Celebrating the legacy of Nelson Mandela

AN award-winning agency established in 1987, named "Top Travel Specialist" for 19 consecutive years by Conde Nast Traveler, and recognized consistently by Forbes as well as other prestigious publications. Tully Luxury Travel designs life-enriching travel experiences for a global clientele, curated with the utmost attention to detail. Priding itself in its philanthropic and conservation initiatives which encourages how one can always travel with a purpose and make a difference.

In December, Mary Jean Tully, Founder and CEO of Tully Luxury Travel, proudly supported Giants of #Africa, the not-for-profit co-founded by Toronto Raptors president, Masai Ujiri, with the purchase of an exclusive and unique work of art. The painting titled "Madiba" by artist Ajiri Ujiri, was showcased at the annual Giants of Africa fundraiser, "Mandela 100", celebrating the legacy of Nelson Mandela. 

As 2018 would have marked Mandela's 100th birthday, Tully was honored to celebrate the icon's profound international impact. A devoted philanthropist, Tully is passionate about Africa and actively supports various causes to raise awareness for positive change, globally.


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Picture Credit: mrgarethm Nelson Mandela photopin

Where will you be ringing in the New Year?

TOKYO, Paris and New York City are the top destinations to ring in 2019 according to Agoda, one of the world's fastest growing online travel agents (OTA), with more than a third more people opting to getaway to celebrate on New Year's Eve.

A top ten destination for many markets globally and number one for Chinese and Singaporean travelers, Tokyo's appeal continues with a jam-packed itinerary of concerts, parades and light shows making it the perfect destination to cast off the old and welcome in the #NewYear.

It's no wonder Paris, boasting endless themed parties, New Year countdowns at popular landmarks and shows for the whole family, has secured the top spot for travel in Europe. The "City of Love" is a top ten for their British neighbors as well as travelers from Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The ball drop at Times Square in New York City is one of the most iconic and star-driven celebrations of New Year's Eve in the world, so it comes as no surprise that New York City is the top North American destination for travelers globally and number two for Americans traveling domestically.


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Countdown to the the New Year in Auckland

AUCKLAND will be the first major city in the world to welcome in 2019, and is planning a visual and entertainment extravaganza to light up Auckland’s cityscape this New Year’s Eve. 

For the first time, Vector Lights on #Auckland Harbour Bridge will join the celebrations with a sparkling display from 9pm, before building up to a countdown to midnight where it will pulse in time with the Auckland Sky Tower.

At the stroke of midnight, Vector Lights will explode into a five-minute spectacular designed to complement SKYCITY’s fireworks display, then continue until 1am. Those lucky enough to be down at Silo Park for the Wondergarden Festival will have a perfect view of the bridge and the fireworks alongside world-class international and local acts.

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The Largest Indian Wedding in Thailand

SPLASH Beach Resort, Mai Khao Phuket is positioned to become a favorite destination wedding venue in the region after Kishore Samtani, an entrepreneur from Hong Kong, hosted a reception banquet and 5 day destination wedding celebration for more than 1,300 guests at his son's wedding in the 19-hectare grounds during November 28 – December 3, 2018.

The wedding of Kunal Samtani, son of Kishore Samtani, to Divya Vaswani was the largest wedding ever held in #Thailand with five-day of festivities held at Splash Beach Resort where a 3,200 square metres air-conditioned marquee, Thailand’s largest, was built for the wedding celebrations. The resort served guests more than 25,000 meals, 12,000 coconuts, over 1,500 bottles of premium liquor and champagne including Dom Pérignon, Yamazaki Single Malt throughout the 5-day celebrations.

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Thanksgiving Destinations For Americans

MORE Americans are traveling for Thanksgiving than ever, according to Allianz Global Assistance's Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index, which saw an eight percent increase in travelers from 2017. For the fourth year running, New York City and Cancun are Americans' preferred domestic and international Thanksgiving destinations, respectively.

While travel to Cancun is down from last year (8.7 percent), it still tops the international destinations list, and Mexico as a country claims four spots total: San Jose Del Cabo at number five, Puerto Vallarta at nine and Mexico City at ten. The other Top 10 destinations in order of popularity are: London, Paris, San Juan, Montego Bay, Nassau and Punta Cana.

The day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday, November 21) is the busiest departure day according to Allianz's index, and Sunday, November 25 is the busiest return date.


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A culinary accolade to celebrate a 10 year anniversary

MAJEKA House & Spa in the heart of South Africa’s famous Cape Winelands is a stylish, fabulously quirky, boutique hotel with the added-bonus of boasting one of the country’s best restaurants.

