Extravigator - Shops + Finds

Purchasing new luggage

TravelGretta — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:46:03 -0400

I'm partial to Tumi, but you'll definitely want to visit a store and test-run the suitcases so you can see/feel how they'll work with whatever you're packing.

Gifts for a World Traveler

Nanoose — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:13:11 -0400

Once I was going skiing for my birthday in the French Alps and my brother gave me a bunch of Euro's. It was great fun not having to deal with the changing money (for a little while anyway as I ran through his gift rather quickly). In that same fashion, I give world travelling friends gift certificates from the Marriott. Even if they don't stay at Marriotts, the gift certificates can be used for dining or other services. My friend ended up having high tea at the Renissance Hotel off the Holburn station in London. And another friend got a beach massage at the Marriott in Phuket, Thailand.

Gifts for a World Traveler

Dex — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:09:38 -0400

I've found that wejetset has some really terrific gifts for world travelers. They have a range of products from sleek passport cases to high-end apparel.

Gifts for a World Traveler

Herry Lawford — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:03:47 -0500

Ha! That's the problem with good travellers; they've usually been there first! :-)

My no 2 favourite is a small ship's barometer. I have one by Dalvey (a Scottish firm - http://www.dalvey.com/ - click the link if only for the air which plays on the intro) which sits on my desk, but also goes in my suitcase and helps with weather-forecasting when you get there. I know your friend's a woman and barometers are more a man's thing (you know - the pipe and tweeds, tapping the barometer and staring thoughfully at the lowering sky a la Heathcliff) - but these are small and beautiful and can help her decide what sort of shoes she should wear!

Gifts for a World Traveler

Tess — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:41:37 -0500

Thanks, Herry. Great suggestion. But as luck would have it, she already has one!

Gifts for a World Traveler

Herry Lawford — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:20:13 -0500

An iPhone. Totally brilliant and works everywhere (it's quad-band). You cut your luggage weight by heaps because you no longer need to lug your laptop as the iPhone does the internet so well and e-mail is flawless. And that's before you start playing with the built-in iTunes, YouTube and Google Maps!
I wrote a bit about it on my blog here
http://herrylaw.blogspot.com/2007/12/seriously-cool-phone.html

Gifts for a World Traveler

Tess — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:59:30 -0500

I want to get a birthday gift for a close friend of mine who, like me, loves to travel. If you know of any lifesaving or beautiful gifts that you'd recommend, please let me know. I just might buy two!

Purchasing new luggage

prfsrchaos — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:42:58 -0500

Travelpro is unbeatable, especially their Platinum line (currently in the fifth iteration). True, it doesn't look the most stylish. But you will feel that every penny you spend goes toward the quality of the product instead of a designer name or fancy advertising. My first Travelpro Platinum purchase was about 8 years ago. It has been all over the U.S., Africa, Japan, China, U.K., and on and on. It has gotten temporarily lost, but has never failed me. The wheels spin like new, the zippers work smoothly, and the exterior still cleans up nice. I just can't sing enough praises. I refuse to purchase any luggage except Travelpro Platinum.

Purchasing new luggage

chubbyhubby — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:30:45 -0500

I love Rimowa's aluminium suitcases. Not only are they uber-stylish, they are very sturdy.

Purchasing new luggage

J.L. — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 03:20:04 -0500

The best luggage I've ever owned is my current Victorinox E-motion 22-inch Trek backpack/roller... Durable, stylish, secure, & functional. AND it's the largest allowable carry-on size. It's been to 5 continents and still looks great.

Purchasing new luggage

weigela — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:26:01 -0500

Sadly, my old trusty luggage has worn out and the broken handle is telling me that it needs to finally be replaced. I'm looking for a new set so let me know if you have a sturdy, functional and somewhat fashionable set of luggage that you wouldn't leave home without!

Luxury Beds

shawfly — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 22:31:01 -0500

Well, right now I'm a fan. But, my bed is less than a year old. So, I can't say for sure that I'll be a lifetime loyal devotee. I guess we'll see after a few years.

One thing I didn't mention was that the Hästens 25 year warranty covers the mattress and the box springs. However, the "Mattress Topper," which is the thick removable layer of horse hair that sits on top of the mattress, really needs to be replaced every 7 years. They don't really mention that up front, so you need to factor that expense into the overall cost of the bed over 30 years.

Luxury Beds

jazspin — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:21:01 -0500

That's kind of impressive that Hastens can generate so much loyalty.

