Category: Blog

Chances are it’s been too long since you’ve taken a truly relaxing vacation, and as we all settle into a “new normal,” it’s time to take some much-needed and well-deserved time off.

Taking a big trip does tend to require a lot of planning and logistics, but you’re busy and may not be able to devote much time to the planning process. Fortunately, when you book with Superior Executive Services, we handle just about everything for you!

Here are a few things to consider before departure to ensure you have the best luxury travel experience possible:

1. Side excursions
2. Book in advance
3. VIP connections
4. Use a driver
5. Try to unplug

Let’s learn more about how to plan the best luxury travel experience!

Side excursions

If you’re traveling for a big sporting event, concert, or festival, try to allow a little time for some excursions to explore the city. Consider a round of golf at a nearby course, a wine and spirits tasting, a trip to a local luxury spa, or a visit to a prominent landmark or tourist attraction. Our Superior team can help arrange private tours and truly one-of-a-kind experiences.

Book in advance

Of course, it’s a good idea to make transportation and hotel arrangements well in advance of your trip, but the planning doesn’t stop once the “big ticket” items are booked. You will also want to make any side excursion or dining reservations as soon as possible, especially if you’re in town during a big event or if you want to try a trendy restaurant or busy tourist spot.

VIP connections

Take advantage of Superior’s exclusive partnerships across the sports, entertainment, travel, and hospitality industries. We can provide exclusive, premium seating options and access to VIP hospitality areas and insider events like concerts and parties that the general public doesn’t get.

Use a driver

Depending on your destination, you may want to consider using a driver during your trip. This will eliminate the need for a rental car and dealing with the hassle of parking, rideshare apps, or using crowded public transportation. Most of our luxury event travel packages come with group transportation or a dedicated driver who will handle all of your transportation needs while you’re in town, so you can focus on having fun!

Try to unplug

To the extent that you’re able, try to stay off your phone and enjoy your travel experience. If need be, set aside an hour in the morning or in the evening when you can check work emails and deal with any truly pressing matters. That way, you can be present and truly enjoy the day’s luxury activities and events.

Superior Executive Services would be glad to help plan a luxury trip to that destination or event you’ve been dreaming of, so let us take it from here! Contact us today at (608) 665-9070 or send us a message online to get started.

Spend less time planning and more time enjoying your next luxury travel experience.

If you’ve ever gone on a vacation, you know that they take a lot of planning.

That all-important responsibility for planning typically goes one of two ways: 1) It falls entirely on one person’s shoulders or 2) It gets divided up amongst the group and, inevitably, things fall through the cracks.

Fortunately, there’s a third option that makes the planning process practically an afterthought for those traveling. At Superior Executive Services, we’ve been planning trips for over a decade, and our team has nearly 45 years of combined experience in the travel industry. Read on for the ways our team can save you valuable time in trip planning.

1. Suggesting excursions
2. Arranging transportation & reservations
3. A personalized itinerary
4. Dealing with hiccups

Read on to learn more about how working with Superior can save you time!

Suggesting excursions

Once you’ve decided where to go or what event to attend, the planning begins. You want to make the most of your trip, and it’s a time-consuming hassle to comb through endless Internet searches and reviews. We know the best outings and excursions all over the country; our research and connections ensure that our clients have access to the best there is. We’re familiar with the “must do’s” and are well-equipped to make “off the beaten path” suggestions as well.

Arranging transportation & reservations

The logistics tend to be some of the less glamorous parts of a trip, but they’re vital to the success of a luxury travel experience. We excel in the details and take pride in making sure we get it right for our clients. We’ll get you where you need to go and make reservations for restaurants, parties, shuttle busses, and more. We’re not happy unless you’re happy!

A personalized itinerary

With our knowledge and relationships in the travel industry, we can customize and tailor the perfect itinerary for your trip based on your preferences. You can be as involved as you like in preparing your itinerary. Sometimes clients want a lot of input on their trip, which is great! But if you’re the type of traveler who would simply like to show up, we can handle everything for you.

Dealing with hiccups

Even on the most expertly planned trips, things can sometimes go wrong. If we do our job right, you won’t even be aware of the issues that might arise! We work diligently to ensure that any complication doesn’t get in the way of your ability to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Don’t spend another minute mulling over planning that memorable trip — let Superior Executive Services take it from here. Contact us today at (608) 665-9070 or send us a message.

