Author Archive

Best Cruise Lines – Conde Nast Traveler: Gold List 2010
Tuesday, August 03rd, 2010 /

Booking a cruise 6 to 9 months prior to sailing is the norm. Last minute deals can be had but your selection of sailings and cabins can be limited. January to March, called “wave season” in the industry, is when many travel agencies roll out excellent cruise deals. But, if you’re in the market now for planning  a high calibre small or large ship cruising experience, take a look at what the readers of the upscale travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveler rated as their favorite cruise lines in the Condé Nast Traveler: Gold List 2010:

1)   Crystal Cruises

2)   Disney Cruise Line

3)   Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises

4)   Oberoi Cruises

5)   Oceania Cruises

6)   Regent Seven Seas Cruises

7)   Sea Cloud Cruises

8)   SeaDream Yacht Club

9)   Silversea Cruises

10) Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

11) Windstar Cruises

12) Yachts of Seabourn

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Featured Traveller: Hope Fredrickson
Monday, July 26th, 2010 /

What started out as a dream to become a certified scuba diver and then a Dive Master resulted in Idaho’s Hope Fredrickson (pictured at left with her husband) opening up a travel agency,  Hope to Go…Dive and Travel. She specializes in cruising, dive trips and Hawaiian vacations. Here are some of her tips and advice:

 

 

1) What should travellers look for in a travel agent?

Compatibility!  You need to get along and be able to communicate well.  You are looking for someone who understands you and the way you like to travel. 

2)  What little know tips can you provide for someone going on a cruise?

  • The bathrooms are VERY dark!!  I suggest that you take a small, keychain type LED flashlight on a neck lanyard. (NOTE:  When Hope submitted her tips to us, we had just started to carry this type of flashlight. Check it out here.)
  • It surprises me that 2000 people can be on the exact same cruise, eating the same food, sleeping in basically the same cabins, visiting the same ports, with the same sea conditions and weather and the same staff, and you hear those who are having the time of their lives, and those who are totally miserable.  My suggestion is that it is all about personal attitude!  Go on vacation expecting to have a great time and guess what? You will!  If everything isn’t exactly the way you expected it to be.. So what?  Choose to have a good time! 

3)  What are the best places in the world to scuba dive?

Each place has its unique conditions and critters.  Hawaii is great diving – lots of fish, hard corals and it’s easy to get to by air or cruise.  The Caribbean has so many great dive locations!  The wonderful thing about going on a cruise is that you are able to dive in 3-4 different locations on one trip.  Then there is the Pacific Northwest!  Beautiful cold water diving.

4)  What are some of your favorite websites or resources for consumers?

I enjoy searching the Yahoo or Google travel sites to see what they have to offer.  My biggest recommendation though, is to book through your travel agent as that will give you peace of mind that you have booked a legitimate vacation.  I encourage my clients to look on the internet and determine what kind of vacation they want and to even give me the prices they have found.  This way, they are fine tuning what they want to do before they even call me.

 

Are you a globetrotter who’d like to share your travel tips with our blog and e-newsletter readers?
If so, I’d love to hear from you!
Please email me at info@travelsmarts.ca.

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Travel Agents’ Choice Awards 2010
Monday, July 19th, 2010 /

Check out a few of the winners of the recently released Agents’ Choice Awards 2010 presented by the Canadian travel industry publications of Travel Press and Travel Courier. Votes came in from 3,867 travel agents across Canada.  Those who remain undefeated include: Gap Adventures, Walt Disney World and Trafalgar Tours.

Adventure Tour Operator

1)      Gap Adventures
2)      Goway
3)      Contiki

All-Inclusive Resort

1)      Sandals/Beaches
2)      RIU Hotels
3)      Bahia Principe

Canadian Tourist Attraction

1)      Banff, Alberta
2)      Niagara Falls, Ontario
3)      Whistler, BC

International Tourist Attraction

1)      Walt Disney World
2)      Eiffel Tower
3)      Great Wall of China

Car Rental Agency

1)      Avis
2)      Budget
3)      Hertz

Cruise Line

1)      Royal Caribbean
2)      Princess
3)      Celebrity

River Cruise Line

1)      Avalon Waterways
2)      Uniworld
3)      Viking River Cruises

Honeymoon Destination

1)      Jamaica
2)      Mexico
3)      Cruising

Motor Coach Operators

1)      Trafalgar
2)      Insight
3)      Globus/Cosmos

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7 Ways to Fly in Comfort
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 /

Arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed, relaxed and ready to have a fantastic vacation by employing these easy, handy tips when sitting in coach:

1) Seek Out the Best Seats - Request a seat that’s away from galleys, lavatories and engines where there can be noise and smells galore.  Visit the invaluable website, www.seatguru.com where you can find out where the good, bad and ugly seats are on the aircraft you’ll be flying on.

