How To Swim With Thousands Of Golden Jellyfish In Palau, Micronesia

Jellyfish Lake offers you an experience you might not have thought possible — you can swim with nearly a million golden jellyfish.

These beauties can’t sting you, and they don’t mind your company as long as you tread lightly.

Jellyfish Lake in Palau. — BlueOrange Studio / Shutterstock

Where Is Jellyfish Lake?

Eil Malk Island, the home of the golden jellyfish, is an otherwise uninhabited rock island south of the city of Koror in Palau — a country of over 500 islands in the Pacific Ocean. The lake the jellyfish live in is one of 70 bodies of salt water that were once one with the ocean, but are now independent lakes.

Jellyfish Lake itself is small — it’s less than a quarter-mile long and is about 100 feet deep.

Jellyfish Lake is a part of the Koror State Rock Island Southern Lagoon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A diver approaching the jellyfish. — Ethan Daniels / Shutterstock

Meet The Jellies

Jellyfish Lake is home to 630,000 Mastigias papua etpisoni — or, as we know them, golden jellyfish — as of December 2018. It’s likely that number has continued to rise since then.

The lake once had between 10 and 20 million jellyfish, and the population even skyrocketed to 30 million in 2005.

By 2016, the number dropped drastically as a result of El Nino. The rise in water temperature caused a decrease in algae, which the jellies rely on.

Unfortunately, human interference also played a role in drastic drops in the jellyfish population. Certain ingredients in sunscreen polluted the lake water and killed many of these magnificent creatures.

Beneath the waters of Jellyfish Lake. — Ethan Daniels / Shutterstock

Why It Closed, And Why It’s Open Again

To protect this rare, stunning subspecies, the Republic of Palau intervened and closed the lake in May of 2017 to all visitors, minus scientists.

Scientists closely monitored the population of jellies, and after a period of steady growth, Palau opened its doors (or rather, tourist boats) to visitors in early 2019.

As of December 2018, the jellyfish population was back up to 630,000, with numbers still rising.

A diver in Jellyfish Lake. — Song Heming / Shutterstock

Yes, You Can Swim With Them

We have good news for you! These jellyfish can’t harm humans. The jellyfish don’t sting, so it’s completely safe to swim and interact with them up close.

Each day, the jellies migrate from the west side of the lake to the east side to follow the sunlight, which sustains them. During your dip, you can swim in that direction with them, or go against the grain.

The lake is pretty small, so it won’t take you long to swim around, but you can stay and enjoy the cool critters for as long as you’d like. You can even touch the jellies as long as you’re gentle!

The dock at Jellyfish Lake. — highD / Shutterstock

How To Get To The Island

The easiest way to reach the lake is through the city of Koror. If you want to travel into Palau International Airport, which is the closest airport to Koror, popular hubs are in Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

You can’t reach the island on your own, so plan your visit in advance by booking an island tour or visit to Jellyfish Lake and neighboring islands.

Know Before You Go

There are two things you should know before you go: Swimmers can only wear certain approved sunscreens in the lake, and there’s absolutely no scuba diving allowed. About 75 feet below the surface, there’s a layer of bacteria that protects the lake’s shallower waters from a toxic hydrogen sulfide below. To prevent contact with the bottom layer, scuba diving is off limits.

The Republic of Palau takes conservation seriously, so to protect its wildlife, the government has implemented an eco-pledge for all incoming visitors.

To enter the country, visitors must read the Palau Pledge and sign it. The pledge consists of five stanzas. The most poignant line: “I vow to tread lightly, act kindly, and explore mindfully.”

If you plan to visit, we encourage you to do just that. Jellyfish Lake is a sight to see, and in order to enjoy it, you need to protect yourself, protect the jellyfish, and protect the beauty of Palau.

Want to witness more adorable animals in stunning habitats? Here’s how to visit the spa-loving snow monkeys in Nagano, Japan. Touring the South Pacific in search of the cutest critters? Here’s where to see sugar gliders in the wild.

