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Elevating Travel with Michael Souza & Outer Boundaries Travel

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In today’s fast-paced world, where travelers face endless online options and conflicting reviews, one thing is clear: the value of a trusted expert has never been greater. That’s where Michael Souza, local resident of Briarcliff Manor and founder of Outer Boundaries Travel, shines.

Michael is more than a travel planner–he’s a storyteller, connector, and curator of transformative experiences. As a professional travel advisor, his passion lies in crafting journeys that go far beyond logistics. Each itinerary is about discovery–of new places, cultures, and perspectives that expand life’s possibilities.

With years of global travel experience and a deep understanding of modern travelers, Michael and his team specialize in taking you beyond the ordinary–beyond borders, expectations, and yes, boundaries.

Why Today’s Travelers Need a Travel Advisor

The digital age offers countless booking tools, but not necessarily clarity. Online platforms can help you click “book now,” yet they can’t anticipate your preferences, understand your motivations, or ensure a seamless experience.

As Michael often says, “Saying you don’t need a travel advisor because you can book online is like saying you don’t need a doctor because of WebMD.”

A professional travel advisor brings expertise, insight, and connections that algorithms simply can’t replicate. Whether securing a suite overlooking the Amalfi Coast, arranging a private wine tasting in Bordeaux, or navigating entry changes and cancellations, a trusted advisor ensures your journey is effortless from start to finish.

The Advantages of Working with Outer Boundaries Travel

Outer Boundaries Travel was founded on the belief that no two travelers–or journeys–are alike. Michael and his team are dedicated to delivering experiences that are personal and purposeful and perfectly timed.

Personalized Planning

Every traveler is unique. Whether you prefer to be involved in every detail or hand over the reins completely, Outer Boundaries crafts each itinerary around your interests, budget, and lifestyle. The result? Journeys that reflect you–not just your destination.

Global Expertise & Connections

Michael and his team have explored the world firsthand and cultivated an extensive network of trusted global partners. Through Largay Travel, Outer Boundaries is affiliated with Virtuoso, the world’s most prestigious luxury travel network, representing just 1% of agencies worldwide. This gives clients access to extraordinary destinations, insider experiences, and local experts who turn each trip into a lasting story.

Value for Your Investment

Booking through a travel advisor doesn’t cost more–it adds value. Outer Boundaries and Largay Travel have access to exclusive rates and amenities that online platforms can’t match: complimentary daily breakfast for two, preferred rates, early check-in and late checkout, resort credits, and special upgrades when available.

VIP Treatment

Every moment of your journey feels considered and curated. Imagine arriving at your hotel to find your favorite drink waiting, or enjoying a private after-hours museum tour arranged just for you. Outer Boundaries turns travel into art by anticipating what delights you most.

Peace of Mind

True luxury is peace of mind. Outer Boundaries offers support before, during, and after your trip, ensuring that even if plans change–a delayed flight or a missed connection–you have someone on your side who can make it right.

Cruising Elevated: River, Ocean, and Yacht

One of the most exciting trends in modern travel is the evolution of cruising–where comfort, connection, and culture merge. Michael Souza has deep expertise across every category, helping clients find the voyage that best reflects their style–whether drifting through Europe’s heartlands, sailing the open seas, or yachting into hidden harbors.

River Cruising with AmaWaterways: The Heartbeat of Europe

AmaWaterways is where elegance meets immersion. Designed for intimacy and cultural depth, their ships carry fewer than 150 guests, offering personalized service, locally inspired cuisine, and the rare ability to dock in the heart of cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Amsterdam.

Michael recommends AmaWaterways for travelers who value depth over distance–those who want to feel a region’s rhythm. Guests might cycle along the Danube, taste Riesling in the Rhine Valley, or explore monasteries on the Douro River.

Through Virtuoso, Outer Boundaries clients enjoy exclusive perks such as onboard credits, upgrades, and Virtuoso Voyages events–private excursions and hosted receptions that elevate the experience even further.

Ocean Cruising with Regent Seven Seas: The Most Inclusive Luxury at Sea

When it comes to ocean cruising, Regent Seven Seas Cruises defines all-inclusive luxury. Their philosophy– “Every luxury included”–means business-class flights, gourmet dining, excursions, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are all seamlessly part of the experience.

Michael often recommends Regent for travelers who want to explore the world without compromise. Whether sailing the South Pacific, tracing South America’s coasts, or gliding through the Mediterranean, Regent’s ships feel more like elegant private clubs than cruise vessels.

Guests enjoy spacious all-suite accommodations, Michelin-inspired cuisine, and exclusive Virtuoso Voyages privileges–including curated shore excursions and hosted cocktail receptions.

As Michael says, “Regent gives travelers the rare gift of time–time to explore, connect, and savor extraordinary places without worrying about what’s included or what comes next.”

Yacht Cruising with Four Seasons Yachts: A New Era of Exploration

For those seeking the next evolution in luxury travel, Four Seasons Yachts is redefining what it means to sail. Launching in 2026, this visionary venture combines the legendary service of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts with the intimacy of private yachting.

