December 2017

2017 Hotel of the Year Award

Posted on December 29, 2017 - 10:06 am by keith_ritter

It’s the culmination of our year spent traveling the world, staying everywhere from the heart of the Patagonian Rainforest to a chef-inspired epicurean escape in Sonoma. So, which ones are our favorite?

Le Phebus

Ideally located in a quiet village in the heart of the Luberon countryside between Roussillon and Gordes, this Relais & Chateaux property is a converted farmhouse built on ruins dating back to the Knights of the Order of Malta. The Spa offers luxurious treatments in addition to a heated pool, tennis court, and even a dedicated pétanque playing area. The jewel of this hotel, however, is the Chef Xavier Mathieu’s Michelin Starred restaurant.

“There was some of the most beautifully artistic food I have ever seen and eaten at Le Phebus.”
– Jennifer, Trek Travel Guest

Trek Travel Provence Cycling Vacation Le Phebus Hotel of the Year

Not only do our guests eat at this restaurant, Chef Mathieu also leads guests in a trip to the weekly market followed by a private cooking lesson. And the best part? Le Phebus is a perfect base to explore the region’s best riding: quiet winding roads, colorful villages, gentle climbs like the Gorge de la Nesque, and more challenging ones like Mont Ventoux. This property is legendary, and we’re so glad that our guests will enjoy five full nights there this year on the newly redesigned Provence Luxury trip.

“We love collaborating with Le Phebus for our Provence Luxury trips. The team there is kind, hard-working, and prides themselves on the highest level of service.”
– Jessica Singerman, Trek Travel Trip Designer

Join us in Provence

Ojo Caliente

At the end of the day’s ride traversing the Rio Grande Valley from Santa Fe, guests roll under a canopy of shady Cottonwoods, past an expansive organic farm and into the welcoming embrace of a true high desert sanctuary, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Resort. The historic hotel nestled amidst piñon and juniper dappled mesas beneath the site of the ancient Posí Pueblo, feels like a peaceful home away from home, and for two nights guests get to literally saturate in all the rejuvenating facets of the property.

Mineral baths, an expansive spa, elegant adobe inspired rooms and an amazing restaurant provisioned by the onsite farm and local organic food, are just the beginning of the experience here. Service is truly what rounds out our stay as the friendly local staff naturally adapt to our needs and requests. The only downside to Ojo Caliente is having to check-out.

“Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Resort is such a welcome sight to guests and guides.”
– Zack Jones, Trek Travel Trip Designer & Guide

Rejuvinate in New Mexico

Happy Holidays with Sardine: Meringue Tom & Jerry

Posted on December 22, 2017 - 6:58 am by keith_ritter

Nothing says “home for the holidays” like a cozy cocktail. And thanks to our friends at Sardine in Madison we’ve got the perfect recipe for some boozy deliciousness. Cheers!

Tom & Jerry
1 ounce Korbel
1 ounce spiced rum (Or create your own with Chinese 5 Spice and Plantation Three Star)
5 ounces hot water
Spiced Meringue (recipe below)

Pour brandy, spiced rum, and hot water into a large mug. Top with spiced meringue and freshly grated nutmeg.

Meringe

3 eggs, separated
¼ t. Salt
¼ t. Cream of tartar
¼ t. Cinnamon
¼ t. Allspice
¼ t. Nutmeg
¼ t. Baking soda
2 c. powdered sugar

1. Separate 3 egg whites from their yolks.

2. In a large bowl, whip yolks with salt, cream of tartar, and 1 cup of powdered sugar until pale yellow.

3. In a second bowl, whip egg whites with cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and baking soda with rest of powdered sugar until stiff peaks are formed.

4. Gently fold together.

3 Things the L’Etape du Tour Taught Me About Life

Posted on December 21, 2017 - 2:39 pm by keith_ritter

This spring, on an otherwise ordinary Wednesday lunch ride from the Trek Travel office, I was offered the opportunity to participate in the 2017 Etape du Tour. What came next was something I never expected.

The invitation came so casually that it took a moment before the onset of nerves, excitement, and admittedly a bit of panic set in. The Etape du Tour is a citizen’s ride that covers one stage of the Tour de France, and it’s often the year’s most difficult queen stage in the mountains. With a simple verbal commitment during a 12-mile lunch ride around the lake, I had just signed myself up for a 110-mile challenge with almost 11,000 feet of climbing and a summit finish on the harrowing Col d’Izoard.

