While rich in its own regal history, London's hodge podge of ethnic cultures makes it one of the most colorful all-in-one European escapes. This couldn't be more true as the city approaches summer and explodes with exciting excuses to be outside. From phenominal fresh food markets, to outdoor theatre productions and flower shows, we've joined forces with JG Black Book partner, London's Eccleston Square Hotel, to round up the city's top summer attractions (aside from Princess Kate's baby bump, that is!): 

Ottolenghi.

Continue reading "Top 10 Sights & Sounds of Summer in London with Eccleston Square Hotel" »

At JG Black Book, while we love the romance of New York City blanketed in snow, come late March we are more than ready to kiss Frosty the Snowman bye-bye and usher in the Easter Bunny. In honor of the warm weather to come, we've gathered a few favorite festivals to get you out of your monotonous routine and into the fresh NYC spring air. Whether amongst kilted bag-pipe players or lower east side art lovers, press pause on errand-running and e-mail checking to enjoy an afternoon escape in your very own city:

Tartan Week

- Scottish culture festival: April 3rd-12th

Continue reading "Travel Necessities: NYC Spring Celebrations " »

Last year JG Black Book intern Paloma Aelyon hit water bottle gold when dining at the uber innovative foody heaven, de Culinaire Werkplaats, in Amsterdam. When her water arrived in a transparent blue plastic cylinder, sleek and stylish, she had to know where she could get her hands on one of her own. The owners of the restaurant kindly directed her to Join the Pipe, an organization determined to build the longest pipeline in the world, exponentially increasing the bottle's awesome-factor. Read more about Join The Pipe's mission, product, and progress today on the Black Blog of Travel and get your own beautiful bottle here in time for World Water Day this Friday:

Continue reading "Travel Necessities: Join The Pipe Water Bottles" »

At JG Black Book, when it comes to Italian adventures, we are Firenze's #1 fans! Lucky for us, our partner Relais Santa Croce, a restored 18th century palazzo in the heart of Florence, strikes the perfect balance between Tuscan luxury and modern comfort. Nestled between the Basilica of Santa Croce and the Duomo, this Baglioni hotel is the ideal private Italian hideaway. Continue reading to see why Relais Santa Croce is the perfect place from which to explore fabulous Florence!

Continue reading "Ultimate Visitor's Guide: Florence with Relais Santa Croce" »

Pick your poison! Or in this case, your beauty balm. This multitude of multi-taskers are the perfect travel cosmetics – a JG Black Book of Travel Necessity, indeed!

Travel Beauty Balms at Sephora

Continue reading "Necessities: Travel Cosmetics: Beauty Balms at Sephora" »

Pull on this week's JG Black Book of Travel Necessity for your next trip north...or outside.

Beige Faux Fur Coat at The Traveler's Collection

Continue reading "Necessities: Luxury Faux Fur Coat" »

We've always been proponents of mixing travel with celebration and this week's JG Black Book of Travel Necessity does just that.

The Veuve Clicquot Traveller at Wine.com

Continue reading "Necessities: Champagne + Travel" »

It's here! JG Black Book of Travel's Holiday Wishlist 2011 crafted just for the traveler in your life. Or the traveler in yourself...

...and just for our Black Blog of Travel readers, our Facebook friends and our Twitter followers, an exclusive 25% OFF DISCOUNT CODE for anything (clothing, accessories, home décor, art, music) in The Traveler's Collection! See below!

Nikon 1 J1

Continue reading "Traveler's Holiday Wishlist 2011" »

Introducing a new Necessity for the traveling foodie, JG Black Book of Travel recommends this guide to Peru's exotic cuisine!

From the Kitchens of Aqua Expeditions available at The Traveler's Collection

Continue reading "Necessities: Aqua Expeditions' Peruvian Cookbook" »

Even for the most discerning, travel can be a dirty, filthy, nasty business.  So keep it clean with this week's JG Black Book of Travel travel Necessity from Flight 001.

Paper Soap from Flight 001

Continue reading "Necessities: Travel Paper Soap from Flight 001" »