Archive for » 2010 «

Cruise Ship Review: Holland America’s Volendam
Wednesday, June 02nd, 2010 /

Just back from a ship inspection of Holland America’s Volendam at the CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) conference, the official travel agency conference of the cruise line industry. Here are some Volendam ship facts: 
Passenger capacity:  1,432
Crew members:  615
Length:  781 feet

Holland America (HAL) has a solid reputation and most people I’ve met who have cruised with them have thoroughly enjoyed their onboard experiences. Through my research and conversations with numerous cruisers, I’ve found that HAL is best suited for mature travellers. But, it’s also becoming popular for multi-generation family vacations.

Today, I toured and had lunch onboard the Volendam with 400 travel agents. (Note:  I’m not a travel agent but attended the CLIA conference to expand my knowledge of cruising for my workshops and future book.  Also, I should mention that I worked onboard seven Princess Cruises ships over a seven year period.) In the 2010 Cruise Poll conducted by the upscale Conde Nast magazine, the Volendam was ranked 17th out of 25 in the “Large Ships” category. Here are my observations based on today’s tour:

- The floral-themed ship is over ten years old, which is ancient compared to most of its kind on the high sea
- The Volendam shows its age through its outdated and sometimes worn decor.
- We ate a 3-course meal (salad, choice of steak or salmon and tiramisu) in the stunning two-level Rotterdam dining room.
- Everyone at my table of six found the salad of mixed greens, cranberries, two small pieces of chicken and only a drop (no kidding!) of salad dressing could have been better.
- We quite enjoyed the steak and salmon.
- The tiramisu was OK and someone noted that they’d had better.
- Staff was very friendly and professional.
- The staterooms are fine, of decent size but have outdated decor.
- The spacious and modern internet cafe/library area is a wonderful spot to pass the time.
- In the public areas, the ceilings seem quite low and the ship overall is rather dark.
- The jewel tones of the show lounge are a lovely touch. (See photo at left)
- The glass-encased workout room is bright and spacious.
- The spa has some unique features including pretty blue tiled heated loungers in a peaceful and scenic setting. 
- This is a perfect sized vessel for people who don’t want to be on either a tiny or mega-ship.

Although HAL is a very good cruise line and overall, the Volendam is fine, there are so many ships sailing the seas that are newer, have more appealing decor and better public areas that I’d encourage you to seek out those ahead of this one.

Share
Category: Cruise travel  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
3 Tourist Scams & How to Avoid Them
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 /

Around the world, unfortunately, there are a wide variety of scams targeted at tourists. Equipping yourself with knowledge about the three common scams listed below will help reduce the chances of you and your wallet running into unpleasant circumstances.

1)  Hotel Credit Card Scam

What It Is:  Picture This: You’re fast asleep in your hotel room and suddenly woken up by the phone. It’s the front desk clerk. They profusely apologize for the inconvenient time of the call and explain that they’re having difficulties with the credit card on your account and could you provide the card number again. Half-asleep, you tell them the information. Soon after that, your credit card company tells you that your card has been maxed out. That call in the middle of the night? It wasn’t from a hotel employee…

Details:  This scam is growing in popularity because the crooks intentionally call when you’re likely asleep and your common sense won’t likely kick into gear. They call hotels, request random rooms and have professional phone manners.

What to Do:  If you receive a call like this, tell them that you’ll need to find the card and will call them back shortly. Hang up, call the front desk immediately and tell them what happened so that, hopefully, they can trace the calls and stop other travellers from being victims of this scam. Before your trip, call your credit card companies (I recommend travelling with two credit cards in case you run into trouble with one of them). Alert the companies when and where you’ll be so that they can place a note on your file and track any suspicious spending behaviour.

2)  Incorrect Change Scam

What It Is:  This is where cashiers take advantage of tourists unfamiliar with the local currency and hand travellers less change than is due. One of the families I lived with abroad advised me to count my change carefully at the grocery store I frequented because it was known to rip off travellers. And when I was in a market in another country, a foreigner I was shopping with realized too late that he’d been shortchanged by a vendor by about $40. I’ve heard of some currency exchange desk staff who count the bills back to you so quickly that they’re able to deceive you by secretly holding back money that should be yours.

Details:  Getting shortchanged can happen in your own backyard but be particularly careful when you’re abroad. Cashiers seeking to take advantage of you may rush through the transactions and then try to hurry you along.

What to Do: Take your time and don’t leave the cashier until you’ve checked how much change has been given to you. Carry small bills so that there’s less room for error when you get change back. Also, before your trip, familiarize yourself with the currency of the place(s) you’ll be visiting.

3)  Roaming Money Exchanger Scam

What It Is:  In some parts of the world, you’ll be approached by people offering to give you sweet deals to exchange your money. As they punch the numbers into their calculators showing you how much you’ll save compared to if you go to a currency exchange counter, you think this just might be a good idea. A globetrotter friend of mine mentioned that in a large South American city he was in (I believe it was Buenos Aires), money exchangers wearing vests and government-issued ID who roam the streets are legitimate. Aside from there, I’d be leery about using roaming money exchangers.