The Alps seemed unreachable for a recreational cyclist like me. My personal life was taking unexpected turns and I was coming off a frigid Wisconsin winter with too-few miles on the trainer. But so began the journey. Over the next four months, training for and ultimately completing the Etape du Tour taught me three valuable lessons that helped me not only conquer the Alps, but also helped me navigate the ride that is life.

1. Eat Real Food

When training for and participating in endurance sports, nutrition becomes essential to your success. Trust me when I say that you do not want to bonk in the middle of a 100-mile ride. As someone who typically forgets to eat and drink until we crack a post-ride beer, I had to focus on fueling up at every stop and hydrating consistently. Not just gu’s and gel’s, either. The key to my success at the Etape was eating real food all day long. It is vital to recognize what your body needs and nourish yourself with fuel to sustain you.

2. Don’t Burn Too Many Matches

For any long-distance event, it’s important to go in with a plan. Use the countless hours of training to learn your limits, so when it comes time for the main event you know just how hard you can go. Unfortunately, race-day jitters and excitement often cause us to make the fatal mistake of going out too fast. Don’t. Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” When hundreds of eager athletes fly pass you at the start, stick to your plan. If you ride at your pace, you will get to where you want to go.

3. Stay in the Envelope

The best part about riding the Etape with Trek Travel is the overwhelming support. I had a team of 15 people to train with, learn from and lean on leading up to and during the event. I knew when accepting the invitation that I had a lot to learn about cycling – about climbing and descending with 15,000 other riders around me. But the most important lesson I learned is to trust your team. If you want to succeed, surround yourself with people far more experienced than you. They have knowledge, wisdom, protection and strength to offer.

So the moral of the story? Life has a way of surprising us. Enjoy the ride.

Join Etape

Our Winter Picks

Posted on December 14, 2017 - 4:39 pm by keith_ritter

Part one of our winter gear series where the team at Trek Travel home base in Madison, Wisconsin give their gear recs and best tips for making it through the months where Old Man Winter reigns.

[trek-fullwidth-img src=”https://s45708.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_1400-2.jpg”]

Jenny: Dealer Program Manager

Go-to winter riding gear?
Bontrager Old Man Winter Boots. Trek Travel Neck Gaiter. Ski Helmet and Goggles (much warmer than bike helmet and sunglasses). Bontrager Gnarwhal Studded Fat Bike Tires.

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
No such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Maple Hot Toddy

Best part about winter in Madison?
Riding across a frozen Lake Monona to work with my awesome colleagues.

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
The reason I love Wisconsin is because people don’t let the cold, gray weather stop them. Options abound, from cross country skiing, fat biking, ice hockey or a walk in the woods. The key is to embrace the weather and get outside anyways! Well that, and always plan a warm, sunny vacation for February!

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
Buddy the Elf, because he always has a smile on his face and adds energy to every room.

Brie: Guide Manager

Go-to winter riding gear?
Bontrager S1 shoe covers, Velocis S2 split finger gloves aka lobster gloves and a neck gator. Plus a neon fanny pack for added fun and snack storage..

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
I draw the line for biking when we fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Espresso in the morning, hot toddies in the afternoon.

Best part about winter in Madison?
It’s awesome how outdoor activities shift gears and continue on when temperatures drop in Madison! Frozen lake fat bike adventures are definitely a highlight for me…and a thrill.

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
We schedule a few ‘Friday Soup Nights’ throughout the winter months…a fun gathering of friends to enjoy a warm fire, homemade soup and good company.

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
Buddy in Elf because of his fun-loving demeanor and positive outlook on life; not to mention his advanced snowball throwing skills.

Katherine: Sales and Guest Services Manager

Go-to winter riding gear?
Bontrager lobster gloves and lights for dark mornings.

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
No such thing as “too cold” just the wrong gear.

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Hot Toddy

Best part about winter in Madison?
Riding fat bikes across the frozen lakes

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
Buy a fat bike

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
I would be Jovie from Elf because how entertaining would that be?!

Trek Travel Winter Gear Flare R and Ion 800

Ashley: Guest Services Coordinator

Go-to winter riding gear?
A Buff! You can use it for your head, your neck, your entire face, etc.

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
I am a firm believer that you dress appropriately for the weather. If it’s cold, bundle up!

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Throat coat tea, even if I don’t have a sore throat.

Best part about winter in Madison?
The first snow in the Arboretum.

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
Having good friends to pass the months with.

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
Tim Allen in The Santa Clause. I’m in it for the silky red pajamas!

