Traveling with Tori – December 2020

Hey there!

Hoping you are well. I don’t know about you, but decorating for Christmas really lifted my spirits! Everything is better with twinkly lights all around.

This year I was planning to take a group to the Christmas Markets in Europe. As we all know, 2020 has not gone as planned. Looking to November of 2021, I am immersed in hotel options for the Christmas Markets. I came across Hotel Bristol in Vienna which has been open since 1892 (pictured above). This historic property has some amazing stories to tell. My favorite is why their Presidential Suite is named Prince of Wales. Prince Edward VIII (1894-1972) was a frequent visitor having stayed there on his first visit to Vienna, again after he became King, and after his wedding to an American, Wallis Simpson. Legend has it that Edward VIII made his decision to abdicate the throne and marry Wallis Simpson during one of his stays at Hotel Bristol!! Being a huge fan of The Crown, I feel so in-the-know!! The signature cocktail of this historic hotel is the Bristol Royal. Below is the recipe for you to enjoy.

Merry EVERYTHING & Happy New Year!

Cheers to staying safe, sane, and connected!

Tori Medeiros

“Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen.” – Coco Chanel

Bristol Royal
2cl Cherry Liqueur
3cl Cherry Puree
1cl Almond Syrup
1cl fresh Lime Juice
Top it up with Bründlmayer Brut (Sparkling wine)

Mix the first 4 ingredients together and add about 1 TBSP to each glass – then fill the rest with your favorite Champagne. We used Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne in place of the Brut the recipe called for. It was amazing! We had a festive night feeling fancy with this yummy cocktail. Cheers!

My favorite gift ideas for the awaiting traveler!

-Luggage scale – practical, but seriously stress-reducing.

-Cell phone/iPad holder – so convenient on airplanes!

-Books, of course. Below are a few of my favorites!
Paris by Edward Rutherfurd
The Queen’s Vow by CW Gortner
The Last Queen by CW Gortner (both Gortner books are about Spain)

-Treat yourself or a family member to TSA pre-check or Global Entry.
TSA pre-check benefits you every time you get on a plane within the US by skipping lines through Security.
Global Entry benefits as above with the bonus of when arriving back in the US, it saves you time at Customs.

 

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