STUNNING STOCKHOLM

Välkomna till Sverige! Or shall we say, welcome to Sweden! For sun lovers, late October may not be the most ideal time to visit this stunning Scandinavian country. However, it seems no matter what time of year you decide to venture here, Stockholm and those who call it home, are sure to offer a warm welcome and an adventure around every corner.

Since there was so much to see and do in this bustling city – we decided the key to a successful holiday would first begin with location, location, location! The chic’ and contemporary Hotel Birger Jarl offers just that and more. It is true, there are plenty of hotels dotted along the waterfront, adjacent to most of the tourist attractions. However, proximity usually comes at a price folks. That’s why we found the Hotel Birger Jarl the best fit offering an ideal setting with easy access to all of Stockholm combined with exceptional value. The hotel, named after Stockholm’s founding father, is situated in the Stureplan, Jarlaplan and Odin triangle-the heart of the city. Birger Jarl is just minutes from museums, the Stockholm Observatory and the Royal Swedish Opera. For those looking to explore the Old Town or perhaps take one of the numerous boat tours, just hop a quick taxi ride or go by train or bus down to the waterfront. The hotel also includes a complimentary full traditional American or Swedish breakfast and guests receive free wi-fi and use of the business centre as well.

Looking for a great meal? No problem. The property offers its own posh and oh-so-European restaurant and Lobby Bar as well. There is also a plethora of restaurants nearby all within easy walking distance offering Irish, Asian, Italian and, of course, Swedish cuisine. Anything and everything is at your fingertips just steps from the hotel.

Where to go? What to see? Where do we start? There are many sites we enjoyed in Stockholm, including the spectacular Vasa Museum. Established in 1990, the Vasa is probably one of Stockholm’s most popular tourist attractions, showcasing the splendor of the world’s only intact 17th century war ship. Vasa’s history is almost as shocking as her breathtaking beauty. During her maiden voyage, the ship sank less than one mile from port during a highly anticipated and publicized inaugural debut. The ship was excavated in 1961 after 33 years under the sea and only 5% of the original vessel was in need of reconstruction. She now sits on display at the Vasa Museum, visited by nearly 80,000 visitors a year. It almost seems Vasa found more accomplishment after her “death” than she did in “life.” NB- Word of warning. The ship is nearly impossible to catch on film for the novice photographer. You are better off visiting the gift shop and purchasing a postcard.

During our short stay in Stockholm we also wanted to get a taste of its 24000 islands that make up the archipelago. What better way then one of the city’s famous boat tours! Late Sunday morning we took a quick taxi ride down to the waterfront and boarded the S.S. Stockholm for our three hour tour. The brunch cruise is the perfect way to sit back, relax and enjoy the natural beauty that abounds in this area. Along the way to Vaxholm, you will see the unique traditional Swedish homes and villages dotted throughout the islands. There isn’t much to do on the tour, other than take in the picturesque views and sea air but it is a great way to unwind at the end of a trip. So, whether you venture out on a historic Ghost Walk tour, take a visit to the Medieval Museum or simply have a seat on the docks and enjoy the views, this stunning city, is sure to deliver an experience of a lifetime. Så lång från Sverige!

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DRACULA'S CASTLE - Romania

Though the real Dracula's Castle lies in a pile of ruins, never fear, dear Halloween addicts- it's actually Bran Castle that you'll want to see if you dare to trek to the infamous depths of Transylvania. Located just a few paces from what once was the castle of the world's most famous vampire, Bran Castle is where it really all happened. Where the legendary Vlad Tepes (aka Vlad the Impaler...eeek, or Vlad Dracula as his contemporaries regarded him) headquartered himself for his conquests westward. And, where, so they say, the resident ghosts and spirits like to come out and play. If you're looking for a good fright, or just a fun night while trapsing through the diverse trails of rural Romania, take a few early evening hours and check it out. http://www.brancastlemuseum.ro/indexfrm_en.htm

