Dear Galavante Friends,

With June upon us, we’re officially in summer travel mode at Galavante.  Our team of 28 is covering the world, from Asia, to the Middle East to Europe, and as close to home as the Hamptons.  While my team is traveling, this summer I’ll be working away on exciting new partnerships and writing opportunities for Galavante.  We recently became a Corporate Partner of American Express, and we have several partnerships in the pipeline, which will provide you with access to special promotions and companies that we’ve curated to provide you the best in travel.  We’re looking forward to inspiring you on your own travels this year.

Whether it’s for work or for pleasure, we have a diverse offering of features for you this month.  Galavante Confidential, our insider travel tips and news series, will focus on International Business Customs.  At Galavante, our Co-Founder team and network of friends have done business abroad, and we’re providing you with the true insider view on sealing the deal.  A special thank you Leo Han and Franziska Hummel for their first-hand experience on business in Brazil and Germany.  I hope I never have to negotiate with you on the other side.

We’re also offering a First Look at the B2 Boutique Hotel & Spa in Switzerland, where our own AnneLise Sorensen had the chance to preview this newly opened hotel.  Built in an old brewery, it brings new meaning to 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.

Lastly, for destinations, we’re traveling to the Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany and Dubrovnik, Croatia, two quintessential summer destinations.   Castiglion del Bosco is one of the most prominent producers of Brunello, where you can expect to have an IV drip of wine during your stay. Dubrovnik is a less traveled destination than Italy, but the type of place that distinguishes a true international traveler.  It’s fun for the whole family to watch the yacht dinghies shuttle in their privileged guests from the vantage point of the restaurant Gil, set on top of the historic walls of the city.  In typical Galavante fashion, we’ll show you the glamorous side, then take you to the simple seaside town to eat seafood literally plucked from the waters and served to you within minutes.  We can’t wait.

I have to say that it’s been a restless, albeit productive, four weeks at home without travel.  This June I’m in Chicago for a wedding and birth of my close friends’ son, then at the TBEX conference in Keystone.  I had hoped to sneak off to Scotland and Italy, but alas the Galavante business is growing.  No fear though, July and the rest of the summer will be filled with travels.  I am grateful for all your support, and for what’s ahead for us this 2012 and beyond.

All the best,