Personalized African photo safaris with John Lasater

The King of the Jungle takes it easy before heading to the hunt  (John Lasater)

CHARLOTTE, NC, September 26, 2015 – When it comes to photo safaris in Africa, John Lasater is one of the best. Over the past quarter century Lasater has visited the “dark continent” nearly 60 times. Africa is his passion.

Curious white rhinos  (John Lasater)

For more than 13 years Lasater has been personally customizing tours to Africa. Best of all, “Safaris by John Lasater” offers prices that are frequently comparable to what most people pay for a trip to Europe. Many tours, which include accommodations, game viewing, tours, guides, meals and air, can be done for less than $5,000.

As a consultant for South African Airways for more than a decade, Lasater developed a passion for Africa that carries over to the detailed personalized attention he incorporates in each of his itineraries. Our tours are “customized to your requirements,” he says while adding the caveat, “If you come back unhappy it’s your own fault.”

For the most part, Lasater’s travel programs concentrate on Kenya and South Africa, but he also creates programs to Uganda and Rwanda for travelers with a particular interest in viewing chimps and gorillas.

Leopards are a favorite sighting because they are difficult to find  (John Lasater)

“Kenya and South Africa are completely different regions,” says Lasater. “It all depends on what your interests are. Kenya is better for viewing the great migration from June to October to witness the vast herds of animals. 

Not only are the animals beautiful, the scenery is also breathtaking; cliffs near Capetown, South Africa  (Taylor)

One problem, though, is the number of vehicles that converge on a particular area when there is a sighting. South Africa is more cultural with great roads and overall infrastructure which means greater diversity. Either way, people are guaranteed to see the “big five” meaning African elephants, lions, Cape buffalo, leopards and rhinos.”

According to Lasater, there is an unwritten rule in South Africa about too many vehicles arriving in one place at one time which allows more flexibility and a greater viewing experience.

Vehicles are designed for maximum viewing  (Taylor)

Lasater’s guides are independent contractors who speak up to seven languages. He has a pool of eight in South Africa and six in Kenya with whom he negotiates on a regular basis. That way he is assured of maintaining a high level of quality control over his personnel. In many cases, the guides and facilities Lasater uses are exactly the same as those of the larger, better known outfitters who charge considerably more for their services.

When it comes to Africa many travelers have concerns about safety to which Lasater answers, There are places you won’t go at night at home. It is no different in Africa. You just gotta use common sense. Our guides are experts and they keep travelers informed about where to go and where not to go.”

Father and daughter savor a South African moment  (Taylor)

Part of John’s traveling philosophy is that he never sends visitors to places with which he is unfamiliar. “If we haven’t been there, we don’t recommend it,” he says.

Three other considerations for many travelers planning visits to Africa are documents, shots and the friendliness of the people. Safaris by John Lasater provides all the details necessary for each destination. One surprising aspect is the number of required inoculations which are actually fewer than most people think.

When it comes to visas and fees Lasater says many African countries to not charge Americans for things that citizens of other countries are required to pay. In the case of South Africa, a visa can be obtained upon arrival which is a great travel convenience.

Morning wake up call with bad breath. Hippos spend most of the day in the water away from the heat  (John Lasater)

One of the magnetic factors that draws John Lasater to the African region is the friendliness of the people. “They have a love for animals as well as a high regard for Americans,” he says. “In fact, one of their most endearing qualities is that they do not begrudge you for having a lot and more than they have.”

A cheetah is hard to spot because it blends into the environment  (John Lasater)

Safaris by John Lasater puts itineraries together for as many as 15 to 18 people, but they will also make arrangements for one or two couples who just want to explore Africa on their own.

A face only a mother could love  (Taylor)

Lasater says one of the best books about Africa, regardless of whether you are planning to travel there or not, is “Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown” by well-known adventurer Paul Theroux. The book details Theroux’s experiences while traveling the length of the continent from north to south on the N1 highway.