Each yacht will feature just 95 spacious suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, blending contemporary design with timeless elegance. Itineraries will span the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond, focusing on cultural immersion and access to secluded destinations unreachable by larger ships.

Outer Boundaries clients enjoy priority access to early sailings, exclusive Virtuoso amenities, and the advantage of Michael’s insight into curating a seamless “sea-meets-shore” journey–pairing yacht voyages with stays at Four Seasons resorts worldwide.

This is cruising reimagined for the modern traveler: sophisticated, intimate, and immersive.

The Outer Boundaries Experience: Where Luxury Meets Authenticity

For Michael Souza, travel advising goes far beyond planning–it’s about understanding people. He believes travel should be personal, purposeful, and perfectly timed. Whether designing a milestone celebration, a family getaway, or a solo escape, he and his team treat every itinerary as if it were their own.

Outer Boundaries thrives on relationships, and through its affiliation with Largay Travel and the Virtuoso network, it connects travelers to a global community of luxury brands and hospitality experts who share one mission: to create unforgettable experiences that exceed expectations.

Why Choose Outer Boundaries Travel

Partnering with Michael Souza means having an advocate before, during, and after your journey. You’ll save time, eliminate stress, and gain access to exclusive insights and privileges unavailable anywhere else.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • One-of-a-kind trips for one-of-a-kind travelers
  • Exclusive Virtuoso perks and amenities
  • Insider access to global partners
  • Personalized, thoughtful planning tailored to your preferences
  • Support and peace of mind
  • A passionate partner who genuinely cares about your experience

As Michael says, “Travel should change you in the best ways possible–it should awaken your senses, broaden your perspective, and remind you how connected we all are. That’s what we strive to create at Outer Boundaries.”

Your Next Journey Awaits

In a world where anyone can book a trip, few can curate a journey that transforms. With Michael Souza and Outer Boundaries Travel, your travels become more than vacations–they become defining moments.

Discover the art of traveling well. Discover Outer Boundaries Travel.

Michael Souza
michaelsouza@outerboundariestravel.com
(646) 879-1048
outerboundariestravel.com
Briarcliff Manor, NY

Why Homeowners Trust Us: The Company That’s Been Getting It Right Since 1979

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Since 1979, Korth & Shannahan proudly served our community with top-tier residential craftsmanship. Over four decades later, we’re still the company homeowners turn to when quality and trust matter most.

When it comes to painting and carpentry, hiring the right contractor can make all the difference. A project done right not only adds value to your home it saves time, stress, and money in the long run. That’s where we come in.

What sets Korth & Shannahan apart? Here are 10 reasons we’ve earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and respected contractors in the region:

Top 10 Reasons Homeowners Choose Korth & Shannahan

1. No Subcontractors, EVER!

Unlike many contractors who sell the job and then hand it off to outside crews, we keep everything in-house. From the first consultation to the final walk-through, you’ll work with our dedicated team of professionals who are part of our company and share our standards. This allows us to maintain full control, ensure consistent quality, and deliver a smoother, more trustworthy experience from start to finish.

2. Verified References Available

Don’t just take our word for it. Ask for references in your neighborhood. We have a long list of satisfied clients happy to share their experiences.

3. Licensed and Fully Insured

Your home is too important to risk. We meet all licensing requirements and carry full insurance for peace of mind.

4. Established Since 1979

We’ve been hard at work continuously over 45 years. Our longevity speaks volumes; companies don’t stay in business this long without consistently delivering quality, earning trust, and doing right by their customers.

5. Attention to Detail

Our team treats your home with care, precision, and the kind of pride that shows in the final result.

6. Clean, Respectful Crews

Our workers show up on time, clean up daily, and treat your home like it’s their own.

7. Clear Communication from Start to Finish

We believe in transparency and clarity so you’re never left guessing about timelines, costs, or expectations.

8. Fair, Competitive Pricing

We offer the best value for your buck, without cutting corners. Quality work doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.

9. High-Quality Materials Only

We use premium products that last longer and look better because your home deserves the best.

10. We Make the Process Easy

From estimate to final walk-through, we guide you every step of the way so you can feel confident and comfortable. We also offer a 4-year guarantee on all our work.

How to Choose the Right Contractor? Start by asking the right questions:

  • Do they use subcontractors?
  • Can they provide references?
  • How long have they been in business?
  • Do they have a track record of satisfied clients?
  • Are they licensed and insured?

When you ask these questions, you’ll quickly see why so many homeowners come back to Korth & Shannahan time and again. (914) 238-5388

Purple Plains Prospers

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Starting a business is never an easy task – but specializing in what was for the majority of its existence considered a dangerous, schedule 1 controlled substance, can be a uniquely overwhelming and difficult process.

Similar to the prohibition of alcohol in the 20s, marijuana use was not only highly illegal in the United States but also thought to be addictive, harmful and void of any medical potential whatsoever. Whereas alcohol made its way back into American supermarkets after only 13 years, it took the cannabis industry decades to establish any legitimate foundation and only became recreationally available in some states as recently as 2021.

Today, despite a seemingly endless range of complications, it’s growing at incredible rates and shows no sign of slowing down as it continues to evolve and become more accessible.