Details:  People who have used these exchangers have received money that is counterfeit, no longer accepted or even from another country. And those calculators? There’s a chance they’ve been rigged to make it look like you’re getting a better deal than you really are.

What to Do: Avoid roaming currency exchangers and instead, get cash from an ATM. Make sure the ATM is connected to a bank that is open so that if the machine is out of bills, you can approach a bank teller regarding the matter. Before your trip, check with your bank that your ATM card will work in the machines abroad and pick up at least three days of foreign cash (preferably in small bills).

Stay safe and alert but do enjoy your trip too!

Share
Category: Safety  Tags: , ,  2 Comments
8 Common Mistakes Travellers Make
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 /

Save yourself time, money and hassles by finding out some of the most common mistakes travellers make.

1)  Not Taking a Carry-On
Taking a carry-on bag onboard a flight has saved the day on multiple trips I’ve taken.  One time, my checked luggage missed the flight home and my bag wasn’t going to be delivered until late the following day. But, because I had my essentials in the carry-on, it wasn’t a problem. If you’re cruising, it’s not uncommon for your bags to be delivered to your cabin several hours after you’ve boarded. So if you’re sailing somewhere tropical, pop your bathing suit into your carry-on so you can cool off after boarding. And it’s really handy having these items within easy access en route:

  • Valuables
  • Key documents
  • Eye mask
  • Earplugs
  • Prescriptions
  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Earphones (so you don’t have to pay for another set onboard)
  • Things to do on the airplane

2)  Not Trying to Blend in with the Locals
If you want to reduce your chances of being a target of theft on the road, focus on keeping a low profile. While it can be challenging to blend in when you’re blonde or tall and travelling in Asia, you can still leave the impression that you live there. Find out what people in the places you’ll be visiting typically wear by flipping through the major newspapers of your destination (either on-line or possibly at the library), reading guidebooks or visiting a forum such as the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree. Some globetrotters make it a habit of visiting a market soon after their arrival and buying local clothes. Here are some more tips:

  • Wear neutral colors.
  • Wear conservative clothes and hats that don’t have logos or symbols on them.
  • Don’t wear or put your country’s flag on your luggage.
  • Keep your camera, guidebook, maps and anything else that screams, “Tourist!” out of sight too.

3)  Wearing a Fanny Pack
This is a surefire way to stand out. Young groups of children (particularly common in parts of Europe) forced to pickpocket are trained to distract travellers wearing fanny packs while one of the kids steals the contents. Invest in a waist money belt (not the neck money belt whose straps are easily visible and therefore tip off thieves). Wear clothes with lots of (preferably deep or hidden) pockets that have button or Velcro closures. Women: Buy a no-frills purse whose strap crosses your chest and drapes near your hip. Because this type of purse has a front flap with clasp and zippers, it’s not easy to access the inside. Men: Keep your wallet in your front pocket. If you prefer to wear a knapsack, wear it across your chest while going through crowded areas such as markets or train stations where pickpockets often lurk.

4)  Travelling During Peak Season
If you can, don’t travel during peak season – especially mid June to early September when families, teachers and university students are on vacation. Not only are prices usually sky-high, but accommodation can be hard to come by, crowds and heat can be unbearable (depending on where you visit), and line-ups for tourist attractions (especially in Europe) and restaurants mean a lot of wasted vacation time.

5)  Travelling Without Food or Water
Not only will you save money by toting along some healthy snacks such as granola bars and dried fruit, but going hungry or thirsty on the road can result in low energy, irritability and other nasties. It’s especially important that you stay hydrated as this helps to fortify your immune system. And drinking plenty of water makes you feel so much better! Depending on where you visit, you may need to be extra careful that you drink only bottled water (not even ice) with lids that have unbroken seals.

6)  Spending Too Much Money
Invest some time to learn how to save money on airfare, accommodation, car rentals, tourist attractions, dining, cruising, etc. and you will keep hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in your wallet. Go on-line, read blogs, travel magazines, books or take a class.

7)  Not Doing Enough Research
Take every opportunity you can to learn about where you’re visiting so that you can fully enjoy and better understand it. Study the language and maps. Watch DVDs, read books and blogs, and talk with people who have been to your destination. Find out about the history, food, customs, religion, arts and architecture.  And thoroughly research your accommodation so that you don’t wind up in a dive. If you’ll be cruising on a mega ship, getting to know the layout of the behemoth beforehand will save you mega time and frustration on board.

8)  Packing Too Much Stuff
I’ve never heard anyone lament after a trip that they wished they’d packed more. Take the “lug” out of “luggage” by challenging yourself to take the smallest bag you can and see how little you actually need. The excellent on-line resource, onebag.com is a good place to start for tips and inspiration. Pick up a few compression bags to help maximize space. Do laundry on the road, keep a tight reign on how many pairs of shoes you take, take multi-purpose items such as bandanas, and expect to buy toiletries and other essentials on the road.

