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From Gigi's travel journal
First-hand hotel stays, long lunches and dog-friendly getaways, written by Gigi Becker herself — each one with a dated note on what has changed since.
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Pet-friendly travel · Santa Barbara, California
El Encanto – DogCation in Santa Barbara
Gigi, Bill and their black Lab, Jessie, check into Belmond El Encanto — with a dog beach, a boathouse lunch, the Botanic Garden and a koi pond along the way.
Gigi Becker3 min read
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Hotel stays · Washington, D.C.
The Old Post Office, D.C. – A Landmark Reborn
Gigi's very first post: a stay in the restored Old Post Office on Pennsylvania Avenue — the Grand Lobby, the rooms with a Washington Monument view, and the clock tower.
Gigi Becker2 min read
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Keep exploring
- Travel GuidesTravel Guides & Expert AnswersNinety answer-first travel guides: corporate travel, passports and entry rules, flights, hotels, money, French Polynesia and African safaris.
- Travel GuidesTraveling With Pets: Flights, Paperwork, and Pet-Friendly StaysTraveling with pets? Learn airline cabin rules, international paperwork like microchips and health certificates, CDC dog import rules, and how to find hotels.
- Leisure TravelLuxury & Adventure Travel PlanningLuxury and adventure trips from a Virtuoso-affiliated advisor: honeymoons, safaris, island escapes, cruises and family travel, with VIP perks at partner hotels.
- Travel GuidesWhat Is Virtuoso? The Luxury Travel Network ExplainedWhat is Virtuoso? Learn how the luxury travel network works and the hotel perks you typically get, like breakfast for two and upgrades when available.
- AboutAbout Gigi Becker & Empyrean TravelMeet Gigi Becker, owner of Empyrean Travel: corporate and leisure travel since 1984, based in Los Angeles. Tahiti expert, Africa specialist, Virtuoso affiliate.
- Where to GoWhere to Travel Each MonthA month-by-month guide to where to travel — the best beaches, safaris, cities and islands for every month of the year, plus business-travel notes.
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