Alway changing . . .
I love car travel. It's kind of my own song of the open road. I enjoy throwing my belongings into the car and taking off.
I loved the car trips my parents and I took to visit an aunt and uncle in Michigan or another set in Milwaukee from our Chicago home. I enjoyed loading the car for summer vacations. My dad's unfortunate cigar-smoking habit sometimes made me queasy, but I always enjoyed most of the trips!
Unfortunately, I have been flying a lot more these last few years, but in 2007 my late husband and I put on over 4,000 miles driving throughout the southeast, visiting kids and completing some assignments in Little Rock, Memphis and Natchez. It was great. We visited a lot of Cracker Barrels, but also spent time on Beale Street and at Graceland, toured the amazing Clinton Library and enjoyed our month-long odyssey. I am thrilled we did it when we did.
Last summer a dozen family members and I headed to Naples. Six flew in from Texas, one drove down from Central Florida and the locals and I joined a caravan across Florida to the magnificent white sand beaches of Naples. (Read about Naples, FL at www.SouthernTravelNews.Com,) and now as I head out for the New Year's holiday I wish I were driving.
Given the airline challenges of these last few days the concept of security and on-time flights gets a bit hairy. Can you believe a Cathay Pacific flight sat on the tarmac in New York for 11 hours because no gate was available? Or being told by an over-worked and under-paid gate agent that they won't get home until after the new year?
Of couse gas is reported to be 40 cents a gallon higher this year than last, and some holiday wise men observed gas could be $5 a gallon by mid-2012.
So on that great note, happy new year. I am off to the airport and I hope an easy flight. May all your wishes be granted in 2011.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . . Sky high
Or rather, prices to travel by air are sky high in a time when newspapers are reporting the 20 largest U S airlines collected more the $900 million in baggage-related fees during the third quarter of the year. That is in addition to putting you in a seat!
The airlines netted an obscene $4 billion (with a "b") this year in total add-ons to the price of a ticket.
In other words, overweight baggage helped net these companies - which are enjoying a great financial time right now - a bonanza. Why is that? Is it because someone can't decide between six pair of shoes? A dozen sweaters? Has no concept of packing? Or money to burn?
None of it makes sense. Sure, I don't like shlepping my bag on board, making room and sometimes asking for help putting it into an overhead bin. Worse, I hate fellow travelers who seem to be carting around their entire worldly goods and inevitably conk me on the head with their packages as they try to stow them away. And I am not crazy about waiting for my bag to appear on a luggage carousel.
But I fly a lot.
One secret might be to pack lighter, a trick I had to learn years ago. Stick with one color scheme: black is easy and color can come in a lightweight t-shirt, a scarf or a sweater - all of which are easy to pack. Rather than requiring a major shopping experience before each trip, purchase clothes with the idea of having to pack and live with the item for a long weekend or a even a week. Consider a basic two or three pair of pants or skirts; a dark dress, the right jewelry can work for a business meeting or a theater opening; mix and match tops for the pants or skirt, and make up your mind ahead of time that clothes can be worn more than once. Travel generally is not a fashion show.
Or rather, prices to travel by air are sky high in a time when newspapers are reporting the 20 largest U S airlines collected more the $900 million in baggage-related fees during the third quarter of the year. That is in addition to putting you in a seat!
The airlines netted an obscene $4 billion (with a "b") this year in total add-ons to the price of a ticket.
In other words, overweight baggage helped net these companies - which are enjoying a great financial time right now - a bonanza. Why is that? Is it because someone can't decide between six pair of shoes? A dozen sweaters? Has no concept of packing? Or money to burn?
None of it makes sense. Sure, I don't like shlepping my bag on board, making room and sometimes asking for help putting it into an overhead bin. Worse, I hate fellow travelers who seem to be carting around their entire worldly goods and inevitably conk me on the head with their packages as they try to stow them away. And I am not crazy about waiting for my bag to appear on a luggage carousel.
But I fly a lot.