2) Quell Queasiness – If you suffer from motion sickness easily, seats in the over wing area are your best as you’ll experience less turbulence.

3)  Compress for Success - Compression socks or flight socks, available at pharmacies, provide a light massaging effect on your legs and keep DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) at bay as they keep blood from pooling at your ankles.

4) Deal with Dryness – Airplanes are dry as deserts so moisturize your skin and lips in flight and wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Drink a few glasses of water before boarding and then a glass of water for each hour you`re in flight. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks which can be deyhdrating and/or unhealthy.

5) Eat the Good Stuff -  Take nutritious snacks such as fruit and veggies, nuts, granola bars and dried fruit.

6)  Equip Yourself – Pack an eye mask, travel pillow and ear plugs. Rather than taking a bulky blanket, dress in warm, comfy clothes.

7)   S-T-R-E-T-C-H – Do stretches in your seat and at the back of the plane. Walk around the cabin every hour or so.

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Category: Air travel  Tags: , , ,  2 Comments
Featured Traveller: Elinor Warkentin
Thursday, June 24th, 2010 /

It could be because of her grandfather’s stories or growing up on a farm in a small Canadian prairie town and wanting to see the world beyond her horizons that travel became a fascination at a young age for Vancouver-based Elinor Warkentin. Her recent globetrotting has included visits to Sweden, Denmark and Iceland. She’s a trustee of Women Welcome Women World Wide, a women’s travel friendship organization with over 2500 members in 80 countries. When she’s not travelling, Elinor is a Professional Organizer through her business Goodbye Clutter! 

1) What tips do you have for how to get organized before a trip?
Create a packing list. I have a master travel packing chart that covers about 6 different kinds of trips, such as trips to family in Canada, Europe for meetings, professional organizing conferences, etc. Each trip gets a column and each item a line, so that I can check off the things I will need. Also, keep a folder called “My Next Trip” on your desk and file necessary papers as they are created, such as your itinerary, key contact info, etc. Book time in your calendar to start packing about 2-3 days before your trip.

2) How can travellers stay organized on the road?
Create a small list of emergency numbers. Laminate the card and keep it with your flight and hotel information. Put a copy in your wallet or purse, and one at home with your emergency contact person. Pack less. You will have less to keep track of and less to cart around.

3) What packing tips do you have?
Pick a colour so that your clothes can be easily mixed and matched. Pack clothes you no longer want that you can leave behind. Don’t be afraid to hand launder your clothes. Take lightweight, wrinkle-free clothes. Unpack when you get to your destination if you are staying any more than one day. Keeping things in your suitcase usually leads to a mess of items that you end up forgetting you brought or aren’t able to find easily.

4) How do you keep travel costs down?
I love exploring grocery stores in other countries and trying their foods. It’s easy and fun to have picnics with a few deli items. Mix low-cost groceries with fresh, take-out sandwiches, and then enjoy the occasional restaurant. Eat where the locals eat. Don’t forget to check your cell phone plan for roaming and long distance charges. Look into their travel plans. Google “free things to do” and your destination.

5) What are some of your favorite travel websites or resources?
For flights, I prefer using a travel agent but I am finding Twitter to be my most valuable resource for countries I want to visit. Twitter introduced me to several Icelandic bloggers from whom I learned many things before my trip. I also ask members of Women Welcome Women for information when I am preparing to travel to a country that has members there.

6) What travel gadgets do you always pack?
My current favorite one has to be my iPhone with maps, contact info, email apps and Google. I also like my ear plugs and those cloths that are compressed to the size of a mint, but expand in water and become an instant face cloth.

Elinor’s Websites:
www.goodbyeclutter.ca
www.twitter.com/GoodbyeClutter
www.womenwelcomewomen.org.uk/trustees.asp


Are you a globetrotter who’d like to share your travel tips with our blog and e-newsletter readers?
If so, I’d love to hear from you!
Please email me at info@travelsmarts.ca.

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Winnipeg, Manitoba – Top 6 Downtown Hotels
Thursday, June 17th, 2010 /

Just back from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Having visited there over a dozen times, I’ve found that most travellers journey to Winnipeg more for business than sightseeing. Because of its central location in Canada, it’s a popular city for conferences and meetings so book your lodging early. If you’re heading to “The Peg” for business downtown, here are my top six hotel picks:

1) Place Louis Riel Suite Hotel
An “Insiders’ Select 2010 Winner” on Expedia and one of two hotels Frommer’s guidebooks chose as the best in town,  this hotel is where we had a very enjoyable stay. All rooms come equipped with a full-size fridge and stove AND, you get free internet and local phone calls. Other features include spacious rooms, great bath products, and contemporary décor with a Manitoba twist. On the premises are a restaurant (which served so-so breakfasts), small grocery store and fitness room. Be prepared to run into some interesting characters when walking around the neighborhood. But, I’m told by locals that this is one of the safer areas in the downtown core. Be sure to ask for a renovated room.

