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Life of Luxury

Life of Luxury

Right, said Fred

We're happy to announce that Matouring is now an affiliate of Fred Olsen cruises. One of the things we like about Fred Olsen is the playful approach they have to cruises and touring.  They're a not the biggest name in the cruise industry, but being family-run, they can do things the way they want, and…

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Things could get Messi

Can you believe this?  On June 14, 2021, the Hard Rock venues turned 50 and that doesn’t happen every day. To mark this day, they want to share with you their new campaign. It is built on the principles that have guided Hard Rock since the beginning – providing a fresh approach and a call…

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¿desigual?

We're very excited to welcome a new affiliate friend, one who has always been a favourite of not only much of Europe, but also of the smarter half of the Matouring.com team. We are, of course, talking about Desigual.  As they say themselves, "In reality, Desigual isn’t a brand. It’s a group of people who believe…

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Italy: back in black

You may not think of Italy as a particularly diverse country, but its history includes a Black Roman emperor, Septimus Severus, and, in the 19thcentury, colonies in the North African countries now known as Eritrea and Ethiopia (from where Italians’ beloved caffè originates). I arrived here from New York two years ago, and have found…

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Brescia refresher

Raise your hands, those of you who have visited Brescia, Italy. If you haven't, let us assist you in exploring this rich and varied place. Brescia is a city and comune in the region of Lombardy, Northern Italy. It is situated at the foot of the Alps, a few kilometers from the lakes Garda and Iseo. With a…

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China: rail on a roll

China is a country that doesn't mess around.  With almost 1.4 billion people living in the country, things have to function smoothly, or chaos will inevitably ensue. Evidence of this is that almost 700 km of new metro and tram lines and extensions were opened in 15 Chinese cities during the closing weeks of 2020.…

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The Isle of fire

We're talkin' about Nyoo Yawk, here, so listen up. Most people have heard about Long Island, New York.  Just a short train ride from Manhattan, it is a world unto itself.  It was once - and in many ways, still is - the essence of Bohemian.  But, the ocean-side mansions also are there, so that's…

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Simon McLaren has left the building

As far as we know, this much is true.  And, it's related to a travel company called Blade, hence it appearing here.  They rent  helicopter, seaplane and or jet services, mostly in New York City.  And there was an employee there named Simon McLaren, who was the company's spokesman. When journalist Gabrielle Bluestone called the…

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Bumbling forward into the unknown*

The 72 steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art may well rank among the most famous stairways of the past century. Charged by a sweaty Sly Stallone in the 1976 hit Rocky, this majestic ascent has long inspired visitors to make the climb to the hilltop 1928 landmark, an assemblage of Greek-temple forms in golden-hued limestone. But…

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You can leave your hat on

So a pickpocket went to a nudist beach... He hated it.... We would imagine that there are some people who, after being held captive in their homes due to the pandemic, are looking for a way to break free.  Even if it simply means walking outside without a mask. Likely though, there are those who want…

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Motor through Kotor

When you think of the Balkans, Montenegro doesn't often spring to mind for many people.  In fact, most would struggle to even identify it on a map. And that's a shame, as it has as many mind-blowing features as some of its cousins (Split, Belgrade, etc) and deserves your attention. One approach is to hire…

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The Mercadona mystery

If you've been to Spain (and if you haven't, get going!) you'll likely recognise the name Mercadona.  It is one of the country's largest grocery chains. As you probably know, many companies (like us, for example) assemble their names by concatenating one or more words together into something recognisable, but not a "real" word. Some have wondered…

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Tornados in Europe!

Even if you're a European whiz, sometimes you might want to retrace your steps to ensure that you've seen it all.  Or maybe you're just in a hurry.   So here's a plan for you.  Be a tornado. Experience three of Europe's iconic capitals in just ten days. If you only have a short stay in…

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Do I have clearance to ask you out on a date?

WARNING - look away now if you are allergic to bad naughty humour. "After being deprived of two of my favorite activities — travel and sex — over the past year, one thing I’m looking forward to as both become more feasible is that inexplicable wave of horniness that reliably overcomes me when I’m on…

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Find the hidden restaurant

Are you "in" with The In Crowd?  Do you know every latest dance?  When you're in with The In Crowd, it's easy to find a hidden restaurant.*  New York is the place that never sleeps, is sometimes confusing and maybe a bit too artsy, and is certainly in with The In Crowd.  We love it.…

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You’re worth it, and you know it

Who hasn't - at least once - dreamt of basking in the sun in Saint-Tropez?  Since the 50's, it has always represented the universal ideal in luxury, culture and aspirations. Well, for those in the mood and in the position to do so, you'll be thrilled that the Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière will…

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You got Moxy, kid

It's no surprise to anyone paying attention, but China continues to boom.  They're a powerhouse.  And, like many forward-thinking countries, the look to embrace what's new. One example of this is the new Moxy Hotels group - part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio.  It brings fresh styling, attitude and pizazz to not only the hotel offerings…

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As if you need incentives . . . retire here

Are your "sunset years" approaching?  Do you find yourself longing for something completely different?  Do you wake up at night pondering how you will continue to maintain that 8 bedroom house of yours?  Or, do you simply want to "go off the rails" and take a 180 degree turn in your life? What better time…

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