For travelers seeking a customized, well documented and detailed travel opportunity to Africa at a reasonable price, Safaris by John Lasater may be the best kept secret in the business. To e-mail John for personal feedback he can be reached at   safariplanners@gmail.com

Beauty at sunset -- Africa has a serenity unlike any other place on earth but you have to see it to understand  (Hatcher)

John Lasater knows Africa. 

Read more travel and discover tours at:  Magellan Travel Club

Hotel Domestique: “Far from Everywhere, Close to Anywhere”

Hotel Domestique outside Traveler's Rest, SC combines European style with contemporary comfort  (Taylor)

TRAVELER’S REST, SC, September 26, 2015 – Tucked amid the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near the border of North and South Carolina, rests an elegant boutique hotel that blends Old World luxury with contemporary European flair.

The farmhouse-style setting beckons visitors  (Taylor)

Hotel Domestique is the inspiration of world class professional cyclist George Hincapie and his brother Rich. And, just as the hotel slogan says, Domestique is “Far from Everywhere, Close to Anywhere.”

Situated in rural countryside, Domestique is just 10 miles from Traveler’s Rest, SC, 20 from Greenville and 40 miles from the eclectic charms of Ashville, NC.

Like everything about the 30-acre property, the sophisticated style of a countryside European farmhouse has earned Hotel Domestique the distinction by Yahoo Travel as one of  the “20 Hotels That Are The Destination.”

Subtlety is the key to the hotel’s personality. As one would expect, with an owner who competed in 17 Tours de France, cycling is the primary attraction of the 13 room property, but that is far from the diversity of amenities the Hincapie’s have incorporated into their concept.

George Hincapie was a world class "domestique" competing in 17 Tours de France during his 19 year career  (wikimedia)

In fact, the inspiration is derived from George’s travels throughout Europe during his days of professional cycling. “I wanted to create a world class destination which is proud of its service and a product in atmosphere of elegant charm, sophisticated dining and gracious living that combine with an active lifestyle,” he says.

Though Domestique opened in 2012, the same year Hincapie retired from competition, it has already achieved its concept of “old farmhouses and contemporary design.”

Chic style with all the comforts of home  (Taylor)

Greenville architect Eric Brown had the unique ability to capture the essence of the concept and bring it to life far beyond the expectations of George and Rich. The result, a small hotel that is either “elegantly rustic” or “rustically elegant.” Whichever you choose, it’s an idea that works.

One of George’s peeves during his travels were  traditionally small European rooms. Realizing that American travelers are accustomed to rooms with room, Domestique accommodations are spacious and well appointed including the bathrooms.

Upon arrival, the first thing a visitor notices is the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere. It took a year of renovations to establish the “natural farmhouse” appearance before Domestique opened its doors in an ambiance of cultivated hospitality mixed artistic pizzazz.

Bedrooms and baths are spacious, comfortable and appointed with amenities that offer a personal touch  (Taylor)

Perhaps, more than anything, the subliminal touches of  Hotel Domestique provide its international flair.

Guests are treated to a welcome glass of champagne at check-in.

No chocolates on the pillow at Hotel Domestique. Rather visitors are treated to delightful pastries from the kitchen each night before retiring.

Cycling is the main attraction but there are many other things to do for people with an active lifestyle  (Taylor)

Unoccupied rooms leave doors open so guests can explore the property as if it is their own.

Believing that visitors should be immersed in the experience of Domestique, the Hincapie’s have eliminated mini-bars in favor of a room on each level of the hotel where complimentary soft drinks, water or wine are available along with a selection of small snacks.

The main lobby is quiet and comfortable  (Taylor)

There is also a small library tucked away off the main salon and wi-fi is free for guests who “can’t leave home without it.”

In French a domestique is a “servant”. When first used in the cycling world it was a derogatory term because it referred to riders who set the pace for the leader on a team. In the Tour de France, Hincapie was regarded as the premier “domestique” for the American team led by Lance Armstrong.

In essence, in the world of sport, a cycling “domestique” is the ultimate team player who paves the way for his teammate to win.