7 Reasons To Put Paracas And The Islas Ballestas On Your Bucket List

Many travelers to Peru overlook the sleepy fishing town of Paracas and the nearby Islas Ballestas and head instead to the towering Incan ruins of Cuzco’s Machu Picchu or the breathtaking expanse of Arequipa’s Colca Canyon. But insiders and locals alike know that the Paracas District is teeming with more history, natural beauty, and animal life than virtually anywhere else in the country.

The Islas Ballestas, or the Ballestas Islands, are often called the Poor Man’s Galápagos, and when you visit, you can see many of the creatures that inspired Darwin for far less than you can in Ecuador.

If you’re not sold on the Paracas District yet, here are seven reasons why you must put this Peruvian treasure on your bucket list.

Humboldt penguins on the Islas Ballestas. — Marisa Estivill / Shutterstock

1. You Can Get Up Close And Personal With Phenomenal Marine Wildlife

The Islas Ballestas are home to red-billed Inca terns, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. To see them, take one of the tours offered from the port of Paracas, right off the main street.

These tours pride themselves on getting as close to the wildlife as possible without disturbing the creatures in their natural habitats, so make sure that you have your camera ready to capture all of those candid snaps of snoozing sea lions or waddling Humboldt penguins.

Keep in mind that you’ll be traveling for quite a bit of time on the open water. It gets chilly out there, so bring a jacket, gloves, and a hat, as well as warm shoes.

Also note that while your boat will get quite close to the wildlife of the islands, you will not be allowed onto the islands themselves. Boat tours of the area wind through the islands but do not include stops.

The Paracas Candelabra in the Islas Ballestas. — K_Boonnitrod / Shutterstock

2. The Ancient Bluff Carvings Are Fascinating

A big bonus of your boat ride to the Islas Ballestas is the opportunity to see the Paracas Candelabra, a massive candlestick carved into the side of a bluff. As mysterious as the Nazca Lines, the Paracas Candelabra is a relic of an ancient civilization, and nobody knows quite how it was created, or why.

Several additional lines have been discovered in or near Paracas, which has led to speculation that these formations might even predate the Nazca Lines. The Andean people who once populated the seaside region near the Islas Ballestas may have actually pioneered some of the innovative techniques used to create the Nazca Lines.

Fresh Peruvian ceviche. — etorres / Shutterstock

3. The Ceviche Is Heavenly

Situated right on the sea, the Paracas District is known for its incredible seafood, and no dish in the area is quite as famous as the ceviche. At its purest and finest, Peruvian ceviche is a combination of freshly caught fish, lime juice, and spices. The abundance of sea life in the Paracas District makes it an ideal place to sample this delicacy.

Although the citrus juice “cooks” ceviche slightly, it’s still important to use the highest quality seafood possible to avoid any unpleasant side effects. You’ll find ceviche in Lima, Cuzco, and other Peruvian hot spots, but for the most authentic — and safest — version, opt for fish pulled right out of Paracas’s chilly Pacific waters.

The elongated skulls of the Paracas people. — TravelStrategy / Shutterstock

4. You Can Learn About The Ancient People Of Paracas

If the Paracas Candelabra got you curious about the original people of the Paracas District, you must visit the Juan Navarro Hierro History Museum, the best place in the country to see the remains of ancient Peruvians. These skeletons have long fascinated scientists and historians because the skulls are elongated. It’s speculated that this was done to denote higher status, and like many body-modification rituals, this practice was embraced by a specific class of Andean and Inca people.

Since all of the island tours are conducted during the morning, the Juan Navarro Hierro History Museum is a great place to spend a few afternoon hours in Paracas.

Birds along the rocks in the Islas Ballestas. — Simon Mayer / Shutterstock

5. You Can Discover Peru’s Most Crucial Export

It might not smell very good, but it is one of Peru’s most important exports. Guano, or accumulated bird droppings, is produced by the winged creatures of the Islas Ballestas as a result of their diet of oily fish. This decidedly stinky substance is a key ingredient in fertilizer and one of the most lucrative exports Peru has to offer.

Guano is so vital to the Peruvian economy that people actually harvest it from the rocks that make up the minor islands of the Islas Ballestas. The droppings are incorporated into high-quality fertilizer and shipped all over the world.

As precious as the guano is, it’s still extremely smelly, so you might want to hold your nose while traveling past some of the islands!

