CONNECT JANUARY - MARCH 2020
Inspiration for the Traveler in You
CARRY ON INTO
2020
TOP 10 PLACES
TO VISIT THIS YEAR
+
TIPS TO TRAVEL
SMARTER
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in this issue
Dear Traveler, It’s a brand-new year (and decade!) filled with a world of opportunities to explore the globe. Whether you need a fresh dose of travel inspiration to get your wanderlust into high gear, or want to take the stress out of traveling, we’ve got you covered in this Carry On Into 2020 issue of Connect. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year with exciting adventures on the horizon. We look forward to being there for you every step of the way.
5 Top 10 Places to Visit in 2020 Explore this year’s must-see destinations. 8 Reward Yourself with Experiences Shop your way to Vacation Rewards.
9 Tips to Travel Smarter With these simple travel tools and tips, you’ll be on the move stress-free in the new year.
Christina Pedroni Senior Vice President, Liberty Travel
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Bonus Benefits in Destination We really want you to get the most out of your vacation. Through your My Time getaway, you’ll also receive special benefits in select destinations, like a food and beverage voucher in Europe, courtesy gifts from your resort in Hawaii, or spa and resort credits in Mexico and the Caribbean. These little extras can make a big difference. Contact a Liberty Travel consultant today to up your vacation game. *All My Time offers are provided by our third party suppliers to My Time customers and are subject to availability. My Time and any third party supplier may (in their sole discretion) substitute any of the offers for any other offer that is available for similar or no face value. All offers have no cash value, are not combinable with any other offers and are not transferable. Any offers not used have no surrender value and are not redeemable for cash value.
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Top 10 PLACES TO VISIT in 2020 Welcome to a whole new decade. As you settle into 2020, you’re probably wondering where this monumental year might take you… And if you’re ready to travel the world with us, we’ll get you to some of the globe’s most fascinating locations. We’ve hand-selected these 10 destinations as our must-see places this year. Let’s explore!
Kyoto, JAPAN
Galway, IRELAND Get wonderfully lost in the spiritual heart of Japan. Kyoto’s many temples, shrines, Zen gardens, and teahouses will captivate you with burning incense and awe-inspiring religious architecture. This cultural capital of Japan further lives up to the hype with culinary delights that range from Michelin-starred restaurants and chic bars & cafes, to cool sushi and noodle spots. Whether it’s ramen, matcha, or tempura you’re after, Kyoto has it all and does it well.
Officially named a European Capital of Culture for 2020, there’s no way Galway wasn’t making our list this year. This energetic, modern city boasts history and creativity. Here, you’ll find what’s left of the medieval town walls amongst Galway’s bohemian vibe. Enjoy live music and street theatre, as well as shops, cafés, and restaurants. And don’t miss some of Ireland’s best oysters along Galway Bay.
Los Cabos, MEXICO Diverse and dramatic, Los Cabos offers a rare blend of coastline, desert landscapes, and mountains at the very end of the Baja California Peninsula. Surrounded by the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean, Los Cabos is made up of energetic Cabo San Lucas—known for its nightlife and luxe yacht marina; as well as San Jose del Cabo—a more traditional Mexican town with narrow streets that are lined with charming restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. Be sure to check out its quaint plazas and churches for a real taste of local life.
Melbourne, AUSTRALIA You can expect to find all things trendy in exciting Melbourne. Love art? Sports? Or perhaps you’re a foodie… This city will satisfy all your cravings. Just as bustling as it is captivating, there’s no shortage of fun to explore in this Australian hub. Whether it’s museums, worldclass coffee, rooftop cocktails, or Melbourne’s art-filled alleyways, you’ll never run out of cool things to do.
St. LUCIA
This breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean island is a nature- and food-lover’s paradise. Hike to waterfalls, zip line through forests, climb extinct volcanos, or dive beneath the sea… it’s all possible in picturesque St. Lucia. Between its palm-fringed hidden beaches and the lush Piton Mountains, there’s so much to discover. And the island’s Creole cuisine will leave you wanting more. CALL 1.888.571.0604 | LIBERTY TRAVEL
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Cartagena, COLOMBIA
Sicily, ITALY Did you know Sicily is the Mediterranean’s most diverse island? Steeped in history, many myths and legends were born in this land, which was once ruled by many— including the ancient Greeks. Today, Sicily stands out on the map with its striking beaches and mouthwatering cuisine. Its capital, Palermo, flaunts ancient architecture and medieval streets. And you can snorkel, hike, or explore active volcanoes in the Aeolian islands, or get your history on in Siracusa—where you’ll wander through Roman amphitheaters and the ruins of the temple of Athena.
