such a fabulous ship! Click here for more information . I'll be happy to answer your questions, just call me at 607-279-1734.