Carry that expression over to the world of hospitality where “Domestique” also means “service”; the goal of any high quality establishment.

A mixture of wood and natural stone give Domestique a historic flair  (Taylor)

The gourmet restaurant, 17, the pride of Chef Greg McPhee makes a crucial connection between chef and farmer. Once again, Hincapie incorporates his cycling experience into the name. Hincapie shares a record of “17” starts in the Tour de France and holds the record of 16 finishes.

McPhee, the former Executive Sous Chef at Charleston’s Husk Restaurant, incorporates regional grains, meats and produce in each of his presentation.

Sophistication with casual ambiance is the key  (Taylor) 

At Hotel Domestique everything blends into an ideal symmetry that is appealing from the moment you arrive. Golf, tennis and hiking are other activities that add to the amenities.

Cycling, however, is the main attraction. Throughout the year, George hosts 5 four-day cycling camps. He is also responsible for creating the Gran Fondo which has become an annual event in Greenville, SC.

Basically, a Gran Fondo is an Americanized term for a bicycle race of various lengths. In Italy Gran Fondo events are held every weekend between February and October. Using the magnificent “color season” of the Blue Ridge Mountains however, Hincapie’s Gran Fondo takes place in late October when the foliage is at its peak. This year the event, with rides of 80, 50 and 15 miles, takes place on October 24^th.

Hotel Domestique lives up to its slogan, "Far from Everywhere, Close to Anywhere"

Hotel Domestique is the ideal blend of European lifestyle with American “chic”; a year-round hotel that embraces the “cycles” of the seasons.

Read more travel and discover tours at:   Magellan Travel Club

Munich’s Oktoberfest: Germany’s ultimate beer party

Get your "Guzzle on" at Munich's annual festival of beer known as Oktoberfest  (wikipedia)

MUNICH, GERMANY, September 19, 2015 – It’s time to get your “oompah” on. With the traditional opening words, O’zapt is!, meaning “It’s tapped!” Munich, Germany’s annual beer bonanza known as Oktoberfest is set for two weeks of boisterous celebration for the 182^th  time during the final days of September and early October.

Oktoberfest is a two week celebration every year  (wikipedia)

Fourteen massive beer tents with seating ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 to fill with singing, swaying, stein-raising revelers who celebrate from morning until closing at 10:30 p.m. This is world glass guzzling at its finest.

Colorful blue and white Bavarian flags wave throughout the city as thousands of visitors from all over the world gather to eat pretzels, veal sausages and roasted half chickens while quaffing nearly 15 million pints of beer to wash it all down.

The 16-day festival always begins on a Saturday and concludes on the first Sunday of October. Festivities get underway with thousands of participants parading through the streets of Munich dressed in traditional clothing as they wend their way to the fairgrounds.

Each of Munich’s major breweries joins the meandering parade route with their horse-drawn beer wagons making their way to the permanent Theresienwiese meadow which becomes a city within a city each year. In 2012 some 6.5 million visitors took part in Germany’s tribute to the end of summer and the biergarten season.

Hofbrauhaus is a year-round beer garden that is probably the best known in Munich  (Taylor)

Oktoberfest began in 1810 with the betrothal of Princess Theresa to Crown Prince Ludwig, and it has been wildly popular throughout the world ever since. Admission is free, which is a good thing, because a liter stein of beer will cost you between $10 and $13. One important tip, don’t get in the way of the frauleins who carry up to a dozen steins at a time. They have the right of way, and they are serious about making their deliveries.

Munich's Hofbrauhaus is the Sistine Chapel of beer (wikipedia)

Hofbrau is the largest, and most popular, venue for tourists with seating for 10,000 people. Dating to the year 1589, when it was opened by William V, Duke of Bavaria, Hofbrauhaus is one of Munich’s best known beer makers and is a popular year-round destination for travelers.

Another famous brewery is Lowenbrau which is believed to have been founded in 1383. Lowenbrau means “lion’s brew” and is today owned by Anheuser Busch.

