At JG Black Book, we get the intimidation factor of navigating a brand new city without the comforting voice of a local friend, a tour leader, or your loyal GPS. In the past couple of years, however, we've been turning to City Walks as our trusty travel guides and navigation saviors. With these brilliant deck of cards- each deck of 50 representing a city around the world- we've been led to the cutest cantinas, the most glorious gardens, and the chicest of shops. Each card outlines a self-guided walking adventure, with a detailed map on the front and information on the back filled with insider tips. And the best part: you go at your pace, whenever you'd like, however you'd like!

City Walks-Paris with Kids

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It's Friday, the JG Black Book crew is gearing up for happy hour, and our partners are hopping on board with some killer cocktail recipes! Fruity, chocolatey, or cinnamon spiked, we've got it all covered in today's Bartender Series. From South Africa to Brazil, let your taste buds transport you to a new part of the world with each sip of these dangerously divine drinks:

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As of recent, JG Black Book has aquired a new excuse to travel to one of our absolute favorite cities: Buenos Aires, Argentina. The excuse, or excuses, happen to be sleek, stylish, and sexy. They're polished and pampered. And they'll make you never ever want to leave. No, they're not Argentine women. They're Palermo Place and Palermo Tower of P hotels, a collection of luxury boutique hotels, located in Buenos Aires' hippest neighborhood: Palermo Hollywood.

With kitchenette's in every room and easy access to the local lifestyle, both boutique hotels serve as the ultimate pied-à-terre for those seeking authentic immersion with a touch of luxury. We didn't think it was possible, but Buenos Aires just got so much better:

Palermo Place

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In honor of spring break, we at JG Black Book have rounded up six great getaways for your spring and summer family vacations. From the canals of Venice to the majestic mountains of Peru, these hospitality hot spots welcome entire families - grandparents, children, and all - to join them as they open their doors, balconies, and pools to wonderful weather. Featured last but certainly not least is The Quin, our fellow Manhattanite, prepping to greet guests for the first time this summer. So, gather your good times and your laughter too, 'cause these hot spots are gonna celebrate this spring and summer with you!

Luna Hotel Baglioni Venice, Italy

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An awesome travel blog can yield some of the most inspiring content online. If you're like us at JG Black Book, you want in on the action. What's the funkiest undiscovered South East Asian city, the most unusual European dining experience, or the ultimate South American beach getaway? For those of us non-nomads, the following bloggers provide a beautiful glimpse into the world of expert adventure, motivating us to gear up for our next vibrant voyage. Check out five of our favorite travel blogs here and follow them for your daily around-the-world digest:

Continue reading "Travel Necessities: Top Travel Blogs Roundup" »

After a week of posts geared towards sustainability, the day we have been waiting for has finally arrived: World Water Day! At JG Black Book we're choosing to observe the refreshing United Nations celebration by raising a glass to our eco-friendly partners. From growing their own organic produce, to preserving the Amazon river, to leading anti-poaching efforts, these luxury destinations do much more than pamper guests with awesome accomodations and amazing adventures. Thank you to the following hotels and tour companies for your efforts in making this world a healthier, safer, and all-around better place! 

About Asia (Cambodia, Laos, & Vietnam)

ABOUTAsia Schools-Funding Local Education

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At JG Black Book, we believe that the next best thing to traveling is participating in a forum that allows us to share our adventures with others. In addition to mantaining the amazing high that follows us back from a trip to Uruguay's southern coast or Italy's capital of couture,  engaging in the world of online blogging opens doors to the most authentic up-to-date travel tips and ideas. That being said, choosing which of the gazillion travel blogs to follow can be dangerously dizzying, so we've come up with five of our favorites to quench your thirst for global getaways:

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Earlier this week at JG Black Book, we featured Eccleston Square Hotel as London's hi-tech haven of the future. Today, we're traversing the equator to a resort whose modern, ahead-of-its-time practices shine brightest amongst its kitchen's pots, pans, and plates. At Ponta dos Ganchos, an exclusive resort in southern Brazil, chef Luis Salvajoli uses ingredients from the property's own organic garden to spoils guests with a tantalizing menu that changes daily. Whether on the beach, in your bungalow, or at the restaurant, here's a sneak peek at what you might enjoy from the contemporary kitchen at Ponta dos Ganchos:

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This week at JG Black Book, our own travel especialista, Katie Nodland, illustrates why a South American country soaked in European charm keeps her coming back for more. Join us as we discover the 411 on Uruguay's best beaches, bungalows, and boutiques here on the Black Blog of Travel.

Punta del Este

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If you're braving the cold like we are at JG Black Book this winter, your dreams may be bombarded with images of sun-lit turquoise waters, smells of suntan lotion, and the feel-good sound of steel drums, all accompanied by a not-so-virgin Pina Colada. As Chris Brown sings, Don't wake me upppppp!

The magic of Winter Wonderland had its moment. And now that moment is long gone. Thanks to many of our partners, however, simulating summer during months that were surely meant only for penguins and polar bears is a simple flight away. From the Caribbean to Cambodia, these tropical treasures are amongst the world's best spots to make your warm weather wishes come true:

Dolphin Island, Fiji

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