About a month prior to the receipt of this e-mail, I received an e-mail from Discover Japan and the Japan National Tourism Office. The e-mail invited top travel agents and tour operators to apply for a complimentary flight, including all taxes and fees, to Japan. After a meaty application process, I submitted my thoughts on Japan and how I think the destination in itself sells and how much potential it has in the world of Steele Luxury Travel.
Back to the bogus looking e-mail. My application was submitted and I received a free ticket to Japan. I was thrilled. However, looking at my travel schedule, I noticed that there was not much time to fit a quick trip in. I did some research and formulated a brilliant idea: personal time and vacation, alone and by myself, no clients, no email, simply me. and I was to depart the following Monday, in just 2 days!
I found two of the most beautiful places in Japan to stay in for an authentic experience. I did not want to go to a big city, I did not want chaos. I was yearning for something extremely special and Japanese. I looked into various Ryokens, which are Japanese guest houses and inns and decided this was the way for me to go.
Then, I came across HOSHINOYA. Hoshinoya has two properties, Hoshinoya Kyoto and Hoshinoya Karuizawa. These two properties are distinctly Japanese, both offering brilliant amenities, superb service and top rate experiences. I decided to go with these two properties. My contact on Los Angeles, Yuki, could not have been more helpful in planning this quick and meaningful trip.
As I sit here in the British Airways Lounge at JFK, I am thrilled that I have taken the bold leap to sincerely leave everything behind for a week and to “Discover Japan” and discover myself. Many people think that the life one leads in the travel industry is fabulous and jet-set. Don’t get me wrong, it is, but it is still our work; the work we live, breathe, and look forward to. However, we sometimes may get lost in our work duties, passions and blend these elements all together within our personal lives.
For the first time in forever, I will be turning off my Blackberry and focusing on rejuvinating myself and amplifying my passion for the exploration of our fascinating globe with the fantastic destination: JAPAN.