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OUT OF OFFICE CURATED
A Kristen Fung Travels Newsletter
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By Kristen Fung
Advanced Travel Curator
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Dear Reader,
I was talking to a friend who receives my newsletter, and I didn’t realize until she told me that all the Out of Office notices seemed like auto-responses/vacation replies. This might mean people aren't opening this newsletter. Thank you for letting me know. I had never thought of that when I chose this name. You will notice the title change from this point on.
If you missed any issues, you can find old ones here: https://kristenfungtravels.kit.com/
This is what Kristen Fung Travels is about
Building a community of people who want to spend intentionally and go beyond the guidebook (Be that a local staycation or a vacation to Europe)
I strongly believe that how you spend your time and where you spend your money is political. I want to help you spend at places you can feel good about when you roam the world.
February 2025
2025 was my year of bucket list travel. I hope this gives you an idea of the trips I would create for you.
This issue will focus on Palm Springs Modernism Week. I am a huge architecture fan and love traveling to great cities for architecture, like Barcelona, Chicago, and Montreal. Palm Springs, just two-ish hours west of Los Angeles, is a fantastic vacation if you love mid-century architecture and vintage shopping. (And if you are already sick of winter)
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Where we stayed: The Thompson Palm Springs. (In my top hotel stays of 2025. I'd love to book you there.)
What we did: We attended some Modernism Week events, including a cocktail-making class at Mr. Lyons, a tour of a Wexler home rarely open to the public, and a lecture about Ruth Asawa. A highlight for me as a travel advisor was a tour of historic hotels from the Palm Springs Historical Society. (I have so much historical information about local hotels for unique boutique stays!)
What we ate: Loved the hotel restaurant, Lola Rose, martinis at Mr. Lyons, and breakfast at Cheeky’s. (That thick cut bacon!!)
Other things I booked: We’ve been curious about EV options for a new car that aren’t Elon Musk related (It was the height of DOGE). So I booked a Polestar 2 (not affiliated) to see how it would handle various traffic patterns on the way to Palm Springs.
It isn’t too late to go to Modernism Week 2026! Contact me to book your stay. It would be a cool Valentine’s weekend trip.
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How to prepare to talk to a Travel Advisor (like me) |
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This past year has been a learning experience. I want to share some tips I’ve accumulated from trips I ALMOST booked. Here are the most common reasons that can trip you up on your trip. |
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Check your Travel Documents
If a traveler wants me to book airfare for them, I always remind them that they need a valid government ID to fly anywhere in the world. I got the go-ahead to book this fantastic property in Mexico, and when I requested the passport information—they said it was valid in the call—only to find that it was going to expire during the trip. In the end, I couldn’t book it, and they couldn’t go. (The Canada Post strike didn’t help.)
This is your quarterly reminder to check the expiration dates of your IDs—REAL ID or passport. If it's 6 months or less from today, it’s time to renew it.
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Talk to your travel mates before you talk to me
I’ve lost so many bookings because of this. I’ve set up calls, done contracts, and completed research only to find that the group traveling wasn’t on the same page. It is very important that you talk to your travel buddies to make sure you are singing from the same song sheet when it comes to the budget, location, and vibe of your trip.
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Find Those Loyalty Numbers
The best way to save money now and in the future is to sign up for hotel loyalty programs. If you have them and don’t know where they are, or need to find your password, take a moment to find them. If not, you are leaving money on the table.
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FYI: As an independent travel advisor, I don’t make a salary. I earn a commission when I book partner hotels, rental cars, tours, and itinerary design services.
Let's set up that call today.
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DEALS
These are my favorite deals for California travel right now. If you see something you like, contact me THIS WEEK. Deals don't last forever.
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- Ailila Napa Valley and Ailila Big Sur — save 30% on ALL rooms. Perfect for a relaxing getaway.
- El Encanto, Santa Barbara — Enjoy a complimentary 4th Night. This hillside retreat offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere.
- Pendry Newport Beach--Stay longer and save 20%
Email me at Kristen.Fung@Fora.Travel or reply to this email.
Know someone who wants a trip planned specifically for them? Forward this email.
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