Share
Category: Packing, Safety, Travel accessories  Tags: , , , , , , ,  Leave a Comment
10 Ways to Sleep Well on the Road
Thursday, May 06th, 2010 /

Being well-rested while travelling helps you not only better enjoy the whole experience of being in a foreign land but it also helps you stay healthy, be clear-minded and better able to handle challenges you come up against along the way.  After all, who wants to be sleepless in Spain, Singapore or South Africa?! Here are 10 ways to get your ZZZs on the road:

What to Pack

1)  Pack Earplugs – Bring a few pairs and use them not only where you’re lodging but also on the plane as the plugs help drown out the sound of engines, crying babies and so on.

2)  BYOP (Bring Your Own Pillow) –  This makes a world of difference to someone I often travel with. Save mega space in your luggage by packing it in a compression bag.

3)  Take an Eye Mask – When I was a flight attendant, this was one of my must-pack items for hotels and when flying to meet up with a flight. I still put a lot of miles on my eye mask as I use it when travelling by plane, train, bus or car.  

4) Get Some Noise – One professional speaker I met told me that he always travels with a white noise machine which helps him sleep soundly as it blocks out sounds from the street, hallway and neighboring rooms. Since these machines can be bulky and pricey, using the fan in your room is an alternative.

At the Hotel
(Check out my post 5 Ways to Get a Quiet Hotel Room.)

5)  Check the Bed – Before settling into your room, test the bed for comfort. I learned this the hard way a few years ago after staying at a resort in Mexico where I only caught a few winks the first night because the bed was akin to a stone slab.

6)  Prep a Blanket – If you happen to wake up feeling chilled, having a blanket already at the foot of the bed means you’ll be able to fall back asleep faster than if you needed to go to the closet or call the front desk for one.

Before Bed

7) Deparch Yourself – Airplanes and hotel rooms can be dry as deserts. Before bed, take a few sips of water so that you don’t wake up in the middle of the night because you’re parched. Have a bottle of water by your bed for that late night swig.

8) Set the Thermostat to What You Have at Home – During layovers with the airline, I often used to forget to do this and would wake up in the middle of the night either in need of cool air or sssssshivering.

9) Relax – Turn off the TV and spend some time doing deep breathing exercises or relaxation techniques which will help you wind down for the night.

10) Nix the Caffeine – Refrain from caffeine such as coffee, tea, pop and even chocolate several hours before you hit the sack as it can disrupt sleep.

Ensuring you’ll be able to sleep well on the road is well worth the time, money and effort. Sweet dreams y’all!

Share
Category: Accommodation  Tags: , , , ,  Leave a Comment
Fun, Free Things to Do In Vegas
Monday, April 26th, 2010 /

Not into gambling or nightclubs? There are plenty of fun, free things to do in Vegas. Here are my top picks:

View from the Mandarin Oriental – Drop by the 23rd floor of the luxe Mandarin Oriental for their magnificent view of the Strip.

Fountains of Bellagio – This dazzling show of water, music and light is destined to “romance your senses”. For show times, visit here.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – The best time to take a quiet stroll through this floral masterpiece and snap some photos is early – before 9 am! Open 24/7.

The Mirage Volcano – Check out this audio/visual spectacle outside the Mirage Hotel erupting every hour on the hour from dusk to 11 p.m daily.

Lion Habitat – Stop by the MGM Grand Hotel for an up close and personal view of their fantastic felines. Viewing is from 11 am – 7 pm daily.

Fremont Street Experience – Step back in time and see a slice of vintage Vegas. You may even bump into Elvis…

Window Shopping – And don’t forget about the world-class shopping Vegas has to offer! Check out these hotel shopping arcades: Forum Shops (Caesar`s Palace), Grand Canal Shoppes (Venetian), Shoppes at Palazzo (Palazzo) and Miracle Mile Shops (Planet Hollywood).

Hotel Hopping – If you’re an interior décor aficionado, you’ll love exploring these chic hotels on the Strip: Bellagio, Caesar`s Palace, Encore at Wynn, Venetian, Thehotel at Mandalay Bay and Wynn.

Enjoy your stay!!

Where should you eat after all that sightseeing? Check out my post, Best Bets for Dining in Vegas.

Share
Category: Destinations  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
Victoria, Canada – Top Hotel Picks
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010 /

Just back from Victoria…British Columbia’s scenic capital. I highly recommend a visit to this coastal gem. Having visited Victoria over a dozen times for business and pleasure, I’ve stayed in a wide variety of accommodation. For maximum convenience and enjoyment, I recommend that you overnight it in the Inner Harbour area. As there is such a diverse lodging selection to choose from, let me save you time by providing you with my top hotel picks. Check kayak.com and hotelscombined.com for deals.

1)  Oswego Hotel
Tucked away in a residential neighbourhood, this cozy, contemporary boutique hotel has lovely West Coast-inspired décor, rooms with large windows and kitchens that include stainless steel appliances, slate floors and granite countertops. Be sure to drop by their O Bistro for beautifully presented dishes.

