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The Joy (and Sometimes Terror) of Creating Something New
PLUS: Instagram Caption Cheat Sheet to make your next post write itself.
Alex Mustaros
May 01, 2025
In partnership with:
You’d think that after years in the industry, after hundreds of newsletters, campaigns, and itineraries, I’d be immune to that nervous tick that hits just before pressing “Publish.”
Well, I’m not.
Here we are. Another week, another deep dive into a project I swore would be “easy this time.” (It never is.)
The Savvy Traveler Guide to Paris is finally live.
And while it would be easy to talk about all the research, all the Michelin stars, all the rooftop views, what I really want to share is this:
It can be terrifying to create something for people who know what they’re talking about.
This guide isn’t for the first-time tourist. It’s for the people who’ve already “done Paris,” not once or twice, but a few more times.
Which means:
✨ Every line, every link, every recommendation had to earn its place.
🚫 No fluff. No filler. No generic cafes you could find on TikTok.
And that’s what makes it exciting.
Because when your audience is made up of you, the professional who makes the magic happen, the only way to get it right is to respect your taste, your insight, and your standards.
The quiet confidence of someone who’s seen it all.
Who can spot the difference between good and truly great, often without needing to say a word.
That’s the level we aim for.
So if you’ve ever stared down a blank itinerary, a sales page, or even an Instagram caption and thought, “I hope this actually works…”
Guess what…
You’re not alone.
And now, back to the business of staying sharp.
Here’s what happened this week in the world of Luxury Travel
Travel Industry News & Trends
🚢 Cruises Are Thriving, Airlines Are… Reorganizing Their Beverage Carts
While airlines are trimming routes and tightening forecasts, the cruise industry is sailing full steam ahead. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian are reporting blockbuster demand and record-breaking quarters. Why? Because cruises offer value, flexibility, and let’s face it — uninterrupted margaritas. Meanwhile, airlines are discovering that “free snacks” can only go so far when the seats keep shrinking. BUSINESS INSIDER (Paywall)
Maybe if planes had infinity pools and unlimited shrimp, we’d be having a different conversation.
🏆 Luxury Sports Travel: Where Courtside Seats Meet Champagne Service
Forget nosebleeds and nachos. Today’s sports travelers want private jets, VIP suites, and a sommelier who knows the difference between a goal and a goalpost. Advisors are cashing in by curating ultra-luxe experiences around events like the Olympics, F1, and the Super Bowl. It’s not just about the game, it’s about the five-star hotel, the exclusive gala, and the Rolex welcome gift. TRAVEL MARKET REPORT
Expedia
✈️🛳️ Emirates & Hapag-Lloyd: Because Why Fly or Cruise When You Can Do Both in First Class?
Two luxury titans — Emirates and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises — have teamed up to launch ultra-premium air-sea travel packages starting in 2026/2027. The goal? To give clients a seamless journey from private jet-style cabin to polar expedition yacht without ever having to touch a commercial terminal. It's the kind of pairing that makes a seaplane transfer look rustic. TRAVEL PR NEWS
I’m sure there’s caviar on both legs of the trip.
👗 Chanel Cruises into Lake Como, Steals the Show (and Several Heartbeats)
Chanel unveiled its latest Cruise Collection at the opulent Villa d’Este on Lake Como, turning the runway into a silk-lined fantasy complete with Keira Knightley, Sofia Coppola, and enough sequins to outshine the lake. The show doubled as a masterclass in global luxury positioning, reminding the world that Chanel isn’t just fashion — it’s a diplomatic mission in couture. THE GUARDIAN
Some of us take cruises for leisure. Chanel takes one to conquer Europe in head-to-toe tweed.
And while the world spins, evolves, and occasionally throws a tariff tantrum…
Some things remain solid, like a beautifully curated travel guide. 😬
✨ Now Boarding: The Savvy Traveler Guide | Paris Edition
When someone says, "We’ve done Paris already,” that’s when it gets interesting.
The newest release in our off-the-beaten-path luxury collection:
Curated for the traveler who’s seen the Eiffel Tower and knows which side of the Seine they prefer with their croissant.
These aren’t basic itineraries. They’re research-rich, relentlessly curated, and crafted for travel professionals to elevate, customize, and impress.
🛒 Explore the guides: Store
(And yes — recommending it to clients helps fund our next flat white. Merci.)
It pays to read, not just scroll. So keep reading.
🏨 Grand Hotel Central: New Look, New Chef, Same Perfect Rooftop
Thanks to one of our sharp-eyed readers (you know who you are), we took a closer look at Barcelona’s Grand Hotel Central, and yes, it’s not just refreshed, it’s reborn.
Following a meticulous renovation under new ownership, this Noucentist landmark has emerged as a standalone luxury property with a new identity, new interiors, and a renewed sense of place.
The 147 rooms and rooftop pool remain iconic, but the heart of the update? Can Bo, the street-level restaurant now helmed by elBulli alum Oliver Peña.
Expect creative tapas, local Catalan ingredients, and a wine list curated by sommelier Amador Marín, all wrapped in Mediterranean tones and a mosaic floor that nods to the building’s cultural roots.
As ever, the rooftop infinity pool remains one of the most photogenic in Europe — and now comes with even better cocktails.
Grand Hotel Central
(And to the reader who flagged the oversight last week, drinks are on us. Or at least, they would be, if we ran a bar.)
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The Expert’s Guild Marketing Corner
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Let’s face it: writing captions that sound polished and make people click is harder than getting a room at Borgo Egnazia in June. That’s why we made this for you.
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Use it for Instagram, adapt it for LinkedIn, or hand it to your overwhelmed marketing assistant and buy yourself 20 minutes of peace.
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