MAKARON, under the culinary expertise of Head Chef Lucas Carstens, has just been announced as one of the winners in the 2018 American Express Platinum Fine Dining awards held in Constantia on 1 October 2018 – a great culinary accolade to celebrate their 10-year anniversary this month. Makaron has also previously been nominated for Condé Nast Gourmet Restaurant Awards and is repeatedly listed amongst the Top 30 restaurants by Eat Out.

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Celebrate with The Ghan in 2019

2019 marks 90 years since The Ghan embarked on its inaugural journey cementing its place in Australian history and its reputation as one of the world’s best train journeys. To celebrate this momentous occasion you can travel in The Ghan’s 90th year and be part of the birthday celebrations. With a dedicated anniversary train, 90 days of celebrations and six signature packages featuring The Ghan.

For a truly memorable experience, board The 90th Anniversary Train, which will depart Adelaide for Darwin on 4 August 2019 – 90 years to the day since the original ‘Afghan Express’ left for Alice Springs. This one-off journey will include unique on-train experiences and off train excursions, plus a birthday party like no other in the outback.

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Picture Credit: By Roderick Eime from Australia - The Ghan, commons.wikimedia.org 66107221

A few days off . . .

HEADING off to bonnie Scotland for a family wedding so we'll be back on Monday.  

Slàinte!

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Up in the air . . .

EMIRATES is celebrating 10 years of A380 operations. Since its first flight to New York from Dubai on 1 August 2008, the Emirates A380 has carried more than 4 million Australian passengers and 105 million passengers globally, clocking in more than 1.5 billion kilometres on 115,000 flights, equivalent to 39,000 trips around the globe.

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World's highest football live scoreboard

THE iconic Burj Khalifa by global developer Emaar Properties in #Dubai, which has the world's tallest LED panel installed on its façade, is now the world's highest #Football Live Scoreboard.

With the finals drawing close, visitors and residents can keep up to date with the scorecards of the matches at the world's most popular football championship that are now relayed on to the LED screen of Burj Khalifa.

Featuring the flag of the goal-scoring nation as well, the scoreboard is updated in real-time for football lovers to catch up with the action set against the backdrop of The Dubai Fountain, the world's tallest performing fountain. A true celebration in light, the Football Live Scoreboard has been the centre of attention of all, since the world championship event started in June.



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Best wishes . . .

ALL eyes on #Windsor today for the Royal wedding. Today Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot at midday in St George's chapel followed by a carriage procession around Windsor. They will then be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

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A wedding in the edgy east

THOSE who are planning a wedding with a difference should head to buzzing east London for a treasure trove of super quirky venues and creative wedding experiences.

Andaz London hotel on Liverpool Street has launched its ‘Get Shore-hitched’ package, allowing couples to celebrate their day in true East End style. The happy couple can choose how much of Shoreditch they bring into their big day with options including handcrafted graffiti invitations created by local street artists, complimentary ‘his’ and ‘her’ tattoos from an east London tattooist, a ceremony in the hotel’s secret Masonic Temple (to name a few). Also, after the wedding, a local designer can recycle the bride’s wedding dress into a new outfit that can be worn again and again.

Further east, Ace Hotel in Shoreditch is proving popular with animal lovers – not only do they have an extensive vegan menu but they are also proud to be dog friendly – so why not invite your four-legged friend along as a guest or a ringbearer!

For a wedding with a view, the Emirates Air Line cable car, which connects Greenwich to the Royal Albert Dock, hosts wedding receptions for newly-wedded couples who want to take their love to new heights! The glass capsules make the perfect backdrop for wedding photos with views across the O2 and Canary Wharf.

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Happy Mothers Day!

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See in the New Year over Antarctica

WHAT are your plans for New Year’s Eve? How about sipping your drink as the sun is still shinning high in the sky, as you count down to 2018 on a sightseeing flight over #Antarctica? 

Antarctica Flights operate the world’s only ‘flight-seeing’ trips to the remote region and their New Year’s Eve departure surely is the world’s most unique party! Departing Melbourne mid-afternoon, the 14 hour return chartered QANTAS flight positions passengers over the icy continent right in time to ring in the New Year while witnessing glaciers, icebergs and lunar landscapes, as the sound of a four piece jazz band plays live in the cabin.

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Cheers to the New Year

IN addition to dazzling palm-fringed and white-sand beaches to unwind on, neighbouring islands to explore, and cultural sights for the Instagram feed – visiting #KohSamui during New Year’s Eve presents a bonus for guests with the perfect backdrop of fireworks over the ocean. The rule of thumb in Samui is the bigger the beach, the bigger the fireworks. The famous Chaweng Beach, on which Amari Koh Samui is located, features numerous lively party spots and is certainly the place to experience the most colourful and festive celebrations.