2)  Abigail’s Hotel
Housed in a 1930′s Heritage Tudor Mansion, this elegant small hotel has been recognized over the years for its outstanding service and gourmet breakfasts. Aside from its Old World charm, you’ll enjoy complimentary evening hors d’oeuvres, spa services and free parking.

3)  Empress Hotel  
This majestic Victorian style property showcases its turn-of-the-century grandeur. Condé Nast magazine’s 2010 Reader Choice Awards ranked it number one for hotels on Vancouver Island. Tea at the Empress has been a long-standing tradition (although many will say it’s overpriced) and their relaxing Willow Stream Spa was chosen by Condé Nast as one of the top five spas in Canada.

4)  Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Infused with European elegance, the Magnolia is blossoming into a popular boutique hotel. Frommer’s rated it the best choice for business travellers and noted its reasonable rates. Aveda products, in-room fruit and a complimentary continental breakfast are just a few of the extras on offer.

5)  Hotel Grand Pacific
The modern Hotel Grand Pacific offers rooms with panoramic vistas of the Inner Harbour. Its wide range of services and amenities including a fitness centre with yoga and Pilates classes, pool, steam room, sauna, spa and several dining options.

6)  Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel
Yet another strong showing in the Marriott chain, this highrise has tastefully decorated rooms, free high speed internet, a pool, whirlpool, fitness room and restaurant, among other amenities. And, it’s developed a solid reputation for friendly service and clean rooms.

7)  Inn at Laurel Point
Although not as conveniently located as the above properties, it has picturesque views of the harbor and elegant Japanese-inspired décor. Its restaurant, Aura, was recommended in 2009 by the restaurant reviewers of two of Victoria’s top newspapers as one of their favorite spots.

8)  Royal Scot Suite Hotel  
What this place lacks in design sense, it makes up for in many other ways. Situated on a quiet street, rooms are clean, spacious and have well-stocked kitchenettes. There is also a laundry room, games room, restaurant, pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness room and courtesy shuttle. It won a Trip Advisor 2010 Travelers’ Choice Award and Frommer’s chose it as a best bet for families.

9)  Best Western Inner Harbour
Currently ranked #1 on Trip Advisor out of 74 Victoria hotels, this is a basic but decent place. Ya gotta love that they offer free parking, complimentary full breakfasts, a superb location on a quiet street, a fridge, microwave, balcony and outdoor pool…all for a reasonable rate.

Share
Category: Accommodation, Destinations  Tags: , , ,  2 Comments
Top Buffets & Restaurants in Vegas
Tuesday, April 06th, 2010 /

With such an array of world-class restaurants dotting the Strip, it’s no wonder Vegas is a foodie’s paradise. Here are the best places to chow down during your desert stay:

Best Buffets

The Buffet (Bellagio) – Complete with a fine selection of Italian, Japanese, Chinese, seafood and American cuisine, this buffet is one I can definitely recommend.

The Buffet (Wynn) – Advertising itself as, “Tastefully conquering your every hunger pang…,” you’ll be treated to 16 live action cooking stations.

Carnival World Buffet (Rio) – With more than 300 dishes and 70 varieties of homemade pies, cakes and pastries, take a trip over to this tasty buffet.

Le Village Buffet (Paris) – Dine in a village-like setting and savor the tastes of five provinces of France as each station is themed for a particular province.

Spice Market Buffet (Planet Hollywood) – Mexican, Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern and American dishes are the stars at this popular buffet.

Best Restaurants

Alex (Wynn) – This French gem has won such prestigous awards as the Forbes Five Star Award, AAA Five Diamond Award of Excellence and two stars from Michelin.

Joel Robuchon  (MGM Grand) – A French phenomenon, it being the only three star Michelin rated restaurant in town probably says a thing or two.

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand) – With its open kitchen, clients are offered a unique view of chefs creating tapas-style portions.

Michael Mina (Bellagio) – Crowned as ”Chef of the Year” by Bon Appetit and San Francisco Magazine, Mina`s innovative dishes have garnered him a long list of accolades.

Nobu (Hard Rock) – Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is a rock star the world over when it comes to Japanese cuisine.

Share
Category: Destinations  Tags: , , , , ,  Leave a Comment
5 Ways to Get a Quiet Hotel Room
Thursday, April 01st, 2010 /

Tired of sleepless nights on the road? I hear ya. Having stayed in dozens of hotels dotting the globe during personal travels and through my positions as a flight attendant and cruise line crew member, I’ve learned how to score rooms where I’ll likely get a good night’s sleep. Here’s what you need to know:

1)      Research! Research! Research!
Invest some time to look around the net before making a hotel reservation. Get the scoop on where the quiet rooms are at higher-end hotels worldwide by visiting www.tripkick.com. Although the offerings on this site are somewhat limited, the info provided is invaluable. And, be sure to read hotel reviews on www.tripadvisor.com and a much smaller but thorough site called www.oyster.com. Thanks to scanning these kinds of reviews, I’ve saved myself from countless sleepless nights because I was tipped off to accommodation situated near popular bars, trains and the like. You may even want to post a question on a forum asking others about noise issues of the hotel you’re looking at staying at.