A Pisco sour in Peru. — young shanahan / Flickr

6. You Can Sample The Local Pisco

One of the most bitter rivalries between Peru and neighboring Chile is the battle over which country invented pisco. Although you’ll have to travel to Santiago to get the Chilean take, you can drink authentic Peruvian pisco in the Paracas District.

There are plenty of pisco vineyards in the desert around Paracas, the most famous of which is El Catador. The vineyard offers a tour, a crash course in appreciating pisco, and a restaurant that pairs fine Peruvian cuisine with the favorite national beverage. There are plenty of vineyard tours that make pit stops at El Catador that leave straight from Paracas and can pick you up at your hotel.

You don’t have to venture too far from the sea to sample pisco, though. Artisanal pisco and pisco-related drinks are on menus all over Paracas.

The Islas Ballestas in Peru. — najafragilis / Shutterstock

7. They’re Easily Accessible

If you’re flying into Peru, you’re likely landing in Lima. Lima is the cosmopolitan coastal capital of Peru, a city overflowing with nightlife, culinary delights, and plenty of eye-popping street art along the winding calles of Barranco.

Paracas and the Islas Ballestas are a mere 3 or 4 hours from Lima, making a quick overnight visit from the big city a breeze. There are plenty of ways to get to the Paracas District from Lima, but the easiest and most comfortable is with a company like Peru Hop. Peru Hop picks you up at your hotel and takes you straight into the city center of Paracas. The guides speak both English and Spanish.

There are public bus options as well, or you could rent a car. The gorgeous view of the coast as you cruise along is worth the trip!

What To Know Before You Go

Paracas might be located by the Pacific Ocean, but it is surrounded by desert. Bring plenty of sunscreen, even if you go when the weather is colder. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the area is chilliest during the months of June, July, August, and September, so be prepared for unpredictable days and cold nights if you travel during this time.

Observe proper ATM safety, especially at night. When possible, visit an ATM that is inside of a bank branch, or one in a well-lit area. Paracas, like most cities, has occasional problems with crimes of opportunity.

The animals of the Islas Ballestas might be used to humans, but it’s not a good idea to try to interact with any of them. Just like us, the sea creatures of these islands need their personal space!

Enjoy this off-the-beaten-path slice of Peru and all it has to offer before this seaside treasure hits the tourist radar.

Meet The Muraka, A Two-Story Villa Set 16 Feet Beneath The Ocean’s Surface

The Muraka in the Maldives, the world’s first underwater villa, gives visitors an opportunity to experience the ocean like never before.

The upper level of the two-story villa features stunning panoramic views of the ocean, and the lower level plunges deep into the sea.

Your vacation might cost a pretty penny — a whopping $50,000 per night — but it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.

Where Is The Muraka?

The Muraka is located southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. The villa is connected to the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island luxury resort and spa in the Maldives.

The resort has broken records in more than ways than one. In addition to its underwater villa, it also boasts the five-star Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant. If you want to dine at an underwater restaurant while staying at an underwater villa, you’ll just need to ride your jet ski to the main resort.

The villa offers complete privacy, so if solo relaxation is your thing, you won’t have to see a single soul during your vacation. After all, you’re paying $50,000 a night, so you can expect to do as much or as little as you’d like during your stay.

The restaurant in the underwater villas. — Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Committed To Conservation

The resort prioritizes protecting local marine life, and a group of marine biologists keeps a close watch on the health of the nearby coral.

In order to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Maldives, the villa was actually built off-site in Singapore. The two-story paradise was then transported to the Maldives by boat and carefully installed to ensure it could withstand the worst weather.

What $50,000 Gets You

As you approach the villa from the private wooden walkway, the simple white exterior might not take your breath away — but just wait until you set foot inside.

The villa, which sleeps nine, features three bedrooms — two with gorgeous above-water views, and a master bedroom submerged 16 feet in the deep blue sea, showcasing the wildlife thriving in the nearby coral.

Above the water, unwind in the massive tub with spectacular ocean views, and then enjoy the ocean breeze on the expansive deck. Did we mention that there’s an infinity pool, too?

The infinity pool in the villas. — Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

When you take the spiral staircase or elevator downstairs, you’ll find yourself in a glass paradise enclosed in the majesty of the ocean.