Amari Koh Samui, located on a secluded stretch of Chaweng Beach, offers a New Year's Eve Package, which includes a New Year's Eve Gala Dinner on 31 December 2017, round-trip transfers to and from Samui International Airport, daily breakfast at Amaya Food Gallery and more. 

The package is available for a minimum three-night stay in a Superior Garden Wing King room, starting at £261 per night and is valid for stays from 25 December 2017 to 10 January 2018. 

www.amari.com/koh-samui/hotelpackage

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Celebrate Indonesian Independence with music

INDONESIAN composer Ananda Sukarlan and Australian Indigenous musician Djakapurra Munyarrun will perform together in Jakarta to celebrate the 72th anniversary of Indonesian Independence.

Taking its name from the Makassar term for Arnhem Land in northern Australia, the Voyage to Marege concert is inspired by the connections between the Yolngu people from North East Arnhem Land and the Bugis traders from Makassar.

The concert is a celebration of the deep bonds between #Australia and #Indonesia. It will be held on 31 August 2017 at Teater Jakarta, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) Jakarta.

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Lighting up the Borders

LIGHTING the Borders, designated a signature event for Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, will see sites such as Floors Castle, Ayton Castle and Peniel Heugh flooded with blue light for three nights from Friday 1 September to Sunday 3 September.

In addition, 11 of the sites will also host special free and ticketed events over those three days, including music, theatre and living history, celebrating and reflecting on the region’s history, heritage and cultural diversity.

The Scottish Borders Heritage Festival, which runs throughout September and includes over 200 events, is being delivered by Live Borders in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and the Borders Heritage Forum.

A full programme of events, including details of all the sites and events as part of Lighting the Borders can be found online at www.scottishbordersheritage.com

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Invitational Campaign Encourages Travel for WorldPride 2019

NEW YORK City’s official destination marketing organization, has joined with Heritage of Pride, organizers of #NYC Pride, to formally announce the two-year countdown to WorldPride 2019. 

Set to take place in #NewYorkCity in June 2019, the global celebration of Pride will coincide with the historic 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots—the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement—making it a year to underscore New York City’s progress and resilience as a global #LGBTQ capital. 

The announcement was made as New York City’s 2017 Pride celebrations are currently underway this week. A new invitational campaign, titled “One World, One Pride, One New York City – Unite in 2019” launched yesterday in New York City, with additional promotion and activations taking place in Madrid during the upcoming WorldPride celebrations there June 23–July 2.

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TO Canada with Love

#TORONTO continues a year of celebrations in 2017 with a newly released summer programme of free events as part of TO Canada with Love. TO #Canada with Love is the City of Toronto's year-long series of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions honouring Canada's 150th birthday with more than 30 City-produced events taking place throughout 2017.

The TO Canada with Love summer programme includes:

MomenTO
A city-wide schedule of events, MomenTO highlights 150 years of Canadian moments through people, places and events significant to the history of Canada and Toronto. Torontonians are encouraged to contribute to an online MomenTO timeline, and to present a diverse set of events, exhibits and installations.

National Aboriginal Day and The Indigenous Arts Festival
The City of Toronto continues its tradition of producing and presenting the largest National Aboriginal Day celebrations in the country with the five-day Indigenous Arts Festival from 21 to 25 June at Fort York National Historic Site. These events acknowledge June is National Aboriginal History Month.

Canada Days
A city-wide celebration, Canada Days presents more than 130 performances by emerging and established artists from across Canada with international guest artists at four locations across Toronto, including a four-day festival at Nathan Phillips Square from 30 June to 3 July and one-day events at Mel Lastman Square, Humber Bay Park West and Scarborough Civic Centre on 1 July.

Iconic CN Tower
On July 1, 2017 The CN Tower will celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary with a spectacular fireworks display and lightshow! The show begins at 10:30pm with a 30 second lightshow, followed by 5 minutes of fireworks set to Canadian music, and will end with another fantastic lightshow.

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Picture Credit: Pintrest

Summer of Love

ON May 13, 1967 the song “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” was released. It became the anthem of the era and invited the world to come and meet “some gentle people with flowers in their hair.”

Travelers at #SanFrancisco International Airport (SFO) who are “going to San Francisco” on May 13, 2017 will be welcomed with flowers, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus performing the song of the day, Madame Tussaud’s likenesses of Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia and Jimi Hendrix, and many other surprises. United Airlines has even created a flight #1967 to arrive at Gate 67 in honor of that seminal summer.

San Francisco Travel and the California Historical Society have joined forces on the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love. At www.summerof.love, the California Historical Society provides the detailed factual and cultural context for this landmark summer through its own exhibition and work with cultural partners such as the de Young Museum.

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