2)      Avoid the “Noisies”
Contact the property you plan to stay at and ask if there are any renovations, construction projects, major events or other possible “noisies” taking place in or near the property. While you have them on the phone, inquire about where the quietest areas of the hotel are and make note of them for when you place a reservation.

3)      Ask & You (Likely) Shall Receive
When you make a reservation, be sure to ask for a quiet room – especially one away from elevators, ice machines and stairwells. When I book a hotel room on-line, I add that to the “Comments” section of the form and a few days later, I call to confirm they received my reservation and request. A few days before my arrival, I email to follow up on my reservation and request, and upon check-in I gently remind them. The hotel will generally say they can’t guarantee my request will be granted but the only time it wasn’t was when I booked a high end hotel  in Calgary, Alberta through Priceline. When I’ve booked hotels in Orlando and Vegas (twice) through Expedia, I’ve had my requests honored. Don’t forget to ask if there are newly renovated rooms as they may have better soundproofing.

4)      Do a Scan Before You Unpack
After arriving at your room, don’t unpack just yet. Do a little inspecting for potential noise issues. Look out the window. Are you overlooking a busy street, train tracks or a pub? What hotel facilities are you near? The pool, children’s play area, convention centre, restaurant, lobby or bar?  I checked in late one evening to a hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico and loved the salsa music which greeted us. What I didn’t love was that the band played on for several more hours and my room was right above them.


5)      Don’t Be Shy
If your room is located by a noise pit such as those mentioned in #4, go to the front desk as soon as possible and politely outline your concerns. One multi-generational family of eight that I know stayed in a resort in Puerto Vallarta and the first night was a rough one for them. Their rooms were above the main buffet AND within earshot of the open-air lounge where musicians played until 1 am. The next morning, this family approached the front desk staff, expressed their disappointment and were promptly given much better rooms.

Traveling can be stressful and tiring. And, not sleeping well can negatively impact what could be a fun-filled vacation or successful business trip. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re headed to a hotel. Check out my post, 10 Ways to Sleep Well on the Road.

Share
Category: Accommodation  Tags: , , ,  5 Comments
How to Get The Best Airplane Seats
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 /

Building on the theme of the importance of “Location, Location, Location” from my last post, l’m going to share with you tips on how to get the best (free) seats in coach on a plane (if you don’t manage to get upgraded!)

Check Out This Guru
Once you find out which aircraft configuration you’ll be flying on, zip over to seatguru.com. This invaluable website shows the floor plans of pretty much every commercial aircraft in the skies today. Select the airline and airplane type you’ll be flying on and you’ll get the lowdown on where the good, the bad and the ugly seats are. If you’re able to choose your seat in advance or upon check-in, note which seats you prefer or prefer not to have and mention them to the gate agent or you could wind up in a nasty situation I once was in at 35,000 feet. On a flight from Cape Town to London, I was seated in front of a lavatory which meant noise and smells galore + limited seatback recline. We were in the air for only a short period of time when the passenger in front of my neighbor reclined her seat full tilt. Well, with little room to work with before The Tilt, my neighbour just lost it on that passenger. Enemy lines were drawn. It was a long, tense flight.

Longing for Leg Room?
As most travellers know, the best place to score extra leg room is in the area around the emergency exits. But with more airlines getting on board the “Let’s Charge ‘Em Extra” train, your chances of getting these premium seats without shelling out for them are getting slimmer. One of the advantages of dropping by seatguru.com is it points out where you can and can’t enjoy extra room. For example, bulkheads on certain aircrafts aren’t necessarily big on leg room. And because the tray tables in these walled areas often need to be tucked into the seats, you may have even less toosh space at your disposal. Those seats that don’t recline can make a long flight even longer so steer clear of seats in front of emergency exit rows, lavatories, galleys and bulkheads.

Catching Some ZZZs
Speaking of sitting by bulkheads, they’re a poor choice if you want to get some rest.  This is because these can be prime locations for travellers with infants. And, on older aircrafts, they might still have large movie screens whose lights can be distracting, unless you’re wearing an eye mask. (Check out my all-time favorite eye mask here.) Another way to increase your chances of being able to sleep on board is by selecting a window seat away from these noise pits: engines, lavatories and galleys. Scope out seats in the back as they usually fill up last. If you find several empty ones there, after take-off, move to that area so that you can stretch out and snooze.

Queazy Flyers
The over wing area on an airplane is where passengers experience the least amount of turbulence so select that location if you’re prone to motion sickness. When I was a flight attendant, on those aircrafts which had passengers who became ill, most of the time, they were seated near the back. Now, there are likely other factors involved in their getting sick but the added motion probabaly didn’t help matters. If you often feel queazy onboard, get seated near a lavatory for quick access but stay away from the galleys, as the smells could make you nauseous.