Update your travel bucket list with these unique destinations.

Make this the year that you take a truly once-in-a-lifetime vacation. It’s been a long and challenging couple of years, so it’s time to reward yourself in a big way.

Here are just a few unforgettable luxury travel destinations to consider:

1. Tokyo
2. Seychelles
3. Stockholm Archipelago
4. Madagascar
5. Antarctica

Keep reading to learn more about these unique and memorable luxury travel destinations!

Tokyo

Visiting Tokyo is an immersion in a culture vastly different from what you’re likely used to here in the United States. With its population of nearly 14 million (almost twice the population of New York City), the city is always bustling and vibrant. Japan is steeped in tradition while also embracing modern, luxury amenities. Experience a tea ceremony, relax in the healing waters of an onsen (a Japanese hot spring), do some people-watching in the famous Harajuku district, and enjoy some of the world’s best and freshest sushi.

Seychelles 

With its crystal clear water and picturesque white-sand beaches, the Seychelles is an almost unbelievably beautiful destination. The Seychelles is an island chain about 800 miles off the coast of Tanzania that boasts unspoiled beaches and unrivaled luxury resorts. Leave your worries and your stress stateside as you spend a blissful vacation soaking up the beauty of this off-the-beaten-path locale.

Stockholm Archipelago 

Known for more than just its famous Swedish meatballs, Sweden has become a popular destination for travelers in recent years. The Stockholm Archipelago can be a wonderful day trip, or if you really want to explore all that the islands have to offer, you can easily spend a few days and take in the beautiful Scandinavian landscape. The closest island, Fjäderholmarna, is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Stockholm.

Madagascar

If you’re looking for a warm-weather vacation that offers a little bit of everything, look no further than Madagascar. Home to amazing beaches and unique wildlife, over 80% of which can’t be found anywhere else on earth, Madagascar is truly a dream. Spend a few days in nature on a safari and then a few days relaxing at one of the world-class beaches.

Antarctica 

Odds are, unless you’re a professional explorer or researcher, you’ve never been to Antarctica. Most cruises to the Antarctic will have trained biologists and geologists on board to lead the excursions, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the icebergs and view the unique Antarctic terrains as well as a variety of arctic wildlife. If you’re searching for a truly one-of-a-kind travel experience, this is it!

Planning a trip in 2022? If you have a major event in mind as your destination, our team at Superior Executive Services can help craft a luxury travel experience that will give you memories to last a lifetime. Contact us today at (608) 665-9070 or send us a message to get started!

Step up your corporate entertaining game with these world-class events.

Whether you’re looking to impress prospective clients or reward your hard-working team, a special event trip is a great way to show clients or employees that you’re thinking of them. Read on for some events that make terrific corporate travel experiences.

1. U.S. Grand Prix
2. Food & Wine Classic
3. Kentucky Derby
4. The PGA Players Championship
5. Wisconsin Golf Swing Experience
6. Custom corporate experiences

U.S. Grand Prix

Attending a Formula One race like the U.S. Grand Prix is an experience like nothing else — the booming crowd, the roar of the engines, and the adrenaline coursing through the racetrack. Watch the race with a birds-eye view from the Formula One Paddock Club at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas.

Food & Wine Classic

Nothing brings coworkers together (or impresses clients) like food — course, adding in some fine wines doesn’t hurt either. Sample the best food and wine from world-famous chefs and sommeliers at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, CO. The 2022 event will host Stephanie Izard, winner of Bravo’s Top Chef, and Amanda McCrossin, esteemed sommelier and wine educator, among other culinary stars.

Kentucky Derby

There aren’t many times in life where you can wear a seersucker suit or fancy fastener and sip on a midday mint julep, so embrace the opportunity at this year’s Kentucky Derby. The Derby is hands down one of our favorite trips to plan and attend here at Superior Executive Services, and we know your team will be fans as well.

The PGA Players Championship

Who will take the top spot at the famed Players Championship in sunny Ponte Vedra, Florida? Watch the action unfold live and see what’s been dubbed “the most famous hole in golf” — the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. Surrounded on three sides by water, the green is practically an island and is a great challenge even for the most skilled golfers. If you have any golf fans at your company or enjoy hitting the links with your clients, this event is sure to be a hit for your next corporate getaway.