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ROYAL OLYMPIC HOTEL, Athens

Athens is busy, Athens is loud, Athens is fascinating, and Athens is also...relaxed? We found an oasis of calm in the center of the symphony of sounds and mind-bogglingly-old treasures from the past, the Royal Olympic Hotel. This lovely find is almost hidden amongst its surroundings (oh, if you're having trouble finding it, just look for that little structure called the Temple of Zeus which incidentally is right outside its doorstep), and that's what makes it so appealing. Unassuming from the outside, with five-star elegance on the inside. It's an independently owned property, with a very hands-on owner and the result is purely warm hospitality, extreme attention to detail, and surroundings both in the public areas and the rooms that are incredibly thoughtful. It's right where you want to be- walk left and you're in the Plaka, walk across and you're at Hadrian's Gate, walk up and you're at the Acropolis. They've thought of everything, extreme detail in the rooms, a lovely courtyard pool, fabulous intriguing artwork throughout the hotel, meeting space, restaurants, FREE Wi-Fi, and even a super-quiet library. The rooftop bar is especially spectacular, with a retractable ceiling that allows you to enjoy the generously pleasant Athens evenings while looking out at a stunning lit-up work of art from thousands of years past. Best of all, the value here is tremendous- watch their website for continuous specials and keep it in mind. Athens is expensive, so save where you can without sacrificing elegance. http://www.royalolympic.com/

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AFRISKI- Lesotho, Africa

OK- you've conquered all domestic slopes, schussed the Alps, even trekked to Chile to add a bit of Latin flavor to your well-worn skis. But- did you ever consider the possibility of skiing Africa? Most people don't even think it's possible, which is why it's all the more appealing. One of the best ways to do this is through Afri Ski, the top African ski experience. It's set in the mysterious kingdom of Lesotho...ok- not so mysterious but it sounds good, doesn't it? Lesotho is a tiny nation surrounded by South Africa, so carry your passport on the drive which is just a few hours from Johannesburg. We're talking a 1 KM ski slope, snow making equipment, kids club, ski school, ski rentals, challenging courses, lifts and more- it's the real deal, in a place you'd never expect. Needless to say this is not a snap decision, a trip like this takes plotting out, so we're giving you enough time to get your plans together and you'll make it for next season which begins April 2010. Plus, you can brag about just returning fresh off the slopes at a fabulous find when everyone else back home is still waiting for the season to begin. You are so ahead of the curve... Visit http://www.afri-ski.net/ for more info and conquer the final ski frontier!

NB: The resort runs STRICTLY on a cash basis only, be sure to hit up the ATM before trekking out.
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FREE NIGHT FOR EXPLORATEURS AT MONTAUK YACHT CLUB

It's no secret we adore the Montauk Yacht Club, we've said it before, but now it's your turn to enjoy the Hampton's most fabulous retreat. All Explorateur followers get 1 FREE NIGHT on a 3 night stay, exclusively. All you have to do is refer 3 people to subscribe to our e-newsletter, that's it! And you're on your way to classic Hamptons luxury. You SO deserve a break, and if you're in the tri-state area, you can forget about airfare since it's so accessible by car. Just let your friends know about us, ask them to register on this link http://02c4b28.netsolhost.com/ and tell them to be sure to list your name as the source, we want you to get as much credit as possible! Email us to book your stay and redeem your free night- hurry! The Hamptons season ends soon!
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DOING IT UP GREEK…AND LOVING IT!

Sometimes even The Explorateur needs get back to the roots of being a culinary explorer. On a recent trip to Athens, staying at one of the best five star properties in town, and being tired of fussy food (albeit delicious) we made a trip to the famous culinary markets in the center of the city. There hidden behind the dozens of fresh meat butchers, an endless array of the freshest seafood, all being proclaimed by the seafood purveyors as the best, a stunning assortment of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, olives (So many incredible varieties that another column just about those olives needs to be done) and spices; lies a place where everyone who works at these food markets goes to eat.

It’s called KapBouvo & oxapa (forgive us if we've butchered the Greek-glish spelling, no pun intended!) and it is the most definitive Greek restaurant that I have ever experienced and all with the absolute freshest foods possible. Simply put, it’s delicious! Imagine that most of the better restaurants come to this market everyday to order their meats, fish and vegetables. They take it back, and prepare their menus and perhaps that evening, or the next, you are enjoying your repast. Now, let’s cut out the middle man, eliminate the driving, and have that amazing selection of food prepared in a matter of minutes. It’s a testament to great, fresh food, prepared simply over an open fire.

There are the basics like a mixed grill or a variety of seafood, but do not forget to have a memorable Greek salad, as it definitely puts the “Greek” in this salad, with fresh vegetables and feta cheese toped by an array of spices and great olive oil and tangy vinegar as a great start to the meal. And from there it only gets better. Fresh food, simply prepared at outstanding prices. So, the next time you are in Athens, head over to the market ask anyone who works there to point you in the direction of KapBouvo & oxapa and guaranteed, you’ll enjoy the best Greek meal of your life! Our Online Travel Guide covers almost all the luxury destinations around the world to know more about Luxury Travel Destinations please subscribe our online travel guide.