Tight Connections
Allow at least three hours between connections, especially for international destinations. But if this isn’t possible, choose a seat near the front of the bird so that you can deplane quickly. I once had a tight connection in Houston which was supposed to have been a two-hour stopover but due to mechanical problems, we didn’t leave San Juan on time. Because I’d requested a seat close to the front and then ran for my life to catch the connection (I was sure I could hear the theme song from Chariots of Fire over the loud speaker), I barely made it to the gate (huffing and puffing). But several other connecting passengers seated in rows further back never did make it on that flight. I heard later that it was a nightmare for them getting back to Vancouver, having to battle it out with the airline and then needing to stay overnight in Houston.

By taking the time to figure out which airplane seats are best suited for you, you’ll increase your chances of arriving at your destination relaxed and ready to tackle those key business meetings or enjoy that much-needed vacation.

Share
Category: Air travel  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
Cruising: How to Choose the Best Cabin
Friday, March 26th, 2010 /

If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on a cruise, help yourself to have an optimal on-board experience by spending some time strategizing where you want your cabin to be. Pick up the floor plan of the ship you’ll be sailing on (which can be found in cruise line brochures at a travel agency) and study it carefully. Having worked on over 30 cruises off the shores of Mexico, Europe, Hawaii and Alaska as well as in the Caribbean, I’d like to share with you where you should request a cabin depending on your needs.

 
If You Want Peace & Quiet
Throughout a ship, there are a number of noisy areas you should avoid if you want to get a good night’s sleep. Steer clear of cabins near the anchor, engines, bridge (the cockpit of the ship where the Captain makes announcements and blows the ship’s horn), promenade deck (where people often jog), elevators, stairwells, sports areas (i.e. basketball courts, fitness centre), swimming pools, children’s/teen centres (which are often open past midnight), laundry rooms, bars, lounges, theatres, casinos, shops, purser’s desk, atrium, restaurants, coffee shops, spas, etc.  So you’re probably wondering, “Well, where should I stay?” Despite this loooonnnnnngggggggg list of no-stay zones, there are still plenty of cabins to be had. Look at the floor plan for rooms that have cabins directly above and below them as that will ensure you’re not located near any public areas.

If You’re Prone to Seasickness
Sensitive to the ocean’s motion?  You’ll want to stay away from the front, back and upper parts of the ship where there can be considerable rocking and pitching. In other words, choose a centrally-located cabin that is close to the water. The larger the ship, the less motion you’ll feel. In a future post, I’m going to provide tips on the best remedies for seasickness.

If Limited Mobility Is a Concern
Due to the nature of cruising, those with limited mobility are attracted to this form of travel. If this is the case for you or someone you’re travelling with, you’ll want to be situated close to an elevator (but not too close or you won’t catch too many zzz’s as mentioned above). Since many ships are gi-normous, being centrally-located vertically and horizontally is advantageous. You may want to find out where passengers disembark at each of the ports and request a room near one of them.

If You Want Convenience
If you plan to spend most of your time in one area of the ship, such as the fitness area, pool deck or buffet(!), pick a cabin that’s within that vicinity. If travelling with kids who’ll be participating in the children’s program and you’re needing to pick them up and drop them off after each session (which can be up to six trips/day), perhaps you’ll want to be near that part of the ship.                            

You’ll be glad you took the time to strategize which part of the ship is best suited for you and requested a cabin based on your needs as you’ll significantly increase the likelihood of having the cruise of a lifetime! But be sure to book several months in advance as you’ll have a greater selection of of cabins to choose from.

Share
Category: Cruise travel  Tags: , , ,  2 Comments
Travel Humor: Rapping Flight Attendant a YouTube Sensation
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 /

How’s this for a unique take on the onboard announcement??!!

85P7HR72BNNJ

Share
Category: Air travel  Tags: , , , , ,  Leave a Comment
Vegas Hotel Recommendations
Friday, March 19th, 2010 /

When you think of an “over the top” destination, Vegas likely makes it the top of the list due, in no small part, to its spectacular hotels. If you’re heading to LV, you have a dizzying array of lodging choices so here are my top picks for hotels.   

Stay Central
When I visited this desert oasis two years ago, I opted for the mammoth MGM Grand Hotel, one of the world’s largest. It was fine and the price was right  as I found a great flight + hotel package through  Expedia.ca. But, because it’s on the south end of the Strip, it meant logging more miles walking than if we’d been more centrally located. Unless you prefer to stay in Old Vegas, stick to the Strip hotels and lay your head on a bed between the Encore at Wynn (north end of the Strip) and the Bellagio (south end).       

Bello Bellagio
After visiting oyster.com (an exceptional hotel reviews site with “undoctored photography”), tripadvisor.com, Conde Naste Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards Travel, Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels and Lonely Planet’s Las Vegas City Guide, I decided on the chic Bellagio. I highly recommend it not only for its central location but also for its dreamy beds, excellent customer service, beautifully decorated rooms, spacious bathrooms, lovely pool area, classy ambience…You’ll love this resort! And the free fountain show taking place several times daily/nightly in the man-made lake bordering the Strip is not to be missed. For the best view, get a central spot on the Las Vegas Boulevard side. Ask for a room overlooking the lake! 

