The One Thing to Pack for a Great Night's Sleep in Any Hotel
At Bloomberg Pursuits, we love to travel. And we always want to make sure we're doing it right. So we're talking to road warriors to learn about their high-end hacks, tips and off-the-wall experiences. These are the Distinguished Travel Hackers.
Interior designer Alfredo Paredes is the founder of a New York- and Miami-based design studio that bears his name. As creative director, he tackles design for residential and retail projects, such as Brooklyn's buzzy, nautical-inspired restaurant Sailor, and he's also created furniture, textile and rug lines.
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Associated Press
7 hours ago
- Associated Press
LuxRally Travel Named Forbes Travel Guide-Endorsed Agency
Miami, FL June 08, 2025 --( )-- Luxury travel firm, LuxRally Travel has been named among select agencies worldwide to be endorsed by Forbes Travel Guide. Forbes Travel Guide ('FTG') recognized LuxRally Travel for its leadership in the industry, dedication to elevating the role of travel advisors, support of hotels that have earned FTG Star Ratings and engagement with FTG as a trusted source for objective, third-party verification of exceptional hospitality experiences. FTG is the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, ocean cruises and their restaurants. Its 67th annual list in 2025 honors over 1,540 rated hotels in 90 countries. The coveted Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended awards are earned through incognito inspections on FTG's hundreds of exacting quality and service standards. 'The Forbes Travel Guide has been a core resource for our agency. Their rating system is used by our agents on a daily basis and is fully integrated into our curriculum for new agents. We are proud to be one of the few agencies endorsed by FTG and are committed to continuing a standard of excellence in the travel industry,' said David Eisen, Founder and CEO of LuxRally Travel. 'FTG acknowledges LuxRally Travel's commitment to world-class service, which complements FTG's own principles,' said Richard Lebowitz, Senior Vice President of Travel Industry Outreach for Forbes Travel Guide. 'Through its endorsed relationship with FTG, LuxRally Travel completed a range of dedicated training, communications and engagement across its advisor network that distinguishes FTG Star Ratings as a trusted source of hotels vetted for service and facility excellence. We are grateful and honored to collaborate with the LuxRally Travel team.' To learn more about LuxRally Travel, click here, and to learn more about Forbes Travel Guide, click here. About LuxRally Travel LuxRally Travel is a full-service travel agency based in Miami, FL, with over 300 agents across the United States. Founded in 2022, LuxRally has rapidly made waves in the industry by reimagining what a modern agency can be. The company pairs cutting-edge technology with a relentless commitment to personalized service. LuxRally bans its agents from charging fees, guarantees client support around the clock, and offers rigorous—yet completely free—training to all of its travel professionals. About Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, ocean cruises and their restaurants. FTG's anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world's best luxury experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through their independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit Contact Information: Luxrally Travel Courtney Eisen +1(850)294-8081 Contact via Email Read the full story here: LuxRally Travel Named Forbes Travel Guide-Endorsed Agency Press Release Distributed by
Business Insider
9 hours ago
- Business Insider
Real estate investors say mid-term rentals are the 'sweet spot,' offering a way around Airbnb red tape and more cash flow than long-term rentals
When the COVID pandemic erased virtually all of Zeona McIntyre's Airbnb bookings, she found a solution in mid-term rentals. "I was really open to doing whatever I needed to get my properties rented," the Colorado-based property investor told Business Insider. She started listing her properties on Furnished Finder, which is geared toward traveling professionals and specializes in 30-day plus stays, and was surprised by the hit rate and relative ease of the process. "I realized there are tons of people looking all the time for longer stays — and longer stays are kind of awesome because people don't need as much from you. They're OK to go buy their own toilet paper and change the batteries because they're living there." What started as an attempt to combat Airbnb vacancies evolved into her preferred rental strategy. "My bread-and-butter is these mid-term rentals," said McIntyre, who is the author of " 30-Day Stay." "I want a longer tenant in there, and I don't want to have to think about it for three months." Massachusetts-based investor Dana Bull also pivoted to mid-term rentals, but for a different reason: to withstand rising interest rates. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate surged to 8% in 2023 and lingered in the 6s and 7s in 2024. Higher interest rates mean higher monthly payments, which can eat into an investor's cash flow. Bull has been renting to long-term tenants for more than a decade, but to make the numbers work on her most recent acquisition, a charming single-family home she found in 2023 and couldn't pass up, she turned to mid-term rentals, which she says are more time-intensive, but also more profitable. The 'sweet spot' of rentals Real estate investors tend to agree that, while long-term rentals can produce consistent, relatively passive income, these leases generate less revenue a month compared to short-term rentals. However, short-term rental properties present unique challenges, such as constant tenant turnover, managing multiple bookings, and ever-evolving country-specific rules and regulations. Then, there are mid-term rentals — or, the "sweet spot" of real-estate investing, according to McIntyre — which are properties listed for longer than 30 days but less than a year. In her experience, they're "a whole different vibe from short-term rentals and way less stressful." One major stressor she faced in hosting on Airbnb and VRBO was the evolving rules around permits and licenses. "Short-term rentals have been under scrutiny, and the ever-tightening regulations are constantly changing," she said. "But there is sort of this magic number that, as soon as a listing is over 30 days, these rentals get classified into a long-term rental bucket and then you don't have the extra taxes or have to have a short-term rental permit." That was a contributing factor in Manny Reyna's decision to incorporate mid-term rentals into his overall strategy. "Within San Antonio, you need an STR permit through the city," said Reyna, who rents two single-family homes and two tiny homes in the San Antonio metro. "The permit is $450 just to apply, and you have to pay county taxes and city taxes on the revenue. It's called a hotel tax, and it's really high." However, if you're listing a 30-day stay, "you don't necessarily have to worry about the STR taxes," said Reyna. "It's a little bit of a loophole, if you will. It's also a good middle ground, because the cash flow is higher than long-term rentals." That said, hosting mid-term stays will require upfront work. You're catering to a completely different customer, and leasing can be a challenge because mid-term rentals are less mainstream, explained Bull. "If you want a long-term rental, you know you're going to be on Zillow or work with a real-estate agent. If you want a short-term rental, you also have set channels: You have Airbnb, Vrbo." The equivalent for mid-term rentals is Furnished Finder, "but it's not very well known, and it's not nearly as big as something like Airbnb," she said. A hybrid approach While Reyna prefers mid-term tenants, he wants to cater to a broad customer base and still lists his properties on Airbnb, VRBO, Hipcamp, and Facebook Marketplace when there's a gap between mid-term tenants. "I try to do a shotgun approach to see who's going to bite first," he said. Seattle-based investor Peter Keane-Rivera also uses a hybrid model for his 70s-themed " Groovy Guest House," which he initially listed exclusively as a short-term vacation rental. He enjoys the work that goes into managing a short-term rental — "it does allow you to provide a unique service and really to have control over the quality of that service," he said — but offering 30-plus day stays will generate more consistent revenue during the slow season when people are traveling less. "In the summertime, it pulls in a lot — in June and July, I made almost $5,000 on a one-bedroom in the outskirts of Seattle," he said, referring to the Airbnb income. "But in the wintertime, there are lower margins. I'd rather get something closer to market rent rates, not have to worry about it for four to five months during the slowest seasons, and then spin it back up for spring, summer, and fall to maximize the return." Toggling between short- and mid-term rentals is "a real asset," he said, adding that if he expands to a second Airbnb unit, he'd use the same strategy. "For eight months out of the year, I'd run it as an Airbnb and then during the low season, run it as a mid-term rental."