Everybody gets into the act at Oktoberfest  (Taylor)

Though you may not be able to find them, and probably wouldn’t know them anyway, if you want to look for German celebrities and politicians they are usually found at the Kaferzelt.

When dealing with another culture, there are several “rules of the road” which can make Oktoberfest even more enjoyable. Though travelers will hear plenty of English due to the international nature of the festival, using a few basic German words adds to the flavor of the experience.

Servus is used to say “good day” and “goodbye” to friends in Bavaria as well as Austria. When speaking with people you do not know then Gruss Gott is the more formal version.

The Frauenkirche is a familiar landmark in Marienplatz in Munich  (wikipedia)

One word that is a must is prost which means “cheers.” You will hear it and say it often. Another expression sure to win plenty of new friends is I mog di! or “I like you!” If all else fails, just use hand signals and smile, with a heavy emphasis on the smile.

Munich's Glockenspiel is the city's best known attraction  (Taylor)

If you don’t like crowds Oktoberfest is not the place for you, but if you immerse yourself in the spirit of the festival it is a joyous experience you will never forget. Just because the beer tents close early doesn’t mean the party stops. The Wiesnzeit at Stiglmaierplatz hosts the “Almdudier After-Oktoberfest Party” nightly beginning at 10 p.m.

Maria's column in Munich is so familiar that it defines the city for travelers everywhere  (wikipedia)

Taxis are readily available and plentiful, but it is mandatory to wait in line at designated taxi stops. Taxis can be called, however, at +49 89 21610.

Munich also features an excellent metro system which was built for the Olympics in 1972. There are three subway stations surrounding the Theresienwiese fairgrounds.

Visitors quickly learn that Oktoberfest is no place to be shy. Perhaps the most important tip for guys to know is where a girl wears her apron bow. If it is own the right, that means she is spoken for, but when the bow is on the left, she is available. Which means a lesson in knowing your right from your left can have major advantages in Munich during Oktoberfest.

Big mugs are an Oktoberfest tradition (wikipedia)

If you are heading to Bavaria for Oktoberfest, take time to visit Munich and the Bavarian region as well to round out the experience.

If you cannot make it to Germany, Kitchener and Waterloo, Canada have Oktoberfests as does Denver in the United States.

Oktoberfest is “trick or treat” German style.

Read more and get more travel information at:  Magellan Travel Club

Hotel Santa Caterina: Amalfi, Italy’s cliffside gem

Santa Caterina's elevator tunnels through the cliffs to the pool and the sea  (Santa Caterina)

AMALFI, ITALY, September 18, 2015 – Hotel Santa Caterina on the Amalfi Coast of Italy is one of those places where you feel you belong from the moment you cross its portals.

Arriving by car from Positano, Santa Caterina appears to be little more than a gleaming white façade at a curve in the road to Amalfi.  From the Amalfi side, it looks more like a hotel.  A lovely hotel, to be sure, but not nearly as majestic as it is in reality.

A deceptive entrance masks the awaiting pleasures  (Taylor)

It was at Santa Caterina in the 1960s that Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton began their tumultuous relationship while filming Cleopatra.  Decades later, when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were captivated by each other’s charms, Santa Caterina cast it’s magic spell once again.

On a tamer note, First Lady Hillary Clinton and Chelsea were even guests during Bill Clinton’s presidency.

So what is it about the Santa Caterina that makes it so infectious?

Like most places along the Amalfi Coast, Santa Caterina is a family operation.  Tracing its roots to 1880, Giuseppe Gambardella built the original structure just outside the village of Amalfi on a hillside overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

In 1904, Giuseppe’s son, Crescenzo, redesigned the property with six guest rooms.  Today, the resort features 66 rooms and suites, most with southern exposure that peer out to views combining mountains, gardens and the sea.

Santa Caterina's lemon grove meanders from the hotel to the pool.  (Santa Caterina)

Day-to-day operations have since yielded to Cescenzo’s daughters, Giusi and Ninni Gambardella, along with other family members, who delight in taking personal interest in the comfort and enjoyment of their guests. 

