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🌼Perks & Rec: April 2025🌸

🌼Perks & Rec: April 2025🌸

An Affiliate of Terroir Tours

Jake Assaf
April 02, 2025

April 2, 2025

10 min read

Our inaugural Terroir Tours Reunion Party was a huge success and it was an honor to host so many fine alumni. Lauren and I are proud of the community we’ve all built together and we look forward to adding more “interesting” people to our collection!

Lewis & Elm - Downtown Greensboro

I understand how International travel can be complicated, frustrating and unpredictable. When you travel with Terroir Tours we guarantee an easy, convenient and high quality experience every time. You can relax and enjoy your vacation and leave the details to us.

Many of you will be joining us once again this year when we travel to visit our friends overseas and explore more exciting destinations. I always say that the food, wine and scenery are incredible but the best part is the people we meet and the friends we make!

Attention: Veteran Travel Hackers and Rookies alike!

You’ve all seen and heard Samuel Jackson and Jennifer Garner say “unlimited 2x miles on everything, what’s in your wallet?”

Ever wonder what they’re taking about?

I’ll explain all this and more in my upcoming Masterclass - Perks & Rec: How to Travel the World for Free!

Here’s a sample -

Perks & Rec - Chapter 1

The first time I traveled to New York City, I was a freshman in college. My mom flew me there to visit my sister over fall break. From the moment I landed, I was overwhelmed—in the best possible way.

As soon as I stepped off the plane, I was lost. The airport buzzed with a rhythm I’d never felt before. The city had its own scent—an intoxicating mix of exhaust, food carts, and asphalt after the rain. Cars honked relentlessly, buses whizzed by, and people shouted, all moving at a pace I wasn’t used to.

My senses were on high alert. I felt small, unsure, and totally out of my element, but I loved it. This was the thrill of stepping into the unknown, of figuring out how to navigate an unfamiliar world on my own.

There’s a big difference between tourists and travelers. Tourists seek comfort. Travelers crave adventure. I’m a traveler. I live for the unexpected and relish the chance to be surprised by the world.

Eventually, I found my way out of LaGuardia, onto the streets of the East Village, and to my sister’s tiny apartment. That weekend was full of firsts—my first sushi, my first visit to MoMA, and even my first drag show. Every moment felt electric and alive.

For me, the excitement of travel begins long before I step on a plane. I read restaurant menus before I even pack my bags. I love wandering through an old city with a local guide, soaking up insider tips on how to dodge the crowds and where to find the best bites.

If you’re not serious about food, you’re missing out on a huge part of the experience. You can only taste white truffles straight from the ground if you’re in Italy during truffle season. And there’s nothing like snacking on authentic biltong at a rugby match in Cape Town.

I travel because I want stories to tell and friends across the globe. Damn right I have a bucket list! You should too. Forget the fancy kitchen remodel or the new backsplash. Give me a passport stamp any day. Travel is how I grow and connect with the world.

Why did I write this book? So I could sell it of course! But also, because I’ve spent a lot of time learning about this topic and as a result, I’ve been able to enjoy amazing experiences that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to afford. Then, I realized that I could teach so many people, couples, friends and families to do the same!

I used to find the biggest barrier to travel was that it’s expensive. Especially if you want to fly somewhere far away and stay in a nice hotel. People always say, “if you’re going to go, immerse yourself! Stay for a while, get to know the area!”

Well, this can all add up quick, right? Let me ask you a question, if it weren’t so expensive, would you travel more? Would you finally take that trip to Italy with your partner? Would you book that trip Argentina you’ve been dreaming about?

Since I started traveling more, I’ve met tons of people and when this topic comes up, you all seem to fall into two camps.

This Masterclass is for both types of people and I'm here to tell you, or better yet show you that it’s all pretty easy and ABSOLUTELY worth it.

Then, I’ll arm you with strategies to level up your game so instead of trying to find the money for travel - Now you’ll just have to find the time!