In Pound Ridge NY, Mark Buzzetto and Sophia Mortell are capitalizing on this widespread cultural trend with their new dispensary, Purple Plains. Getting this now thriving business off the ground was an incredible undertaking that started back in 2022 when the two co-founders first took a leap of faith and pivoted their careers into the unknown.

Mark had decades of experience in the cannabis industry pre-legalization and also co-owned a flower shop with his father where he took immense pride in the presentation and quality of his arrangements. Sophia, on the other hand, brought a high standard for customer service and experiential design from her time spent in the world of hospitality. Last week I had the pleasure of not just speaking with these local entrepreneurs but also visiting their beautiful and sophisticated storefront located just off Westchester Avenue.

The first thing I noticed when I walked in was a sense of elegance. Many classic depictions of marijuana users/sellers are far from flattering – often presented as dingy, unclean and unmotivated. Instead of bean bag chairs and empty pizza boxes though, Purple Plains manages to feel more like the cross between a high-end restaurant, car dealership and a museum all at once.

You might not expect as much from the outside with its charming façade, even I nearly drove past it, but everything on the interior looks sleek and brand new. The extremely knowledgeable and accommodating staff is there to help customers through the entire shopping process, answer questions, educating, and ultimately provide people with product suggestions specific to their unique needs and lifestyles.

Co-founder Mark Buzzetto added, “I like to think of it almost like pairing wine with different types of food – a nice dark red with a steak for example. I love having conversations with my customers to help understand what they’re looking for and then guide them in the right direction.”

With the dispensary not just finally up and running but becoming increasingly popular, this exciting team and their vibrant young business have nowhere to go but up. Attracting customers not just locally but from across Connecticut and the tri-state area, their prices are affordable, their products are elite, their staff is extremely accommodating and knowledgeable, and as a result, their success is as unsurprising as it is well earned.

“Our reviews are all five stars,” said Sophia, “so it seems people are overwhelmingly happy with the experience they have in the store which is amazing.” Here is a perfect example of hard work and determination paying off within our community and something else for the town of Pound Ridge to be proud of.

Start the New Year with a New Career at Club Fit!

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If you’ve pondered a career in the world of fitness, a golden opportunity awaits you!  You’ll also have a chance to meet your own fitness goals while helping others do the same.

Here’s how: Join a growing team that’s passionate about fitness, wellness, and making a difference in the community!  Club Fit is hiring, and hosting a Career Fair to find talented individuals to join in shaping a healthier future.

The Career Fair is happening in two locations on two consecutive Saturdays:

January 18th at Club Fit Jefferson Valley & January 25th at Club Fit Briarcliff. Each fair will take place from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

You can anticipate exploring your potential to fill a wide variety of Open Positions:

These include:

  • Personal Trainers, Fitness Coaches, and Group Fitness Instructors
  • Receptionists, Café Workers, and Childcare Workers
  • Massage Therapists
  • Lifeguards & Swim Instructors
  • Basketball Coaches

Club Fit requests that you complete the prescreen form to secure your onsite interview, and kick off a fulfilling career in 2025: https://www.clubfit.com/career-fair-rsvp/

CAMP MARIST – For the Best Summer of your Life

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Based in the White Mountain Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Camp Marist is a special place where children learn about character, leadership and community.

Under the leadership of the Marist Brothers for 75 years, an International Catholic teaching order, Camp Marist has helped campers develop strong self-esteem, learn new skills and make lifelong friendships and memories. As an international co-ed camp for campers ages 6-16, with campers and staff from different parts of the world, Camp Marist has a strong tradition of building a sense of global community – or the Camp Marist Family.

Choosing the right camp for your children is an important task. While many camps may have similar activities and facilities, we believe Camp Marist experience is unlike any other. As parents and camp professionals, we see first hand the development benefits of overnight summer camp experience. Over the course of a couple of weeks campers have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and independence, learn new activities, and grow in their spirituality.

Camp Marist has nurtured campers’ personal growth through a wide variety of activities and a welcoming family-like atmosphere. From horse back riding to water skiing, go-karts, sports and drama…we offer everything a kid would want! All are welcome here! We celebrate God with a camp-wide Mass/Prayer Service on Sunday evenings and spread his word through our actions.

Camp Marist campers travel from areas as local as Conway, NH and countries as far away as Scotland and China. We have always had a strong connection to our country and global community and regularly see campers from U.S., Mexico and Canada. Our diverse population is one of our greatest strengths, and it is a great opportunity for campers to learn about different cultures and languages and discover how much we all have in common

From the diverse offerings and personalized schedules to the organized objectives and instructional expertise, Camp Marist activities program is truly unique and absolutely impressive! Our global alumni group, made up of former campers and staff, is a testament that the Camp Marist Experience is something that stays with you long after the last sunset of the summer.

A sampling of our strengths and activities includes:

  • International Campers and staff
  • Campers get to pick their activities
  • Waterfront – Swim Lessons, Waterskiing, Fishing, Boating
  • Go-Karts, Horseback riding, Drama and More!
  • Off property trips

For a full list of activities and to register for the BEST SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE, visit CampMarist.org : https://www.campmarist.org/