Wisconsin Golf Swing Experience

If you rather spend some time perfecting your own golf game instead of watching the pros, consider our Wisconsin Golf Swing Experience for your next corporate outing! This experience includes rounds of golf at Erin Hills, Sand Valley, and Whistling Straights–home of the 2021 Ryder Cup, and optional add-on activities like private dinners, brewery tours, sports tickets, and more.

Custom corporate experiences

Interested in attending an event that you don’t see on this list? Our team would be glad to create a personalized travel experience for your corporate group. We can tailor the itinerary to include activities that everyone is sure to enjoy — from wine and spirits tastings to concert tickets.

Show your clients or employees how much you value them with an expertly planned trip! Contact us today at (608) 665-9070 or send us a message online to get started.

Complete your luxury travel experience with these activities.

If you’re lucky enough to score tickets to this year’s NCAA Final Four in New Orleans (or you’re headed there with us), make sure you set aside time to see some of the Big Easy’s best attractions — and, of course, dine on some world-class cuisine.

Here are a few ideas from our team for the top things to do in New Orleans:

Walking tour

The best way to get a feel for a lively city like New Orleans is to take a stroll with a local tour guide. Amble through the Garden District, the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and more with a seasoned expert and truly learn the city’s unique history and architecture. If you’re in the mood for something a touch spookier, a cemetery tour is a great way to learn some of the eerie and mysterious histories of New Orleans’ noted residents — just don’t get mixed up with any voodoo spells along the way.

Steamboat river cruise

All aboard for a leisurely cruise along the Mississippi River! The famous Steamboat Natchez is taking some much-needed time off, but her sister ship, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, is a sight to see. Enjoy jazz music, craft cocktails, and delicious Creole fare.

New Orleans Museum of Art

In addition to being home to renowned artists like Mary Cassatt, Pablo Picasso, and John Singer Sargent, the New Orleans Museum of Art itself is a work of architectural beauty. The museum opened in 1911 with only nine works of art in its collection but now boasts more than 40,000 pieces. The museum is also home to the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, featuring over 90 works on a meticulously landscaped site.

New Orleans must-eats

It’s hard to visit New Orleans and not come back needing pants that are a size or two bigger. From the savory (boiled crawfish, jambalaya, and po’boy sandwiches) to the sweet (beignets, bananas foster, and Mardi Gras king cake), there’s plenty of cuisine for every palate. Save some room for a Sazerac, America’s first cocktail, as well. Made with rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, anise-flavored liqueur, and sugar, Sazerac packs quite the punch!

Visit a jazz club

New Orleans is renowned as the Birthplace of Jazz, and no trip to New Orleans is complete without listening to some. A few favorites include Preservation Hall, the Spotted Cat Music Club, and the Maple Leaf Bar. If you’re also interested in diving a bit deeper into the history and celebration of jazz, plan a visit to the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

This just scratches the surface of all that New Orleans has to offer — we would be glad to offer suggestions and help plan your perfect luxury travel experience to the NCAA Final Four. Contact us today at (608) 665-9070 or send us a message!

Put these spring travel experiences on your calendar!

As the snow melts and winter hibernation comes to a close, travelers are eager to hit the road (and fly the friendly skies) to enjoy some well-deserved fun and relaxation this spring.

Spring is one of our favorite times at Superior Executive Services since it brings with it incredible events like:

1. The Masters Tournament
2. NCAA Final Four
3. The Kentucky Derby
4. Stagecoach Music Festival
5. The Indianapolis 500

Read on to learn more about these events and how Superior can take you there!

The Masters Tournament

Since its founding in 1934, The Masters Tournament has become the most coveted ticket in professional golf. The tournament is played each April at the exclusive Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

Tickets are notoriously difficult to get for the general public, but here at Superior Executive Services, we don’t mind a challenge. Take in the gorgeous scenery, rub elbows with golf’s elite, experience our VIP hospitality, and see the iconic green Masters jacket up close and personal with a Masters package from Superior!

NCAA Final Four

Maybe it’s the excitement of nailing your bracket or the rambunctious fans in the stands cheering on their team, but college sports have an energy that’s unlike any other sporting event — and nowhere is this more evident than the NCAA Final Four games.