Visitors come, and visitors go, yearning to return, but the staff remains virtually intact to preserve the hotel’s trademark style and service.  As one staff member said, “when you live in paradise why go anywhere else?”

The result?  No matter when guests return, familiar smiles greet them, and that continuity has major appeal.

The enchanting village of Amalfi   (Taylor)

Resting at the summit of an expansive stretch of land along the Amalfi road, Santa Caterina is deceptive in its spaciousness. 

Once inside the white tiled lobby, a short walk past the restaurant to a lovely balcony that overlooks the sea, reveals a series of landscaped terraces, a serpentine citrus grove and jagged rock-bound cliffs that plunge into the water a thousand feet below.

With its southern exposure, Santa Caterina points a perpetual face to the sun, taking advantage of every ounce of daylight from sunrise to sunset.  So familiar do guests become with the peaceful stream of liquid stars that dance across the water during the day or night, that the hotel has adopted the phenomenon as the symbol of the property.

Just down the hill, Amalfi buzzes with the same daily routines that have endured for centuries.  The hotel offers regular drop-off and pick-up service to and from the village, on the half-hour, for guests who choose to ride rather than walk into town. 

The tiny hillside village of Ravello has arguably the best views along the Amalfi Coast  (Taylor)

Less commercial than Positano, its sister city down the coast, Amalfi offers superb restaurants, lively ambience, plenty of shopping and easy access to Capri, Ravello, Positano, Maori, Minori, Atrani and Vietri.  Not quite as accessible, but easily arranged for day trips, visitors can also do tours of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum.

Santa Caterina points a perpetual face toward the sun  (Taylor)

Passageways to Santa Caterina’s rooms are miniature labyrinths leading to accommodations that offer individuality in each chamber. 

Most bedrooms feature balconies with a sea view and brightly colored tiles from nearby Vietri.  Many travelers enjoy an excursion to Vietri’s shops where they can purchase unique souvenir tiles as mementos of their trip.

Santa Caterina's citrus grove and elevator as viewed from the sea  (Taylor)

Santa Caterina’s kitchen is arguably the best in the area, which makes dining a delight for guests. 

The menu features a wide range of classic Amalfi Coast recipes which naturally emphasizes the local fish.  Pastas are a staple, of course, and other items such as chicken and veal are available for variety or for those who don’t enjoy seafood.

Dining is exquisite at Santa Caterina  (Taylor)

Dual elevators burrow through sheer rock before opening into a small grotto that leads to the exercise room and pool. 

Santa Caterina is open year-round and rates vary according to season. Breakfast and service are included, but there is a 10% VAT.

One cautionary note when traveling along the Amalfi Coast.  Opt for local transportation, buses or taxis.  Driving the narrow hairpin roads can be a nightmare for unsuspecting motorists, and you will thank yourself for not accepting the challenge.

Take time to explore all the nooks and crannies. If you get lost, just savor the experience  (Taylor)

The staff and hospitality at this little gem of a hotel nestled atop the craggy hills of Amalfi are a sure-fire guarantee that one day you’ll be back.  It even works better than throwing a coin over your shoulder at Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Best of all, no matter when you do return, chances are those newfound friends on the staff will be right there waiting to greet you again.   

Read more travel stories at:   Magellan Travel Club

Big Sky, Montana: Where winter and nature come alive

Snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park is a popular winter activity  (wikipedia)

BIG SKY, MONTANA, September 12, 2015 – In Big Sky, Montana all eyes peer heavenward searching for the first ambitious snowflakes of the season.

Yes, Big Sky really is a place and not just a slogan. The resort was founded in 1973 by noted NBC newscaster Chet Huntley and it hasn’t been the same since. Four decades later skiers in the know are leaving the powdery slopes of their native Colorado for the “cold smoke” of Montana.

With 25 daily flights into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) from various U.S. gateways, Big Sky is easily accessible. Upon arrival, simply drive 38 miles north on U.S. Highway 191 through scenic Gallatin Canyon until you reach Big Sky.

