Video: California Cool in Palm Springs

Fresh, dry air? Check.  300 sunny days a year? Check.  A minimalist desert landscape framed by mountains? Check. 'Desert Modern' Mid-Century design and architecture and breezy, indoor/outdoor cocktail lifestyle? Check.  Natural hot springs and more golf than anywhere else in California? Check and Check. It's been a while since BestTrip.TV traveled to a vacation destination that wasn't coastal.  Find out why we've fallen in love with the mountain/desert hangout of the Rat Pack and all the Hollywood cool cats: Palm Springs,...

Video: The Best of Buenos Aires: A Monograms Tour with a Local Host

Buenos Aires ranks high on travel bucket lists: an exciting, European-influenced city in a remote country, renowned for a passionate history and punching above its weight in contributions to global culture. Argentina has given the world the breathtaking music and dance of tango, the legendary Eva Peron (immortalized in the timeless musical Evita!), some of the New World's best wines from its vineyards, finest beef from its ranches, not to mention its famed polo players, soccer stars, and rabid soccer...

Video: Meet the Cobbler Hand-Crafting Italian Sandals on the Silver Muse

There's a tinkling, tap-tap-tap coming from the pool deck of the Silver Muse. It's being made by a hammer against a tiny shoe nail in the hands of an Italian cobbler. Before your eyes, he custom-makes Italian leather sandals for another fortunate guest.One of the hallmarks of a Silversea cruise is the exceptional level of service. It's personified in the white-gloved, formally-suited butlers who not only provide, but actually anticipate your every need.Before we boarded the Silver Muse, I was...

Film Set Fantasy: Go On Location in Ireland

The Emerald Isle is Hollywood gold! Lovers of green beer and big parties may dream of visiting Ireland for St. Patrick's Day festivities. But if cinematic drama is more your style, Ireland is where your fantasy of standing in the spectacular natural setting of some your favorite movies can come true.Ireland's dramatic scenery has been the backdrop of some of the world's biggest film and video sensations. (All images courtesy Ireland.com). It’s where Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and Star...

Video: 8 Restaurants You Won't Want to Miss On This Luxury Silversea Cruise

Silversea's 'Celebrity' Culinary PartnershipBy: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/ Host BestTrip.TVThese days, celebrity chefs and cruise lines sail hand in hand. Silversea's interpretation of luxury cruising is an understated elegance where service and attention to detail are primary.The Silver Muse at anchor in Paraty, Brazil (Photo: BestTrip.TV) So it's no surprise that Silversea's culinary partnership is not with a famous chef with a flamboyant TV show. Instead, Silversea partnered with Relais & Chateaux, a world-wide association long dedicated to the highest culinary and hospitality...

5 Reasons To Love Your Suite Butler on a Silversea Cruise

If you've never sailed on Silversea Cruises before, you might not realize something very special you will come to love: your Silversea Butler. This is the only cruise line that provides its famous Butler service in every suite on the ship, where the staff-to-guest ratio is nearly one to one.  If you're trying to picture how that level of service – and butlers! - translate to your experience, here are 5 reasons the BestTrip.TV team loved our Suite Butlers when we...

Video: Silversea's Exclusive Carnaval Experience in Rio

Rio's annual pre-Lent extravaganza, Carnaval is the highlight of Rio's – and the party world's – calendar. It runs every year in the 5 days leading up to Ash Wednesday, culminating on Mardi Gras.  But not everyone can make it to the throbbing excitement of Carnaval in that short window.   If you missed what many consider the sexiest party on the planet, not to worry. BestTrip.TV can give you an insider's view of Carnaval.  Join us for a rare, behind-the-scenes experience...

Video: 3 Reasons You'll Love Marseille

France's largest port town, on the magical Mediterranean, has been transformed in recent years.  You'll still find the charms of its Old Port, the oldest neighborhood in France, the maritime culture... but there's been a wave of revitalization and stunning builds that make this seaside city spectacular.  On our latest visit, we fell in love with Marseille, and here are at least 3 reasons we think you'll love it too. Start your Trip!

5 Things You Must Do At Mardi Gras

New Orleans is home to one of the world's greatest parties.  Like other Carnival celebrations, Mardi Gras grew from the Christian practice of feasting and celebrating on 'Mardi Gras' – which means 'Fat' Tuesday - on Shrove Tuesday, just before the solemn fasting of the 40-day pre-Easter season of Lent.  The actual dates differ every year.  Shrove Tuesday can happen during February or early March, and Carnival season begins immediately after the 12th day of Christmas, continuing up to the Eve of...

Video: Meet the Crazy 'Chicken Man' of the Avignon Market

Local markets are one of the greatest delights of trips to the South of France.  The glorious town of Avignon (perhaps best known for the song about its famous bridge) also has a renowned market.  In addition to exquisite regional foods and food products, the charming locals are out in full force.  Particularly the character behind the chicken counter, who's known for breaking out into the French national anthem while plucking a chicken!  Whether you visit Avignon by land or on...