This year the games are in New Orleans, a fitting place to watch the action unfold. Get your fill of beignets in The Big Easy, where the top four teams in college basketball will duke it out for the number one spot. With Superior, you’ll find the best hospitality and accommodations the tournament has to offer!

Kentucky Derby

We’re often asked what our favorite event is, and the answer is always the same: the Kentucky Derby. Each May, the glitterati descend on Louisville for a weekend of horse racing and festivities. If you’re feeling lucky, place a few bets and watch the races with a mint julep in hand on Millionaire’s Row with one of our world-class Kentucky Derby travel packages.

Stagecoach Music Festival

Enjoy California’s premier country music festival, the Stagecoach Festival, in luxury and style with Superior. The 2022 Stagecoach will feature Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Maren Morris, Luke Combs, and many more. Sometimes called “country music’s Coachella,” Stagecoach has a laid-back atmosphere and a number of fun attractions like the Honkytonk Dance Hall and Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse.

The Indianapolis 500

Seeing a race like the Indy 500 is something everyone should experience at some point in their life. Even if you aren’t an avid fan of the sport, they don’t call it “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” for nothing. Our all-inclusive ticket package offers suites overlooking Pit Row where you won’t miss a minute of the action.

No matter what kind of trip you’re looking to take this spring, Superior Executive Services can handle all of the logistics for you! Contact us today at 608.665.9070, or send us a message to start planning your spring getaway.

Make your trip even more memorable with these ideas!

The only thing better than being in sunny Florida at the tail end of a cold winter is being there for the Players Championship golf tournament. After watching the pros, here are some other terrific activities to include in your trip to Ponte Vedra Beach.

1. Chartered boat tour or fishing
2. Ghost tours
3. Winery or distillery tour
4. Catch a concert
5. Play a round of golf

Chartered boat tour or fishing

How about taking in the salt air along Florida’s beautiful coast in your own private chartered boat? A romantic sunset cruise with cocktails would be an excellent way to wind down the day. Or perhaps organizing a fishing trip excursion for your group is more your speed. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as spending some time on the open water and leaving your cares on the shore!

Ghost tours

See the spooky side of north Florida on a ghost tour. St. Augustine and the surrounding areas are known for their history and subsequent ghost sightings and other-worldly encounters. If you dare, spend an evening with an expert guide who will take you through the eerie and mysterious history of this “spirited” place.

Winery or distillery tour

Try a different kind of “spirit” at City Gate Spirits, a “micro-distillery crafting moonshine, vodka, rum, and whiskey inspired by the flavors of Florida.” The San Sebastian Winery also offers complimentary tours and wine tastings. As a premier Florida winery, they are experts in sparkling and dessert wines from Muscadine grapes.

Catch a concert

Take in a concert at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall! Built in 2011 on the foundation of an old Baptist church, “the renovation and repurpose of the sacred space led to the creation of a flexible entertainment venue,” according to the venue’s website. The week of the Players Championship, the concert hall will host folk-country singer Rodney Crowell, Motown legends The Drifters and The Platters, and Graham Nash of the acclaimed folk-rock group Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young.

Play a round of golf

While you’re not likely to find a tee time at the famed TPC Sawgrass course, there are plenty of world-class golf courses in and around Ponte Vedra Beach.

The aptly named Lagoon course at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is noted for its many lagoons and lakes throughout the course, making this an excellent opportunity to enjoy the scenery and perhaps lose a few golf balls in the process. According to Golf Pass, “There are also several elevated greens with high-lipped bunkers that demand both strategy and precision.”  The Yards course boasts a unique playing experience on its “front yard” and “backyard” courses, as well as a state-of-the-art practice facility.

Superior Executive Services would be glad to help plan your trip to the Players Championship and offer guidance on other can’t-miss activities in the area. Contact us today at 608.665.9070 or send us a message online!

Our expert team shares everything you’ve wanted to know about corporate travel.

Does hosting a corporate travel experience make sense for your company? Put simply – yes! Companies across all industries and of all sizes can benefit from hosting a corporate travel event, whether it’s for clients and prospective clients or valued employees.

It may seem overwhelming, but we would be glad to help guide you through the process of planning a worthwhile, fun, and constructive corporate outing.

