|
OUT OF OFFICE CURATED
Let's explore the world
one museum, and one plate at a time
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Kristen Fung
Certified Travel Advisor
|
|
|
|
Bon Giorno Reader,
Welcome new subscribers! I have included a special list for you at the bottom of this newsletter, featuring itineraries and guides that are exclusive to Out of Office Curated. I am happy you joined the list!
A lot has happened in the month since I wrote.
- I was lucky to work on trips for new and existing clients. This included a trip to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, a cross-country road trip, and a couple of trips featured in this email. (See below.)
- I moved. I am now writing this in my new home office, which has a view of a patio that I plan to transform into a Mediterranean oasis, inspired by my summer 2024 trip to Tuscany. I’ve tacked these two photos on my vision board.
When I last left you in July, I had published my Rome Guide and gave you a free day in Rome itinerary. Today, I want to invite you to the little seaside town we visited next, Porto Ercole.
Porto Ercole, located in Tuscany, is a great mix of seaside vistas and wine region—here you don’t have to choose. It is a popular weekend getaway for Italians, but it is also gaining attention from world travelers.
This town is calling all history lovers, wine lovers, and those looking to explore at a slower, more intentional pace.
The guide is NOW LIVE on my website.
|
|
|
Porto Ercole is a relaxing seaside town perfect for those looking to slow down on vacation. It is a fantastic home base for wine tasting and exploring the medieval towns in the area.
I would file these in the Budget category of itineraries. Lodging may be your biggest expense, but once you are there, you aren't spending a lot.
Top Three for Porto Ercole
Note: Many of these places do not have websites. If you work with me, I'll add a map and more details to your itinerary.
|
|
Hike
Porto Ercole is known for the forts that overlook the bay. (See my post) You can hike to Rocca Spagnola from the city center. On the way up and through the old part of the city, stop to admire the views that get better and better at each elevation.
|
|
|
Aperitivo Hour
In the old part of Porto Ercole, there is a bar called Antico Borgo. You won’t miss it. It has the best views overlooking the town. If you are enjoying Aperitivo hour, you will get some complimentary salty snacks with your drink. (Perfect post-hike)
|
|
|
A little wine & snacks
The highlight of our time in Porto Ercole was our visits to Macelleria Navoni G, a local butcher in town. The owner is super welcoming, cures and butchers everything himself, and has one of the best wine selections in the region.
|
|
|
|
Porto Ercole was the perfect jumping-off point to explore the area. There is an outdoor sculpture park inspired by the work of Antoni Gaudí. We visited the Altesino (woman-owned) and Banfi wineries, and enjoyed excellent cocktails and sunset dinners in neighboring towns.
Work with someone who has been there.
|
|
|
Here are things I've booked recently for clients.
|
|
Business Trip
When a conference oversold its room block and there was nothing left, my client reached out to me, and I found her this adorable hotel only a 12-minute drive away & within her strict work budget. She stayed for two nights at the super cute Old Heron in Alexandria.
If you are in the same situation, let's work together. (This service was $0 to my client.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
20th Anniversary
I was so happy that my clients trusted me with their milestone anniversary.
Although they couldn't go big for this one, I found them an adorable boutique hotel an hour away on the St. Croix River.
I arranged a surprise upgrade to a room with a cozy fireplace and worked with the hotel restaurant to have the dinner tab paid by their family.
It didn't cost my clients anything additional.
Let's see Booking.com do that.
|
|
|
|
Let's book you something soon!
I am happy to book with all, one, or any combination of:
Hotel bookings—Day Tours—Cooking Classes—Villa Rentals—Virgin Voyages—Mobility Scooters—Dog Friendly Airlines (New Partner)—Amtrak Vacations—Business class flights—Private Tours—Airport Transfers—Wedding Room Blocks—All Inclusives—Car Rentals—Staycations—Business Travel—Retreats—Anniversaries- & a lot more.
Hey Reader--I have more destination advice than I can possibly keep up with. If you want to chat about Lisbon, Copenhagen, Valencia, Palm Springs, Napa & Sonoma, where to see Fall colors, or Las Vegas, let's set up a call.
|
|
|
Curated Deals
Contact me to get these handpicked deals.
Los Angeles
The Langham in Pasadena has just finished its makeover, and to celebrate, it is offering a two-night stay with a third night free on stays until12/29/25. Although there is a similar deal online, I can get you $125 property credit and other goodies, which is better.
A perfect anniversary or special occasion stay would be at the iconic Shutters on the Beach. They are offering a third night free on stays until 12/21/25. Contact me by 09/25/25. I can get you a breakfast and a property credit.
Sicily
Get a fourth night free at Rocco Forte Villas for stays until 10/31/25. Contact me ASAP for stays and available perks.
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in the world, and the Kimpton Vividora is a great place to stay in the heart of it all. I love that there is a wine and mingle hour at all of their properties. I've stayed at this hotel and have a lot of tips. Contact me to get a third night free now until 06/30/26—book by the end of the year.
Tahiti
$250 instant credit and airfare discount on a 7-night stay in Tahiti. Stay at select properties for less. Contact me now to get these deals by 9/30/25.
If any of these sound good to you or you would like to know about the deals I have to Patagonia, Lake Tahoe, Hong Kong, or Dublin, please reach out to me.
|
|
|
If you know people who would like this newsletter, please forward it to them. I am doing a giveaway in the next issue to subscribers. |
|
|
Last issue: Rome
Coming up next: Mother Nature & a Giveaway
|
|
|
