Alexander Avigdor

Florence, or Firenze as it’s known in Italian, is one of my absolute favorite cities in Italy. Steeped in history, culture and incredible cuisine, it offers something for everyone. Unlike Rome, Florence’s compact city center makes it easy to explore on foot, allowing you to soak in its charm at a leisurely pace. There’s something truly magical about wandering its picturesque streets, stumbling upon hidden gems and indulging in world-class food and wine along the way. Plus, if you're searching for authentic handcrafted leather, ceramics or even Florentine paper, Florence is home to artisans who have honed their craft over generations.

Scotland's Highlands — a place where dramatic landscapes, historic castles and warm hospitality come together for an unforgettable adventure. Imagine exploring ancient cities like Edinburgh, where history and modernity blend seamlessly, before venturing into the lush, rolling countryside. You'll discover quaint villages, iconic whisky distilleries and majestic castles like Balmoral and Dunrobin. Each destination brings its own unique charm, whether it's the serene beauty of the Speyside region or the rugged grandeur of Glencoe. This itinerary is perfect for anyone seeking a mix of history, culture and nature. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur, a history buff or simply someone who loves the great outdoors, the Scottish Highlands have something special to offer. Use this guide as a blueprint for your journey, and let’s plan your dream trip to Scotland together! Message me to start crafting your personalized adventure.

Welcome to part three of The Best Boutique Hotels in Oslo! This time, we're diving into The Thief — a modern art lover’s paradise where every room features a private balcony. It is set in the newly designed Tjuvholmen neighborhood, just outside the iconic Aker Brygge waterfront. The Thief pays homage to the area’s intriguing history. "Tjuvholmen" translates to "Thief’s Island," a name dating back to the 19th century when the area was infamous for public executions of thieves. Inspired by this dark past, the hotel’s aesthetic features a rich, moody color palette and subtle nods to its historical roots — giving it a unique and fascinating vibe. Tjuvholmen itself is one of Oslo’s newest, more secluded districts, away from bustling streets and full of modern architecture. The Thief blends seamlessly here, with its strikingly contemporary design that might feel out of place elsewhere in the city.

Welcome to part two of The Best Boutique Hotels in Oslo! In this edition, we are talking about Sommerro, an iconic building that has been a staple of the community since the 1930s, but has only recently blossomed into this elevated art-deco inspired boutique hotel. Located in the Frogner neighborhood on Oslo’s west side, Sommerro started off as the headquarters of Oslo Lysverker (Oslo’s electrical company) in the early 1930s. In 1932, Sommerro housed one of the city’s only public bath houses, which you can now enjoy for yourself since it has been expertly restored as part of the hotel’s magnificent bath house.

I stayed at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in August of 2023 and did a site inspection while staying at this beautiful property. The standout feature of this hotel is the staff. Each and every level of the guest experience was exceptional and that’s largely thanks to the excellent and attentive staff at every level of the hotel.

The hotel has a fascinating history in Edmonton and was built in 1915. The hotel is the only historic four-star hotel in Edmonton and is referred to as the “Chateau on the River.” The property sits atop the ridge line of Edmonton’s downtown and has beautiful sweeping views of the North Saskatchewan River. Queen Elizabeth II herself stayed at the hotel in 2015. I would stay here again and highly recommend it to my clients.

Welcome to part one of The Best Boutique Hotels in Oslo! The Amerikalinjen Hotel is conveniently located just steps from Oslo’s Central Station (aka Oslo S). This is a perfect base during your time in Oslo if you want to be in the center of the action. You can take full advantage of the walkability of the city as well as the efficient and clean public transportation options right outside the front door. This upscale four-star hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk from the Bjorvika District and Oslo’s Famous Opera House!

The hotel is housed in the historic headquarters of the Norwegian-American Line (Den Norske Amerikalinjen in Norwegian) which opened its doors in 1919. The theme of the hotel is based on the line’s rich history, with original artifacts displayed throughout the guest rooms and common areas, including Gustav Henriksen’s (CEO of the Amerikalinjen) old office on the second floor – a must see!

South Africa — a bucket list destination for good reason and much more affordable than most realize. Whether you start in Cape Town (The Mother City), touring world-class wineries, experiencing in-depth cultural tours and hiking up Table Mountain, or in Kruger National Park, enjoying some of the world's best game drive safari experiences where you can see the 'Big Five' all in one place, you are sure to have an unforgettable adventure.

South Africa has something for everyone and deserves a high spot on your list of places to travel! Use this guide as your inspiration for travel in South Africa, whether it’s for a honeymoon, family trip or just a trip with friends, you must see South Africa for yourself! Message me directly and let’s start planning your trip!

Norway – a land of fjords, the northern lights and the midnight sun. Filled with gorgeous natural wonders that will take your breath away, a rising culinary scene that goes way beyond Lutefisk and some of the happiest people on earth. Bottom line, Norway deserves a place on your travel list. Use this guide as your blueprint for summer travel in Norway, whether it’s for a honeymoon, family trip or just a trip with friends, you have to experience Norway for yourself!

Having lived in San Diego for years, I've grown to love the unique character of the neighborhoods that make up the city.  Lovingly referred to by its residents as "America's Finest City," San Diego is located right on the border with Mexico and boasts some of the best Mexican food in the US as a result.  But don't be fooled, San Diego has much more of a culinary scene than just Mexican food.  Check out the best places to eat and drink in America's Finest City and let's start planning your trip!

Seeing the Aurora Borealis (i.e. The Northern Lights) in The Nordics is truly a magical experience. It’s an event where no matter how many times you see it, it leaves you in awe. The Nordics have incredible viewing opportunities for the lights, and many struggle with choosing their destination. That’s where this handy guide comes in! Whether you’re looking for a calm, wellness-inspired retreat, an active adventure filled with dogsledding and reindeer herding or authentic Arctic cultural experiences — this guide will give you a great starting point for where your perfect destination is to see the Aurora. Although in the end, seeing The Northern Lights is never a guarantee. I can promise that whatever the experience is you’re looking for, I can help you find it in The Nordics. Contact me today and let’s get started on planning your perfect trip to see the lights!