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
I'm a Style Editor and I Use This Wardrobe Hack to Pack for Every Trip
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." PACKING SUCKS. But after years as a Style Editor who traveled with overstuffed luggage, I've figured it out: The Capsule Wardrobe. It's a small lineup of reliable clothes that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits, so packing (or getting dressed) is less of a headache. In my experience, it's a juggling act of clothes, sneakers, and accessories. Rather than stuffing your luggage with trendy pieces that you'll only wear once, focus on comfortable items you can rewear a few different ways without repeating the same exact fit. Whether you're spending a weekend in Miami or traveling abroad to Italy, optimize your clothes for efficiency. My suggestion: Stick with basics that pair well with each other, and are stylish enough to wear for years. Every wardrobe should have its fair share of basics. Whether it's a simple t-shirt or a classic pair of jeans, you want to bring tried-and-true items that you can easily dress up or dress down. You're already familiar with their feel and fit as opposed to new items, so you don't have to wonder how they'll fare on your trip. A good rule of thumb: build your color palette around neutrals (i.e. black, grey, navy, white). The goal is to create as many outfits as possible while packing less. These shades will work seamlessly with other items in your suitcase. Start with neutrals, then gradually add in pops of color. When it comes to summer travel, you should look for breathable materials that will keep you from sweating bullets. Think linen, Tencel, organic cotton; these fabrics hold up in scorching temps and don't wrinkle like crazy. Before you ask, the answer is yes: All of this really can fit in a carry-on—that's the beauty of a well-built summer capsule wardrobe. You're packing smart, not bulky, with pieces that mix and match without taking up a ton of space. Aim for two-three T-shirts, a tank top, a polo, one lightweight button-up, a pair of summer pants, two pairs of shorts, and a pair of swim trunks. Throw in a watch and one pair of versatile shoes (like sneakers or loafers), and you're covered for everything from beach days to casual dinners. You can even squeeze in a light layer, like an overshirt or linen jacket, for cooler evenings or flights. This list doesn't include the obvious essentials like underwear, socks, or undershirts—because no one's rewearing those without a wash. Perfect for beach days, workouts, or layering under an overshirt, the tank top is your go-to for maximum airflow. Opt for a fitted or athletic cut to keep it from feeling sloppy. Plus, it's an opportunity to show off your gains.$28.00 at at at at A polo bridges the gap between casual and dressed-up, making it ideal for client dinners, golf rounds, or city exploring. Look for airy fabrics like pique or performance blends to beat the heat. Also, knit polos have unique textures that are ultra-soft yet lightweight for blazing temps.$56.50 at at at at A great tee anchors your entire capsule. Stick with high-quality cotton or a stretch-blend in a neutral tone that pairs well with everything else you pack. I've worn it solo as well as layered under a button-down and a light blazer for dressier occasions.$48.00 at at at at A lightweight button-up (think linen or cotton poplin) instantly elevates your outfit without weighing you down. Wear it open over a tee or buttoned up for more polished occasions.$138.00 at at at at You'll want a pair of breathable summer pants like linen trousers or cotton drawstring styles—for times when shorts won't cut it. They're perfect for travel days, dinner al fresco, or any setting that needs a little refinement.$198.00 at at at at From the beach to the bar, shorts are a must. Choose a pair that hits above the knee with a tailored fit so they look dressier.$79.99 at $69.50 at at at at Chances are you'll be spending time by the pool or at the beach, so a pair of swim trunks is a must-have. Versatile swim trunks can double as casual shorts when styled right. Go for a quick-drying pair with a refined cut, so you're water-ready without sacrificing style.$66.00 at at at at Always pack a clean, solid sneaker that doesn't make a lot of noise. One looks great and pairs with everything. You can even opt for a dress sneaker, which works in casual and semi-dressy settings.$265.00 at at at at Whether it's a suave loafer or mule, these summer shoes are non-negotiables for the season. Just make sure whichever one you choose is comfortable enough for all your vacation activities (i.e. sightseeing tours, resort dinners).$129.00 at at at at Nothing screams summer vibes more than the perfect sandal. From cross-strap designs to open-weave fisherman styles, these will go nicely with your hot-day fits.$150.00 at at at at A watch is like the cherry on top that pulls your summer look together. Select a timepiece that's lightweight with a fabric or rubber strap. Something durable for daytime adventures, but polished enough to wear at night.$75.00 at at at at | | | | | | | | | | | | | You Might Also Like The Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Men to Buy Now 25 Vegetables That Are Surprising Sources of Protein