Porto, PORTUGAL Historic charm meets a warm Caribbean breeze on the coast of Cartagena de Indias, where the Old Town area (a.k.a. the walled city) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get ready to throw away your checklist and just enjoy leisurely strolling through Cartagena. As you walk this colorful and colonial Colombian town, you’ll be met with vibrant doors and balconies, cobbled streets and alleyways, and traditional churches surrounded by lively plazas. Every bright corner of this beautifully preserved city will captivate you, as will its flavors, sounds, and rhythms. Alluring and soulful, Porto is best explored on foot. Meander alongside the Douro River, through its historic city center, and up or down its infamous steps and back alleys. Stunning ocean viewpoints, a laid-back vibe, its energetic nightlife, delicious food and wine, and eye-catching street art all make Porto easy to fall in love with and not to be missed.
Budapest, HUNGARY
Bali, INDONESIA Bali offers up a slice of paradise in Indonesia, so it’s no surprise it’s known as the Island of the Gods. From volcanos, lush mountains, gorgeous rice fields, and hillside temples to its rich and diverse culture, you’ll love getting lost in the wonders of this spiritual place. Up for some diving or surfing? Or maybe you want to marvel at some ancient monuments. Bali has plenty of natural beauty to lure you there, while the generous warmth of its people will make you want to stay a little longer.
With a little bit of something for everyone, Budapest may be last but is certainly not least on our list. Arguably one of Europe’s prettiest cities, Budapest flaunts head-turning architecture, including everything from baroque and neoclassical to art nouveau. You also won’t want to miss the healing thermal waters. With an abundance of hot springs, bathhouses are common here… so feel free to have a little fun and relax. Some say it’s the cure for just about anything. And once you’re done rejuvenating, indulge in Budapest’s world-famous nightlife.
This year’s top 10 places to visit do not disappoint. Contact your Liberty Travel consultant when you’re ready to begin planning your next adventure and your 2020 will be off to a great start. 6
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We are pleased to offer you an adults only experience (18 yrs +) in our hotels, the Colonial Club Elegance Club and Mirage Club respectively. Ideal for vacationers looking for the best services and amenities available in a dedicated section of each hotel, offering an exclusive ambiance. Each Club section offers a selection of luxurious room categories to choose from; oceanviews, outdoor jacuzzi’s, or direct access to an adults only pool, VIP lounges, butler service, 24hr room service and more.
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
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* TIPS TO TRAVEL
Smarter
Sometimes travel can be stressful. But sometimes that stress you feel has an easy fix. With these simple travel tools and tips, you’ll be on the move stress-free.
To begin, get yourself that travel wallet. When it comes to air travel, you don’t want to be constantly carrying your passport out in the open at all times. A handy travel wallet is better, something that can fit your passport and other important documents easily. It creates a secure shell to all of your ultra-important items, and you can put it away in a bag and take it back out easily. You’ll also know exactly where everything is at all times. Similarly, you should get a plane pouch or seat pack for your flight to avoid that constant struggle to place things in the seat-back in front of you, where small items tend to disappear. Instead of awkwardly grabbing for your carry-on wedged below the seat in front of you, a solid plane pouch designed to fit in the seat-back itself works wonders. Place digital items like your phone conveniently into the pack and keep it right in front of you, knowing it’s not somewhere on the bottom of the seat-back with whatever else is down there.
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Packing cubes is also a must, a trending item that gets rave reviews. Great for staying organized and great for packing more, these packing cubes give you space for laundry, shoes, shirts, pants, and more by having a specific cube for each category. Most are water resistant, so they also add an extra layer of defense on all your clothes and items, so you can travel with ease knowing it’s not just your luggage protecting all your precious things. When it comes to technology, it helps to invest in certain tools, like a multi-USB charger and a power bank. We are extremely reliant on being charged up at all times, so it’s a great idea to invest in a multi-USB charger that is equipped for most countries around the world. This way you’ll know that if you pack it, you’re good to go. A power bank is another great item to bring for a quick power charge when traveling. As long as we use smartphones and as long as batteries are necessary for keeping them going, these items are a huge plus. Maybe the best thing to do to make sure you travel smart, however, is to apply for Global Entry. Nothing is more stressful than a long line, and Global Entry truly lets you skip them. All it takes is an application fee of $100, a background check, and an in-person interview, which you can do at your convenience at most major airports. After that, you’ll be skipping to the front of the line. When you arrive home from an international flight, simply scan your passport and your fingerprints at a Global Entry kiosk and receive a receipt which will act as your backstage pass to exiting the airport. With these simple fixes and purchases, you’ll be traveling smart – and totally stress-free.
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*
MADE FOR MUSIC HARD ROCK HOTEL LOS CABOS
A 639-room oasis complete with 5 pools, 8 restaurants, a bowling alley and live entertainment—the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s hottest vacation destinations. With adults-only and kid-friendly sections, this is both the ultimate romantic escape and epic family getaway.
NOW OPEN ©2018 HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL (USA), INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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