Bison herds are everywhere in the Big Sky region  (Taylor)

Part of the canyon is Ted Turner country, meandering past grazing herds of bison, elk and other assorted gifts of Mother Nature. There is a primeval quality to it all, as if you are at the midpoint of creation amid surroundings that appear much as they did when Lewis and Clark trudged through the region more than 200 years ago.

Big Sky residents like to point out, “The only rule here is that there aren’t many rules.”

Big Sky takes a bit of an adjustment, but once indoctrinated, it is a world unto itself. It is a place where roads are few and only take you where you need to go. A place when residents call in prescriptions 48 hours in advance so they will be ready when the pharmacy opens. A place where the post office is the most popular gathering spot in town because there is no home mail delivery.

Lone Mountain is the dominant landmark in Big Sky, Montana  (wikipedia)

Don’t be misled, however. Big Sky is destination of rustic elegance featuring spas, galleries, entertainment and all the contemporary facilities modern day sports enthusiasts require. The community may be small, and growing, but the mountains and amenities are larger than life.

Rustic charm of 320 Ranch  (Taylor)

Skiing, of course, is the anchor activity. Thanks to three interconnected mountains in the Big Sky-MoonlightBasin, there are nearly 5,600 skiable acres that combine to make it the biggest skiing region in America (Vail comes in second at 5,200). Lone Peak has the highest elevation at 11,166 feet with the Mountain Village approximately midway at 7,500 feet. 

A wide range of accommodations suit any budget and lifestyle but Moonlight Lodge is a favorite for skiers because of its “ski in, ski out” facilities combined with the ambiance of a fire-crackling lounge for après ski and the small but elegant Moonlight Spa.

For a wilderness-style experience, 320 Guest Ranch, just a few miles down the road from Big Sky, conjures images of the Old West with log home accommodations nestled within the serenity of flowing streams and mountainous vistas. The ranch, which features the best breakfast buffet in Montana, derives its name from two 160-acre properties that merged into a single nature lover’s getaway.

Dog sledding is a favorite alternative to skiing in Big Sky  (Taylor)

Visitors to Big Sky will find cuisine to suit any taste, but remember, this is Montana where the bacon is crunchy, the steaks are charred and the burgers are bison.

Bri

Bright red Bombardier sno-cat  (Taylor)

The magic of Big Sky is the extensive range of activities available for non-skiers. Among the favorites are snowmobiling, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, dog sledding. snowcoachtours through Yellowstone Park, backcountry skiing, fishing and, even, big game hunting.

Outfitters abound in Big Sky offering any activity imaginable. Spirit of the North dog sled adventures is a unique experience that allows guests to work with the huskies and participate in rigging the sleds before heading into a picturesque winter wonderland. Half day tours glide through pristine wilderness with only the sounds of the runners on the snow and the enthusiastic barking of the dog teams.

Snow mobiling into another world (Taylor)

Don’t expect elaborate facilities. Prepare to meet your guides at a crossroads in the snow and take off from there. After all, that’s the way a snow adventure should be, pristine, unadorned and natural.

Another popular outing is a trip into Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone in winter is paradise without people. It is a natural wonderland filled with streams, waterfalls, wildlife and geysers where thermal steam blends with cold smoke to create an ethereal beginning-of-the-world atmosphere.

Wildlife abounds in Montana  (wikipedia)

Snowmobiles are probably the favorite way to visit Yellowstone, but the big, red “Bombardier” vehicles of Yellowstone Alpen Guides offer accessibility to Mother Nature plus protection from the elements. With capacity for only eight passengers, a Bombardier excursion also gives visitors access to a driver/guide naturalist with encyclopedic knowledge of the park and environs.

Big Sky Montana is paradise found. It is a year-round destination that comes alive in the winter.

In Big Sky, Montana thermal mists meet "cold smoke" in the winter  (Taylor)

Outdoor lovers seeking something new and unique will be captivated by Chet Huntley’s dream where the Big Sky is the limit.

Read more travel at:   Magellan Travel Club