Not fully convinced? The villa also features a gym, spa, bar, and butler’s quarters. A full staff — including a fitness trainer, a personal chef, a butler, a facialist, and a massage therapist — is available to fulfill your every request.

As a thank-you gift of sorts, when you book a trip to the villa, you are instantly upgraded to Hilton Diamond status.

What To Know Before You Go

The best time to book a stay at The Muraka is during the dry season between November and April. Even though you can travel there during the other months of the year, clear skies and calm seas aren’t guaranteed, and torrential rain might put a damper on your getaway.

The dry season guarantees warm weather, less precipitation, and a greater likelihood of a perfect vacation.

You can reach the villa by private seaplane or private speedboat from the main resort.

If The Muraka isn’t in your budget, the resort offers other options that might suit you better. Come for the private paradise and stay for the other incredible reasons to visit the Maldives.

The Best Day Trips To Take From Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, is consistently ranked among the best cities not just in the United States, but in the world. It’s easy to see why! With its stunning coastal location, beautiful old buildings, and creative food and spirits scene, Charleston is certainly worthy of a visit or five.

But this Southern hub has even more to offer travelers — it provides an excellent base for day trips around the region. From a posh island enclave to a Hollywood movie set to a low-country beach, here are the best day trips to take from Charleston.

Beach cottages on Edisto Island. — Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

Edisto Island, South Carolina

One of the South Carolina Sea Islands, Edisto is spread over two counties: Colleton and Charleston. Its beach has been called a regional best-kept secret for its lack of crowds, family-friendly environment, and charming beach cottages. Plus, half the island is protected from development, so the area is not highly commercialized like some other beachfront communities. In fact, travelers can even view the ruins of former plantations like Bleak Hall and Sea Cloud within the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve. Great dining options are available too, from the laid-back, diner-style SeaCOW Eatery to the more elevated Southern grub at Ella & Ollie’s. Visitors can also expect an abundance of natural activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and more. The best part? Edisto is just an hour by car from Charleston, which makes it a perfect day-trip destination.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Located on Port Royal Island, another of the Sea Islands, is Beaufort, a historic town known for its antebellum architecture, pretty water views, and historic bed and breakfasts. Beaufort was recently named one of the South’s best small towns by Southern Living. Visitors can stay late for a sunset boat cruise or just enjoy a day at the lovely shopping district and a delicious lunch at the Wren Bistro & Bar downtown. Fishing charters and kayak tours are also available, and the popular Beaufort History Museum is worth a visit. If you’d like to experience the area’s sand dunes, biodiversity, and dense forests, check out the isolated Saint Phillips Island, new to the South Carolina State Parks system. Formerly the beach home of Ted Turner, this off-the-beaten-path retreat can now be accessed through tours with naturalists. Beaufort is just a 90-minute drive from bustling Charleston.

Savannah, Georgia

Another of the South’s loveliest cities is Savannah. This dreamy coastal municipality is only a 2-hour drive from nearby Charleston. Day-trippers should be sure to hit some of the highlights, like the gorgeous Forsyth Park with its hanging Spanish moss, the city’s 22 historic squares, and the bustling hub of City Market. Savannah’s dining scene deserves a look, too, with favorites like The Grey and Mrs. Wilkes for classic Southern comfort fare. Thirsty travelers should enjoy a drink with stunning river views at the Bohemian Hotel’s rooftop bar or consider the Moon River Haunted Pub Crawl. Savannah is known as the Hostess City of the South for its famous hospitality and is very walkable, making it an ideal place for a day excursion.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head is consistently voted one of America’s favorite islands, and it’s easy to see why. This pretty spot is known for its 12 miles of beaches, 24 golf courses, and more than 300 tennis courts. Besides being a natural paradise, Hilton Head offers tons of other activities and attractions like water sports, museums and art, and the Harbour Town Lighthouse. There is also a distillery on the island that offers tours and features a bottle shop and tasting room. Wine lovers should check out the Island Winery and enjoy a wine-and-cheese pairing before making the 2-hour drive back to Charleston. Those seeking a more laid-back environment can head to the local favorite (and cash-only) Harold’s Diner. This greasy spoon offers a respite from the otherwise posh environs of Hilton Head Island.