Luxury Beds

shawfly — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 23:49:44 -0500

Jazspin, I saw the three bed mentioned in that article. None of them are designed to last 30 years like the Hästens bed. Hästens bed come with a 25-year warranty. The Dux has a 20-year warranty, the Hypnos is a 5+5 year warranty, and every Shiffman I've ever slept on had a 10 year warranty.

I have no doubt that they are all comfortable, but as I was saying, one of the best features of the Hästens, in my opinion, is that the horse hair that the bed is comprised of helps regulate your temperature and wicks away moisture. And it happens to be incredibly comfortable. Since the Hästens bed doesn't retain moisture like other mattresses, it's less likely to be a breeding ground for dust mites and other allergens.

Luxury Beds

jazspin — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:12:14 -0500

I don't have any experience with Hastens (at least, I don't think so), but an incredible bed is definitely a worthy splurge. After all, it's hard to enjoy anything else if you haven't gotten a good night's sleep!

3Luxe's list of top three mattresses might be helpful, however:
3Luxe beds

Has anyone had experience with these choices?

Luxury Beds

shawfly — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:25:59 -0500

Yes! We bought a Hästens last year and we absolutely love it. We got the Excelsior model in a King, which is one of their mid-range beds. As expensive as it was, I do feel that we will get excellent value from it since the bed is designed to last at least 30 years and has a 25 year warranty. When you compare that to your average store bought bed that is only designed to last 10 years, you can begin to see it as a long-term investment. And when you consider the prices of other luxury beds that aren't designed to last as long, the Hästens is a much better value.

Most cheap mattresses are just layers and layers of springs and foam, but Hästens uses purified horse hair (the dander is removed to make it completely hypoallergenic) which has a number of benefits. Years ago, horse hair mattresses were much more common and Hästens was always one of the top manufacturers of horse hair mattresses since the 1800s.

Horse hair is one of the few natural materials that is comfortable to sleep on that doesn't absorb any water. When you have enough curled horse hair in a pile with springs and surrounded by breathable fabric, it creates a springy cloud that allows air and moisture to move right through it. So you don't ever wake up sweaty and overheated in a Hästens mattress the way you would in a cheaper mattress. It allows you to sleep continuously without being disturbed by your body's normal temperature changes and sweat. Most people sweat a few glasses of water every night. The Hästens will wick the moisture away from the bed, whereas a typical foam bed will just absorb it like a sponge.

As far as comfort goes, it's without a doubt the best bed I've ever slept on. It's incredibly soft and plush, but also gives great support as it molds to your body no matter what position you like to sleep in. Make sure you visit a Hästens store and lay on the mattress for at least 20 minutes. You'll notice that if you're a side sleeper, you won't feel the pressure on your shoulder and hips the way you do on a cheap foam mattress.

The only downside is that the Hästens takes a little bit of maintenance. You have to remember to flip and massage it every few weeks to keep the horse hair in place.

I don't recommend purchasing their most expensive model. You don't get that much better of a bed, but it can cost three times the price of one of their mid-range models. The only difference between their more expensive model and the mid range models is that their top-of-the-line model is entirely hand made by a craftsman, it has more horse hair in the construction, and the bed has a brass plaque on it certifying the work of the craftsman. I don't think you are supposed to notice that much of a difference in the comfort though.

I've heard that a few hotels around the world have Hästens mattresses in their rooms. The Chicago Peninsula is supposed to have a few, though I've never been there. But, for me, it took me two nights to get used to the bed before I really settled into it and it molded to my shape. Perhaps the experience is different in a hotel.

Nevertheless, another drawback that I've realized is that now when I sleep at even the best hotels in the world, I'm not sleeping as well. I'll miss my Hästens.

Luxury Beds

Kelly — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:09:14 -0500

Hi, I am looking to buy a new bed and I have about £10 - £15,000 to spend on it. I have recently heard of a company called Hastens and was wondering whether anyone else has heard of them? Or if anyone actually has a Hastens bed?

Best Chocolate Shops in New York?

padideh — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 07:50:00 -0500

I would have to say Fauchon. Not only are their chocolates divine but, their presentation is so aesthetically appealing. With Valentine's Day coming up, you can't go wrong with this Madison Avenue gem.

Looking for Good Shops in Florence

abeam — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:02:30 -0500

Diana, Thank you so much! That's very kind of you.

I still have to book my tickets, and there's a 50-50 chance that I might have to delay my trip for a few months. I'll definitely give it some thought and Whisper you if I decide to take you up on the offer. Thanks again!

