FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
July 2007
2007 / July 2007
Jul 1, 2007

The Westcliff Johannesburg, South Africa

Arrival/Check-In: We were met at the airport by a driver from The Westcliff — just one of the many services that the hotel arranges. After a drive through dense traffic, we arrived at the gates of the hotel, where we were greeted and ushered through to the main registration area, a spacious colonial building complete with zebra-skin couches and sumptuous dark wood tables. Despite being busy, the staff greeted us warmly, offered us a refreshing drink and presented us with our key yes, a real key; on a leather tab, not a piece of plastic). From there, we were driven up to our room in a cart. The Westcliff, as its name implies, sits on a cliff and the ascent can be pretty steep. (18/20)

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

2007 / July 2007
Jul 1, 2007

Sofitel Amsterdam Airport

Arrival/Check-In: It’s the plight of the North American traveler flying to Europe — you arrive at dawn and there’s no available room at the inn. Thus after touching down at 7:30 a.m. and taking the hotel’s complimentary shuttle from Schiphol, I was informed that my room would not be ready for a few hours. The friendly clerk gave me a coupon for a free drink at the bar — café au lait for me — and checked my bag behind the front desk. My room was ready by 11:20 a.m. (17/20)