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, the scenic suburb of Mount Pleasant is a particularly convenient day-trip opportunity. Mount Pleasant is home to the famous Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, where The Notebook was filmed. Boone Hall is the most photographed plantation in the country and is also one of its oldest working farms, where visitors can pick their own strawberries, tomatoes, peaches, and more, depending on the season. Boone Hall Farms is described as “part farmers market, part specialty store” and offers fresh produce grown in season. It also features fresh seafood straight from the docks, an award-winning butcher shop, a café, and more. Day-trippers to Mount Pleasant may also want to check out the upscale shopping mecca of Gwynn’s. Great food options abound as well, especially along Shem Creek. Favorites include NICO, a French oyster bar, and the barbecue-plus-seafood-focused Saltwater Cowboys.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

This small barrier island off the Atlantic Coast provides an upscale day-trip option from Charleston. On certain days throughout the year, visitors can attend the Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ for a low-country experience to remember. Additionally, Kiawah Island is home to five championship golf courses with more than 90 holes, 30 miles of scenic bike trails, and numerous pretty beaches. For dining, travelers shouldn’t miss the modern seafood mecca of The Atlantic Room at The Ocean Course. The Spa at The Sanctuary provides a respite from the stress of travel. Kiawah is conveniently accessible, too, at 45 minutes from Charleston by car.

The Charleston Tea Plantation in South Carolina. — Thomas Trompeter / Shutterstock.com

Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina

Another great day-trip option from Charleston is Wadmalaw Island, just 30 minutes away from the city. This rural spot provides an escape in a convenient location. The area is home to a couple of noteworthy attractions, including the Charleston Tea Plantation, the only tea plantation in North America. The property offers tea factory tours, trolley rides, and a gift shop. Additionally, Wadmalaw is home to the Deep Water Vineyard, which offers near-daily tastings and tours. Plus, on many Saturdays, the winery hires local food vendors and musicians to entertain guests as they enjoy local wines. The largest distillery in the state, Firefly Distillery, is also located on Wadmalaw Island; it uses tea from the nearby plantation for its sweet tea vodka, among other things.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a popular Spring Break spot and beach resort area. At just over 2 hours away from Charleston, it’s another great day-trip option for visitors to the Holy City. Consider a stop at nearby Brookgreen Gardens just south of Myrtle Beach. This stunning botanical garden and conservation center is home to more than 9,000 acres of land, including a wildlife reserve, sculpture garden, and low-country zoo. Myrtle Beach highlights include the beach boardwalk, numerous golf courses, and the SkyWheel Ferris wheel, one of the nation’s tallest. Some dining options in Myrtle Beach are the waterfront Gulfstream Café, the ever-popular Mr. Fish, and the breakfast favorite Sea Captain’s House.

McClellanville, South Carolina

Ensconced within the Francis Marion National Forest, the cute fishing village of McClellanville is another option for day-trippers from Charleston. Visitors can ride the ferry to Bull Island, tour the Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, or hike the trails of the aforementioned forest. The best restaurant in town is T. W. Graham & Co., which is known for its seafood, Key lime pie, and fried green tomatoes. There are also numerous fishing charters, but if fishing isn’t your thing, you can sit on the docks to watch the fishermen unload their catches. The village is located about an hour northeast of Charleston.

It’s easy to see that while Charleston itself is a famous vacation destination, its unique day-trip options make it an even more attractive spot to visit.

Want to spend even more time in the area? Consider extending your vacation to include a quick trip to Johns Island, where you can see the famous 500-year-old Angel Oak Tree. Additionally, the nearby beach enclave of Isle of Palms offers both beachfront and golf options for visitors.

The Magnificent And Deadly Giant Crystals Of Naica, Mexico

Deep under the tiny mining town of Naica, Mexico, is an enormous cave of crystals that defies logic and has fascinated scientists since it was discovered.

In 2000, two brothers accidentally stumbled upon the Cave of Crystals, a vast, sweltering underground realm full of gargantuan gypsum crystals. The chamber they discovered looks eerily like Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, but the real-life version is far from cold. It is stiflingly hot, with temperatures up to 150 degrees. What’s more, the humidity in the cave is nearly 100 percent, making it a completely inhospitable environment.