Bellagio Hotel

Other Luxe Picks
Other top luxury picks are the Italian-inspired Venetian and its newer sister property, the Palazzo. Wander the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian – gondolas included!There are also two masterpieces by Steve Wynn, who put Vegas on the map. His Wynn and the recently opened Encore at Wynn hotels receive top marks. The only disadvantage to these “Wynners” is that they’re located at the north end of the Strip but you’re closer to Fremont Street in vintage Vegas and about a 15 minute walk to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Venetian Hotel

Marvellous Mid-Range Megaresorts
If you’re working with a smaller budget, you’ll still get a lot of bang for your buck at two other behemoths. Choose the Mirage, one of Wynn’s earlier creations, and don’t miss their free volcano show “erupting nightly” out front. Caesar’s Palace has been a long-time hit as well and its Forum Shops is something else. Go see it!       

Caesar's Palace

         Hope you have an “over the top” experience during your visit to Vegas!       

Share
Category: Accommodation, Destinations  Tags: , , , , , , , ,  Leave a Comment
Foot Notes: 8 Steps to Get More Mileage When You Travel
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 /

Who wants to be slowed down by achy feet and legs when they’re in Paris, Rome or London?  By prepping your legs and feet with these 8 steps, you’ll be able to get more mileage AND have a more enjoyable time on the road.

(1) Hit the Comfort Jackpot
Do your legs a favor and pick up a pair of compression stockings from a pharmacy or travel accessories store. A nurse who used to work 12 hour shifts got me on to these gems which look similar to thick trouser socks and are made of strong elastic fabrics that create compression on the legs and feet. As arterial pressure increases, it forces more blood back to the heart instead of pooling in the legs and feet. The result? Improved blood circulation and a reduction in the effects of tired, swollen legs. Compression socks are great to wear on the plane as they can help prevent that nasty Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

(2) Sock It To ‘Em
While you’re exploring, wear comfortable socks which are padded, quick-drying, odor and shrink-resistant as well as moisture-wicking. You’ll likely need to spend a bit more but they’re well worth it. Check out a sporting goods or travel accessories store for road-ready socks.

(3) Be Shoe Savvy
Invest in a sturdy, uber comfy pair of walking shoes that you’ve broken in and have good support. Spend a little bit extra if need be – your feet will thank you for it. I’ve logged many a comfortable mile in my Rockport and Clark’s shoes. Mephisto and Ecco are two other brands you may want to try out. And if you’re able to get water-resistant ones, all the better!

(4) Have Some Sole(s)!
For extra padding in my shoes, I picked up a pair of black terry cloth insoles from an Aldo outlet for $7 or $8 and I luv, luv, luv ‘em! Try out a variety and see which ones your tootsies co-habitate best with.

(5) Do Some Laps
If you usually don’t get much exercise, when you’re abroad, your legs and feet will be in for a shocker that they’re suddenly logging loads of miles several days in a row. To ease your body into this, start exercising a few times a week beginning at least a couple of months before your trip.

(6) S-T-R-E-T-C-H
While you’re globetrotting, be sure to stretch your legs (and the rest of your body while you’re at it) in the morning and again before you hit the sack. Don’t forget to do some stretches on the plane both at your seat and standing up. Unless you have a preference for the window, choose the aisle seat so that you can get up and walk around every hour (unless you’re able to snooze!). Take full advantage of airport stopovers by going for a walk and loosening up those joints so that you don’t feel as fatigued when you arrive at your destination.

(7) Massage ‘Em!
Before you go out exploring for the day, get your feet in mint condition by taking a few minutes to massage them and your legs with peppermint foot lotion. Before you retire for the night, if possible, soak your feet for a few minutes and give them another fresh and tingly rub down with the lotion.

(8) Bring Back Ups
By using the above tips, your chances of getting blisters and other owwies are greatly reduced but do pack bandages and moleskin in case you run into problems.

Taking these eight key steps will give you a real leg up not only while you’re gallivanting the globe but also in your day-to-day life. And that’s no small feat.