💡Jake’s Travel Tips: How to save cash on service fees while traveling abroad

When traveling abroad, you might have noticed that some merchants ask whether you’d like to pay in U.S. dollars or the local currency. While it may seem logical to choose dollars—after all, it’s what you know—this option actually costs you more.

Here’s why: When you opt to pay in dollars, the merchant or payment processor applies Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which sounds convenient but comes with a marked-up exchange rate and often extra service fees. In other words, you're paying more than necessary for the convenience of seeing the price in dollars.

Instead, always choose to pay in the local currency. Your bank or credit card will handle the conversion at the official exchange rate—typically much more favorable than the inflated rate the merchant offers. Plus, if you use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you’ll avoid additional charges altogether. Cards from issuers like Amex, Chase Sapphire, and Capital One are great travel-friendly options.

A simple choice at checkout can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a trip. Safe travels!

Maine

Looking Forward to Summer
Lobster, Oysters & Outdoor Adventures in New England’s Crown Jewel

When the summer heat becomes stifling, savvy travelers head north - seeking the rugged coastline, refreshing breezes, and seafood feasts of coastal Maine. It's cool, delicious, and full of adventure. This month, we're looking forward to our favorite Maine destinations, from the charming town of Bar Harbor to the vibrant city of Portland, with detours through Acadia's wild trails, an unforgettable lumberjack show, and one very memorable group of trolls.

Bar Harbor & Acadia
Bar Harbor epitomizes postcard-perfect New England, featuring shingled cottages, sailboats, and lobster rolls with a view. It's also your gateway to Acadia National Park, where Cadillac Mountain offers the first sunrise in the U.S. Hike the Beehive Trail if you're up for a thrill—or keep it mellow with the Jordan Pond Path and reward yourself with oysters and local beer at the Jordan Pond House.

Seafood lovers, take note: this is the land of lobster shacks, where crustaceans are plucked from the ocean and steamed to order—simple, scenic, and wildly fresh.

Lumberjack Show
Just a short drive from Bar Harbor in Trenton, you'll find Timber Tina's Great Maine Lumberjack Show, a thrilling and educational experience that celebrates Maine's rich logging history. Founded by "Timber Tina" Scheer in 1996, the show features 12 exciting events packed into an hour and 15-minute performance, including axe throwing, log rolling, underhand chopping, power hot sawing, crosscut sawing, and pole climbing. It's an action-packed spectacle that's fun for all ages and offers a unique glimpse into the skills of traditional lumberjacks. Shows are held daily at 7 p.m. during the summer season, rain or shine. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Timber Tina's GREAT MAINE LUMBERJACK SHOW

A Hidden Gem in the Woods
Did you know? Maine is 90% forest. Deep in the woods of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens resides a group of larger-than-life sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo—massive wooden trolls, part of a fairytale-like installation called Guardians of the Seeds. It's a fun, unexpected stop on your coastal road trip, offering a great photo opportunity and a touch of whimsy between seafood meals.

A Foodie's Playground by the Sea
No visit to Maine is complete without a stop in Portland. This small city punches way above its weight class in food and drink, boasting James Beard-caliber chefs, oyster bars on every corner, and a craft beer scene that rivals Asheville.

When I’m exploring any city for the first time, I always recommend a walking tour of the old town with a local guide. then a tray of raw oysters at Eventide, where they're served on crushed ice with inventive accoutrements (the brown butter vinaigrette is exceptional). Then wander over to Brown Trading Co. for an amazing selection of caviar and fresh local seafood, treat yourself! End your night with a scoop from The Holy Donut (yes, they now offer ice cream), or head to Fore Street for an elevated, wood-fired finale.

Terroir Tours Vote for Best Lobster Roll: Abel’s Lobster

13 Abels Lane - Mount Desert, ME 04660

No Frills, No Reservations. Incredible view and the BEST among countless amazing Maine Lobster spots.