Two scientists exploring the Cave of Crystals. — Paul Williams / Flickr

Scientists speculate that a mass of boiling magma directly beneath the cave supercharged the growth of the crystals and created the sauna-like conditions in the cave. The mineral-rich groundwater and intense heat combined to create the ideal environment for these crystals, allowing them to flourish.

Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed to visit the Cave of Crystals. The hot and humid conditions make this particular cave a hazardous place to visit, and even scientists need a special permit to enter the cave. You can learn about the various formations there at the online Mineralogy Museum of Mexico. Also, you can familiarize yourself with the ongoing conservation efforts to ensure that the caves remain intact for years to come.

Even though you can’t visit the cave, you can still take part in the mining culture of Naica. If you visit Naica on December 4, you’ll have the chance to celebrate International Mining Day. Every year, the tiny town honors the contributions of its miners and the abundance of riches they’ve uncovered from the ground.

Chihuahua, Mexico, is 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Naica and is a beautiful town full of amazing architecture, art, and history. It’s also home to the Grutas Nombre de Dios system of caves, a fascinating labyrinth of caves and tunnels full of crystals, stalagmites, and stalactites. Guided tours of the caves are available, or you can explore on your own between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

Scientists exploring the Cave of Crystals. — junaidrao / Flickr

The Grutas Nombre de Dios caves are safe, but plenty of the chambers are small and can pose problems for anyone struggling with claustrophobia. Wear heavy-soled shoes and bring a sweater or light jacket because, unlike the Cave of Crystals, this cave system can get a bit chilly. Adults pay 50 pesos or roughly $3, and children can tour the caves for half that price. If you’re interested in exploring the underground world of the Chihuahua province, this is a great way to do it!

To get to Chihuahua or Naica, you’ll have to fly into the Chihuahua International Airport and take a 16-minute taxi or Uber ride to Chihuahua proper. If you want to venture from Chihuahua to Naica, you will have to take a 1-hour bus ride from Chihuahua to Delicias, Mexico, and then take a 40-minute taxi ride to Naica. Track your journey on MAPS.ME, which works offline, to make sure that your taxi is on the correct route.

Planning a trip to Mexico? Here’s everything you need to know about the country’s drinking water.

8 Luxurious Perks You Might Get With Hotel Butler Service

Whether you’re staying across town or halfway around the world, luxe hotels are an alluring option. Their many amenities — spas, gourmet room service, and chic bars and boutiques — can take your trip to the next level. But some brands really up the ante with an uber-exclusive benefit: butler service. It’s an over-the-top experience that’s laser-focused on your comfort and convenience. Here are just a few of the perks you can expect from resorts and hotels that offer the amenity.

Doorman opens hotel room door. — Almas Jaxylykov / Shutterstock.com

1. A Warm Welcome

You can expect your relationship with your butler to begin as soon as you check in. Many hotel chains (including the Savoy, the gold standard for hotel butler service and training) will assign them to you at the desk, or have them meet you just outside your room. At that point, he — or she (more on that later) — will walk you through your room’s amenities, ask about your preference for beverage service, and inquire about any dietary restrictions you might have. The point of all this is to provide seamless, unobtrusive, and impeccable service for the duration of your stay. Also expect your butler to provide you with a cell-phone number that, when called or texted, will send a member of the service staff to assist you, no matter the time of day or night.

2. Unpacking Help

Once your luggage has been brought to your room, your butler will likely ask if you’d like assistance unpacking. Granted, you might not want a stranger handling your clothes and personal belongings, but remember that butlers are trained to be discreet! A butler unpack is a lovely perk to help you relax and settle into your room, especially if you’ve had a long journey. At this time, the butler might notice items that need pressing, special handling, or shining, and he’ll offer to take care of those for you. And when it’s time to head home, the process works in reverse. A quick call, and your suitcases will be packed and ready to roll out in a jiffy. This is a basic butler amenity, and one we highly recommend.