2) Humphry Inn & Suites
While the rooms here are your standard blah neutral ones, I’ve listed this as my second choice because of the great selection of amenities it offers. The Humphry’s perks include: complimentary parking, phone calls, hot/cold breakfast and internet access in the 24-hour business center. Rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges and you have access to their pool, hot tub, steam room and workout facility. It’s located on one of Winnipeg’s busiest and most famous streets so do ask for a quiet room that doesn’t face Main Street.

3) Inn at the Forks
This stylish, eco-conscious boutique hotel has received excellent reviews from several websites and guidebooks I consulted. It’s located at “The Forks” (see photo at right) which is one of the city’s best tourist attractions but the hotel is not as convenient to downtown as the others on this list. On offer are a spa, restaurant, workout facility and complimentary in-room internet. If you want a mini-fridge, you’ll need to request that one be delivered to your room. 

4) Fairmont Winnipeg
While I didn’t have an opportunity to do a site inspection of this property, it was either recommended or ranked high on the list of the websites and guidebooks I used during my research. Fairmont is an excellent brand of hotels but from reviews I read, this one is not quite on par with others in the chain which I’ve stayed at or rated when I was a hotel inspector. Guest services include two restaurants, a business centre, spa and health club. Sign up for the complimentary Fairmont President’s Club loyalty program (http://www.fairmont.com/fpc/) and you’ll get such privileges as complimentary in-room internet, free local calls, free health club access, complimentary use of TaylorMade golf clubs and more. 

5) Delta Winnipeg
This is another lodging option with uninspiring room décor but a great selection of amenities and is connected by an indoor skywalk to the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Their health club is the largest in Manitoba and includes indoor and outdoor pools as well as a whirlpool, sauna and workout area. They have a small gift shop, Elephant and Castle pub and a restaurant which combines “prairie fare with a global flair”. Rooms have free internet and local calls. Having grown up on the Canadian Prairies, I was captivated by the Manitoba landscapes (see photo at left) in the lobby and restaurant created by Romanian artist Gabriela Diaconu, who is based in Canada. Check out her work at http://artshock.com/category/image-galleries/prairie-landscapes.

6) Mariaggi’s Theme Suite Hotels
Although this property is geared towards couples rather than businesspeople, it’s such a unique hotel that I wanted to include it on the list. Ranked #1 on Trip Advisor‘s list of Winnipeg 53 hotels, Mariaggi’s is so popular because of its eight globally themed rooms – i.e. India, Rome, China, Indonesia, etc. Each room has a hot tub, steam unit, microwave and fridge. And, many have fireplaces while some even have pool tables and waterfall hot tubs. There are none of the amenities offered up by the above hotels (including telephones!) but with rates starting at $200+/night, there is obviously a demand!

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Should You Hire a Travel Agent?
Tuesday, June 08th, 2010 /

Last week, I rubbed shoulders with hundreds of travel agents from around the world at a conference here in Vancouver. My experience hit home that travel agents should, in a number of cases, be considered over the internet when making travel plans.

When Should You Hire a Travel Agent?
If you’re booking a cruise, I highly recommend that you go to a cruise specialist agent. They can often land you great deals and if you run into any problems during your trip, they can usually troubleshoot for you. And, the specialized knowledge these agents have gained is of great benefit to you. One veteran agent shared with me that she always tries to book her clients on a particular deck on a certain cruise line’s ships because they have larger balconies than other decks, a fact few people know. Another agent told me she steers her clients away from the Hawaii cruises because of so much negative feedback she’s heard from people who have sailed there.

It’s also wise to seek out a travel agent if you:

  • Want to stay at an all-inclusive resort
  • Would like to go on a safari or bus tour
  • Are travelling with a large group
  • Are playing a key role during a special celebration such as a destination wedding, honeymoon or anniversary
  • Are going on a complex trip

What to Keep in Mind When Looking for a Travel Agent

  • Work with an agent who specializes in the places you’d like to visit and/or type of travel you’re interested in embarking upon. (i.e. adventure travel)
  • Choose one who has several years’ experience under their belt.
  • Find one who’s been to where you’re going (preferably several times).
  • Ensure they are a member of the national association of travel agents in your country. In Canada, it’s the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) and in the US, it’s the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
  • Check the Better Business Bureau on-line (www.bbb.org) to see if any complaints have been filed against the travel agency and if so, how the complaints were handled.
  • Interview at least three agents and determine if they have extensive knowledge, ask you good questions, listen well and understand your needs.
  • Choose an agency that has a contact person available 24/7 in case you run into an emergency situation during your trip.

Most travel agents are invaluable resources with the knowledge and experience that can make the difference between a good trip and an exceptional one.

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Category: Cruise travel  Tags: , , , ,  2 Comments
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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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