Our team of experts at Superior Executive Services has answered a few commonly asked questions about corporate travel experiences to get you started.

Q: What activities should I include?

A: Depending on how long the trip will be, you’ll want to have one or two signature group events such as a sporting event, a food festival, or a concert. A few popular events we book for corporate groups include the Kentucky Derby, the Food & Wine Classic, the Catalina Wine Mixer, and the Stagecoach Music Festival. Having a big event centered around your trip will make it that much more special for your group.

You’ll want to schedule a few team-building activities as well, but also allow for some downtime and relaxation. Consider offering a spa option, an opportunity to hit the golf course, or a wine and spirits tasting.

Q: When should I start planning?

A: The sooner, the better! Ideally, you will want to start planning the trip at least a few months ahead of time, and you’ll want to give your group as much advance notice as possible so they can accommodate their schedules as needed.

There also may be incentives for booking earlier with certain hotels and airlines. If your travel group is large enough, you might consider chartering a private flight. You may be surprised to find that a charter flight offers far more convenience and flexibility relative to the additional cost.

Q: How do I plan a trip like this?

A: The “how” is a bit more complicated as traveling with a larger group requires more planning and logistics, so you should allow plenty of lead time. You will want to create an itinerary, coordinate travel logistics–both getting to/from your destination and then local travel once you arrive, reserve accommodations, make dining arrangements, and a whole lot more.

If your company doesn’t have a dedicated employee who deals with travel planning, our team is happy to handle everything for you — with Superior, all you have to do is show up!

Q: How long should the trip be?

A: Generally, four or five days is sufficient, but if you can only spare three days out of the office, you can still host a meaningful trip. If you’re allowing your employees or clients to bring their families, you can certainly extend the trip, but if not, you should be mindful of personal commitments back at home.

Let the experts at Superior Executive Services help you plan a fantastic corporate travel experience. Contact us today at 608.665.9070 or send us a message online to get started!

Learn why we recommend planning your trips as early as possible.

We all know the early bird catches the worm, so it’s no surprise that the savvy traveler books their travel early too. Many venues have implemented caps on attendance to comply with COVID protocols, so early booking is especially important if you’re planning to attend a popular sporting event, concert, or festival.

Read on for more benefits of travel planning well in advance of your trip.

1. Beat the rush
2. No stress cancellation
3. Focus on the details
4. Save money
5. Something to look forward to

Beat the rush

In the weeks leading up to a big event, there will be a mad dash to secure hotels, restaurant reservations, rental cars, and other transportation. While it may be tempting to wait and book your flight until just a week ahead of your trip, doing that may leave you with two layovers and a middle seat. An ongoing rental car shortage in the U.S. has made last-minute booking even riskier.

Booking early is an especially good idea if you’re traveling to a popular event like the Kentucky Derby or Super Bowl, as reservations at the best restaurants and hotels will be hard to come by the closer you get to the event.

Booking your transportation and accommodations several months in advance will help to ensure your trip runs smoothly and is everything you’re hoping for.

No stress cancellation

Many hotels and airlines these days offer generous cancellation or rebooking policies, especially when you’re able to cancel far in advance.

The world is an unpredictable place, and you’ll want to have a backup plan in case you’re unable to make your trip. At Superior Executive Services, we understand things happen and always do our best to accommodate changes.

Focus on the details

Booking the big items (e.g., flights and hotels, tickets to a big event) early is great because it gives you time to research other activities for your trip. You likely won’t be able to get a table at a Michelin-star restaurant if you try to make a reservation with just a few days’ notice, especially if you’re visiting during a big sporting event or high tourist season.

Save money

If you’re worried that the price will drop considerably after you book, many airlines and hotels offer price drop guarantees and will refund you the difference. Be sure to ask if the hotel or airline offers any incentive for booking early, such as a complimentary upgrade. The travel industry is excited to welcome travelers back, so it’s certainly worth asking.

Something to look forward to

It may sound silly, but there are real psychological benefits to having something to look forward to. The anticipation builds excitement and provides a pleasant distraction.

It’s been a long and challenging couple of years; what better to look forward to than a well-deserved, expertly planned vacation?

Let the experts at Superior Executive Services help you plan an adventure and create unforgettable memories. Contact us today at 608.665.9070 or send us a message online to get started!