3. Shopping Skills

Need a last-minute present to bring along to a special event or dinner party? What about an evening dress for the theater or opera? Or what if you’ve forgotten to stash a favorite face serum or lipstick into your travel cosmetic case? Just really craving a red velvet cupcake? No worries! Your butler is available to act as a personal shopper and scout out exactly what you require with ease. These folks know the city where you’re staying inside and out, and they’ll know where to find nearly anything you’re looking for. The St. Regis butlers are especially well regarded for their shopping prowess, and their attention to detail is unmatched. However, while a butler’s services are typically free of charge with a luxury room or suite, the products or amenities they provide will be added to your room’s final cost.

Concierge service desk counter with staff team working. — BlurryMe / Shutterstock.com

4. Concierge Services

Looking to score last-minute tickets to a sporting or cultural event? Or need dinner reservations for the hottest restaurant in town? Just call or text, because these are also things your hotel butler can assist you with, saving you a stop at the concierge. At La Réserve Paris, the butlers pride themselves on being virtual magicians — scoring tough-to-find tickets or VIP passes on behalf of their guests. Hotel butlers can also help plan unforgettable special events, including engagements, honeymoons, birthdays, or anniversaries. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them to help design the most memorable evening — whatever the occasion — of your vacation!

The perfect bath with natural organic products on a bathtub. — Alena Ozerova / Shutterstock.com

5. The Perfect Bath

Sometimes, after hours of sightseeing, you just want to return to your room or suite and soak the day away. Ready for a decadent, calming bath of the perfect temperature, complete with essential oils, something bubbly to drink, something fabulous to read, and warm towels on the side? Ring your butler! Many hotels, such as the Willcox in Aiken, South Carolina, offer customized bath services guaranteed to soothe, with options including candlelight, rose petals, and customized mineral bath salts. It’s a terrific perk that will leave you relaxed, refreshed, and ready to conquer the next day, whatever it might hold. Don’t worry: Your butler will depart as soon as your bath is ready.

6. Tech Assistance

Maybe you’ve got a bit of work to square away while you’re on the road, or perhaps you’re having difficulty downloading vacation photos from your phone to your laptop or other device. If you’re staying at one of the Ritz-Carlton properties, including the one in Atlanta, simply call the technology butler! This designated staff member is at the ready to assist with any tech trouble. The tech butler can help you access the Wi-Fi, provide the right power plugs (important if you’re traveling abroad and didn’t bring your own), and even resolve software compatibility issues, taking the stress out of your vacation. And if you’re looking for the latest tech trend, ask about Instagram butlers! Many top-tier hotels now offer staff members who will help you snap the perfect selfies while on the beach or on the go, or will take you to a city’s most iconic sights for the best photos. They’ll even offer tips on phone positioning, time of day, and what to wear for the best snaps.

Woman concierge. — New Africa / Shutterstock.com

7. Services For Women Travelers

More and more women are traveling abroad, both in groups and solo. To cater to these women, the India-based luxury chain Oberoi Hotels & Resorts offers an all-female butler staff and chauffeur fleet exclusively for female travelers. It’s an amenity that has taken off in recent years, as traveler safety has become a top priority. Having an all-female service staff for those who request it is a thoughtful touch, one that brings a bit of comfort and familiarity when you’re navigating a new place half a world away.

8. Perks For Your Pet

Lest you think butler service is just for you, it turns out that it can also be for your dog! Many pet friendly hotel chains roll out the red carpet for — and offer butler services to — four-legged friends as well. The St. Regis Aspen has developed an “Elevated Pet Program” that includes a dog butler for walking and fetch, and even jogging-stroller rides for smaller pets. Loews Hotels provides pets special treats, bowls, and placemats at check-in and gourmet room service options for both cats and dogs. If you and your constant companion need to unwind after a long day, staff at The Betsy in Miami can arrange a custom “couple’s massage” at an outdoor spa for both you and your pooch.

As you can see, there are many ways a butler can help take your travel experience to the next level! However, should you opt for such service, it’s important to remember that these men and women work extremely hard to make sure your vacation is efficient and enjoyable. In return, gratitude and gratuities are both in order if your butler has provided exemplary service. Don’t tip per service (each time a meal is brought or something is ordered or procured); instead, plan to leave your butler 5 percent of your room rate at the end of your stay.