[trek-fullwidth-img src=”https://s45708.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/CopperHarbor_2_-2_mr.jpg”]

Behind the Scenic: Meet Hotel Manager Vasilije Stankovic

Posted on December 11, 2017 - 11:22 am by keith_ritter

A Trek Travel River Cruise isn’t your everyday boat trip. Our attention to detail, exceptional bikes and world-class guides together with Scenic’s all-inclusive luxury create a whole new way to explore the world. Recently, we had the pleasure to chat with Hotel Manager of the luxurious Scenic Jasper, Vasilije Stankovic, about what life is like on board and how he got into the business of 5-star service.

Who are you? Tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from?
My name is Vasilije Stankovic and I am from Belgrade, Serbia. I am 37 years old, married and having one beautiful daughter, Angela, who’s 19 months old. I finished Hotel Management University in Belgrade and have been working in the industry so far for around 18 years.

What led you to be an Hotel Manager?
18 years ago I started working as an assistant waiter in a 5-star hotel in Cyprus. The more I was trained by the management team about 5-star service, the more I was interested to learn. Each year I was able to progress in my career and had the opportunity to be a waiter, junior bartender, bartender, restaurant manager, F&B manager, front office manager, assistant hotel director and finally hotel director. It was never about my career, it was more about passion and love towards my job and my will to always learn more.

What drew you to Scenic?
Scenic was recommended by my colleagues as an excellent company with even better working conditions.

What part about your job do you enjoy the most?
Working with people and making them happy.

What’s your favorite part about working on the boat?
I really do enjoy sailing and having the opportunity to spend every day in a different place.

What’s your favorite feature of Scenic?
Enrich events definitely. The Vienna concert or Marksburg castle medieval dinner are my favorite ones.

Where all have you traveled and what has stuck with you the most in your travels?
I had the opportunity to travel from Amsterdam all the way down to the Black Sea and back. Beautiful surroundings, nature, small towns and big cities as well as unique architecture that you can see along the river is something I will remember till the end of my life.

If you could pick one meal on board what would it be?
Slow whole roasted beef tenderloin which we serve for our welcome dinner. Meat is very tender and served with cauliflower mousseline, asparagus duet, vine cherry tomato confit and finished with Pinot Noir reduction. Delicious.

Best view from the ship?
On Scenic ships have two Panorama suites. The best view for our guests is from those suites. Large windows and a beautiful balcony provide stunning views and pure pleasure on sailing days, along with being able to see stellar sunrises and sunsets.

What’s the one thing you’d recommend all guests try?
For the potential guests who are still thinking about who to travel with, I would suggest a trip with Scenic of course. And for the guests who already chose Scenic, I would recommend Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first discovery yacht and first ocean cruise ship from Scenic.

Two wheels. One ship. All luxury.

Explore River Cruise

An Ode to Our Parks

Posted on December 7, 2017 - 3:27 pm by keith_ritter

An ode to our parks by Tony Ferlisi, Guide, Trip Designer, outdoor enthusiast and friend.

Thoreau and Muir spoke of cathedrals, refuges, sanctuaries and temples;
Home to bison, bighorn, grizzly bear and salmon;

We walk in the footsteps of Eastern Cherokee, Piegan, Blackfeet, Southern Paiute and Eastern Shoshone;
While the springtime scent of basin sagebrush, blue spruce, flowering lupines and rhododendron paint the breeze;

Our hands reach out to grasp texture: Wingate sandstone, polished granite, Madison limestone, tholeiitic basalt;
Socks removed, toes dig into Appalachian clay, plunge into glacial run-off, wriggle in the desert sun;

Read names: Grand Prismatic, Going to the Sun, Weeping Wall, Wizard Island;
These places are gifted by our ancestors and borrowed from our grandchildren;

These places are a legacy, a home, a story;
These places are cherished and celebrated;

These places: our National Parks.

Soak in the beauty of our national parks

See Trips

Monthly Archives: December 2017

2017 Hotel of the Year Award

Le Phebus

Ojo Caliente

Happy Holidays with Sardine: Meringue Tom & Jerry

3 Things the L’Etape du Tour Taught Me About Life

Our Winter Picks

Jenny: Dealer Program Manager

Brie: Guide Manager

Katherine: Sales and Guest Services Manager

Ashley: Guest Services Coordinator

Behind the Scenic: Meet Hotel Manager Vasilije Stankovic

An Ode to Our Parks

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