Looking for Good Shops in Florence

Diana Deborbon — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 11:22:55 -0500

My personal assistant can coordinate a personalized shopping spree trips throughout Europe and I'm sure she would be glad to help you coordinate your shopping trip in Florence. Please tell me what you will be looking for most in Florence and I will ask her if she can assist you in coordinating your shopping days. She always helps me find great deals. She is easy going, entertaining, refined and a very friendly young Spanish woman. She is very well connected, her very presence usually helps me receive alot of fabulous discounts in the finest boutiques in Italy, Spain, France and London.

Best regard,
Diana Deborbon

Looking for Good Shops in Florence

travelista — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:29:29 -0500

Adjacent to the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella you'll find one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, started by the Dominican friars who settled in Florence during the 13th Century. The monks used to grow herbs for medicine at the Santa Maria Novella monastery's infirmary. Though their chemist shop has only been open since 1612.

They sell what many consider to be the world's finest handmade soaps, perfumes, potpourri, and other toiletries—all which make excellent gifts. And the store has beautifully preserved its feel from the past, complete with frescos and ancient chemist instruments. The store is usually closed for some time in August, but you can actually buy their stuff in various shops throughout the world now, and online as well.

I won't lie to you, their stuff is very pricey, but it also lasts a very long time. The lather on their soaps is so rich that you barely need to use that much each time you use it. This is typical of many of their formulas, so some of their products can often last you a year or longer. At that point, it's almost a bargain!

Looking for Good Shops in Florence

cibo — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:43:12 -0500

You'll have no trouble finding lovely gifts throughout the city. I've actually had good luck at The Ponte Vecchio (the main pedestrian bridge over the Arno). Shops are the staple of Ponte Vecchio. [It's believed to be the place where the term Bankruptcy comes from. Merchants were required to show their wares on a table (or, "banco"), and the soldiers would destroy ("rotto") the tables of Merchants who could not pay their debts. Hence, the term was coined, "bancorotto".]

Not too far from the Ponte Vecchio you'll find a very cute litte stationery store Giulio Giannini e Figlio, that's been handed down in the family since the mid 1800s. They have handtooled leather book bindings and handmade stationery which make excellent gifts. http://www.giuliogiannini.it/

Hope that helps!

Looking for Good Shops in Florence

abeam — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 19:54:31 -0500

In April I'll be in Florence for a few days and would like some recommendations for shopping for myself, family and friends. I'd like to bring back a few things that are memorable of the city. Thank you for your help!

Best Chocolate Shops in New York?

travelista — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 14:38:46 -0500

Sorry it's a little late for the holiday shopping season, but thought I would let you know that I received a gift from a friend who bought chocolates from Christopher Norman just two blocks from Wall Street. I was impressed! They were like jewels and very delicious.
http://www.christophernormanchocolates.com/

Best Chocolate Shops in New York?

lymbuj — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:20:28 -0500

pierre marcolini - great brussels chocolatier now with NYC location. they will fed ex anywhere in the US. 485 Park Avenue

Best Chocolate Shops in New York?

shawfly — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 18:08:33 -0500

Meh. Teuscher is ok. But, if you're in Rockefeller Center, La Maison du Chocolat. is far better. They treat their chocolate like precious jewels, and have special shade for the sun.

Personally, I think La Maison du Chocolat is a bit pricey. You can can nearly the same quality from Jacques Torres Chocolates downtown (and in Brooklyn). And, if you have a child in tow, Jacques Torres is also more entertaining as you can see the chocolate shop in action.

Both Jacques Torres and La Maison du Chocolat have Hot Chocolate Bars, so even if you aren't buying chocolates, you can always stop in and sit down for a cup of hot cocoa served in fine china.

And the hot chocolate bar at La Maison du Chocolat is a great little secret when you want to get away from the Rockefeller crowds. It's never crowded.

Best Chocolate Shops in New York?

Sophia — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:34:15 -0500

In my humble opinion, La Maison du Chocolat is overrated, not to mention overcrowded. I prefer Teuscher; it's also in Rockefeller Center, but quieter and tastier.

If you're looking for chocolate (or sweet little things in general) to consume rather than to gift, I'd suggest Chikalicious.

Best Chocolate Shops in New York?

jacquline — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:06:50 -0500

I love La Maison du Chocolat and Kee's Chocolate. La Maison is high end french chocolate straight from Paris. Kee's is a tiny chocolate shop in Soho making the most delicious truffles ever.

Best Chocolate Shops in New York?

jatamark — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:13:49 -0500

Richart on East 55th street is a great designer chocolate place. The detail in the pieces look amazing and are tasty.

Best Chocolate Shops in New York?

dmmack — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 05:51:34 -0500

Payard on Lexington is my favorite. If you are a hot chocolate fan, this is the place!