Share
Category: Travel accessories  Tags: ,  2 Comments
5 Ways to Up Your Chances of Getting Upgraded on Flights
Saturday, March 13th, 2010 /

One of the most common questions I’m asked at my workshops and presentations is, “How can I get upgraded for free on a flight?”  Compared to hotels and car rental agencies, bagging an upgrade through an airline is more challenging in recent years because more flights are flying at capacity. If you’re not up for paying extra or using frequent flyer points, here are five key ways to improve your chances of getting to the front of the bus:

(1) Dress Well
Dress comfortably but business-like.  When I was a flight attendant, I once was standing beside a gate agent and  a man wearing a nice, pressed long-sleeved shirt and jeans  approached her asking if an upgrade was possible. She quickly responded with a no. After he walked away, she turned to me and whispered, “I would have given him an upgrade if he wasn’t wearing jeans.” Don’t wear sweatpants, t-shirts, tank tops, revealing tops, shorts, baseball caps, sneakers, open-toed shoes, torn or dirty clothes, mini-skirts, etc. And nix the backpack. Peter Greenberg, travel editor of NBC’s Today Show and author of numerous informative books including The Travel Detective series mentions this tip and other helpful advice in this video:

(2) Fly Off-Peak
As Greenberg mentions in his video, fly during quiet times of the day, week and year and the agents will have more leeway to move you from steerage.  When are the off-peak times? Figure out when businesspeople are flying (particularly on domestic flights) and don’t fly then. The quietest times of the day are 9 am – 3 pm and 7 pm – 11 pm. During the week, travelling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays can help you score a premium seat. And, booking a flight when it’s not spring or summer break, holiday or other major event will help.

(3) Travel Alone
If there’s only one person looking for an upgrade, it’s easier for agents to change seats of solo travellers than those of couples or families.  A frequent flyer I once worked told me that every so often, she gets bumped up to  business class by mentioning to gate agents that if they needed to move her to accommodate a family or group travelling together that she’d be happy to switch seats. You could also offer to be bumped to another flight if it’s oversold. I’ll talk more about getting bumped off a flight in a future post.

(4) Have Special Notes on Your File
Something that sets you apart from other passengers may just help too. If you’ve made a reservation on line, call the airline and ask that they note on your file that you’re 6’5” or travelling to your wedding, 70th birthday or 40th wedding anniversary (if you are, of course!).  Pleasantly remind them when you check in just in case the note wasn’t added.

(5) Pay Full Fare
If you’ve had to purchase an airline ticket at the last minute, chances are you’ve paid big bucks for it. Airlines realize this and may reward you by moving you up. When checking in, pleasantly inquire if there is a possibility of an upgrade due to the cost of your ticket. Keep in mind that there’s a hierarchy of who receives upgrades with frequent flyers, VIPs and passengers with special circumstances being at the top. Full fare-paying passengers  are close behind.

Although employing these strategies won’t guarantee you an upgrade, you may as well try!  Happy flying!!

Share
Category: Air travel  Tags: , , , , ,  Leave a Comment
Vegas Travel Pointers
Thursday, March 04th, 2010 /

Just back from a travel goods trade show in Vegas.  I’m a nut for interior decor and can (and did!) spend hours scoping out chic hotels along Las Vegas Boulevard (AKA The Strip). In a future post, I’m going to share my best bets for hotels but today, I`m going to provide some pointers to help you make the most of your stay in this desert oasis.

Time It Right - Keep money in your wallet and avoid the masses by going during the slower season which is  December and January (except during Christmas and New Year`s holidays). But steer clear of the city in early January when the annual Consumer Electronics Show draws over 100,000 attendees. Also, plan not to go during holidays and when big sporting or other mega conventions are in town because hotels jack up their prices. Contact the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to find out when major events will be taking place. If you don`t whither easily in 40 degree weather, July and August are good bets too.

Think:  Package Deal - The last two times I’ve been to Vegas, I’d scoured the net for deals and both times it was a flight + hotel package through Expedia that won out. Expedia isn’t always the lowest for other destinations but it’s a good place to begin your Vegas search. If you’re Canadian and live near the US border, flying out of an American airport could save you some greenbacks. Here are budget airlines to consider: Allegiant Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue and AirTran. And take a look at hotelscombined.com.

Getting to the Strip - Since McCarran International Airport is situated a 10-15 min. drive from the south end of the Strip, if you`re travelling with others, it may be more cost-effective to take a taxi. If not, the going rate  for a shuttle is $6.50 one way or $12 return per person. I used Bell Transportation which was good and there`s Gray Line as well as several other companies. Both shuttle drivers I had were great sources of info so be sure to ask them for any insider tips.

Cruising the Strip - Car rentals aren`t necessary, especially when you factor in the cost for parking, gas and the rental itself. The Deuce double decker bus operates 24/7 and stops at “virtually every hotel and casino along the Strip”. On the bus, you must pay in cash and drivers don`t provide change. For more info about fares, please visit this link. Both times I visited, I often saw line-ups of tourists vying for room on crowded buses as often the drivers needed to leave people behind. There`s also the monorail but at $14 for a one-day pass ($5 per ride), it`s pricey, not as extensive as the bus route and, as author Sara Benson wrote in the Lonely Planet`s Las Vegas City Guide (which I recommend as it`s thorough, lightweight, reader-friendly and witty), some stations can be challenging to find.

In future posts, I`m going to share with you fun (and free) things to see and do and where the best buffets are. You`ll also find out a Vegas secret…where one of the best (free!) views of the Strip is.

Share
Category: Destinations  Tags: , , , , ,  Leave a Comment
« Previous Entries
Next Entries »