One secret might be to pack lighter, a trick I had to learn years ago. Stick with one color scheme: black is easy and color can come in a lightweight t-shirt, a scarf or a sweater - all of which are easy to pack. Rather than requiring a major shopping experience before each trip, purchase clothes with the idea of having to pack and live with the item for a long weekend or a even a week. Consider a basic two or three pair of pants or skirts; a dark dress, the right jewelry can work for a business meeting or a theater opening; mix and match tops for the pants or skirt, and make up your mind ahead of time that clothes can be worn more than once. Travel generally is not a fashion show.
I've traveled with veterans who can do a month out of a small duffle bag and with others who need a half dozen sherpas for a three-day weekend just to maneuver suitcases large enough to hide a body.
If it doesn't bother you to pay extra for each suitcase you check, go for it.
If it does, consider flying Southwest which doesn't charge for up to two pieces of luggage, or better yet, pack light.
But $4 billion in add-ons? Wow.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Travel is. . .
. . . A great visual
I saw "The Tourist" yesterday. I am not a film critic, but it is definitely a so-so film: so good and sooooo bad.
Angelina Jolie, while astonishingly beautiful, does little more than vogue and strut. Johnny Depp is as cute as he was on "21 Jump Street," but the true star of the movie is the magnificent setting that is Venice.
I have had the good fortune to have visited Venice several times. The first time we stayed at the magnificent Danieli Hotel, where the two stars land upon their arrival by launch from the train station. We came into Venice the same way, but were content with our small room and bath, not the sprawling suite depicted in the movie.
I loved the drama of the Grand Canal, the beautiful Piazza San Marco - pigeons and all, the elegant Doge's Palace and the wonderful history of this glorious city.
And who, with even a tiny dollop of romance in their soul. wouldn't love to ride a gondola while a sexy gondolier sings songs of love?
All this and more star in the movie. I don't feel cheated because the story is paper thin and the surprise ending no surprise at all,. The scenery, backgrounds and memories of Venice provided a bigger bonus than my free bag of popcorn.
And while the film doesn't feature the pricey ($16 for a cup of coffee five years ago) Cafe Florian or the mass transit vaporettoes, a Bellini cocktail at Harry's American Bar, or strolling around the Rialto bridge, the memories are all there.
So while I didn't love the film, and I do love Venice, it wasn't a bad way to spend and hour-and-a-half.
And a great visual.
I saw "The Tourist" yesterday. I am not a film critic, but it is definitely a so-so film: so good and sooooo bad.
Angelina Jolie, while astonishingly beautiful, does little more than vogue and strut. Johnny Depp is as cute as he was on "21 Jump Street," but the true star of the movie is the magnificent setting that is Venice.
I have had the good fortune to have visited Venice several times. The first time we stayed at the magnificent Danieli Hotel, where the two stars land upon their arrival by launch from the train station. We came into Venice the same way, but were content with our small room and bath, not the sprawling suite depicted in the movie.
I loved the drama of the Grand Canal, the beautiful Piazza San Marco - pigeons and all, the elegant Doge's Palace and the wonderful history of this glorious city.
And who, with even a tiny dollop of romance in their soul. wouldn't love to ride a gondola while a sexy gondolier sings songs of love?
All this and more star in the movie. I don't feel cheated because the story is paper thin and the surprise ending no surprise at all,. The scenery, backgrounds and memories of Venice provided a bigger bonus than my free bag of popcorn.
And while the film doesn't feature the pricey ($16 for a cup of coffee five years ago) Cafe Florian or the mass transit vaporettoes, a Bellini cocktail at Harry's American Bar, or strolling around the Rialto bridge, the memories are all there.
So while I didn't love the film, and I do love Venice, it wasn't a bad way to spend and hour-and-a-half.
And a great visual.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . .Often a series of coincidences
Earlier this week I wrote about visiting smaller museums. In essence, I said while the major tourist sites are important, sometimes smaller attractions can be exciting.
Prior to that, I had written a story about Branson, MO for another publication and in it I noted I'd visited an auto museum and seen some remarkable cars.
Both "news items" came into play this week when I attended a holiday party for the Board of Directors of the Memorial Hospital, Memorial South and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Auxiliary.
It was a surprise party, inasmuch as Volunteer Director David Reinmund, planned it as a surprise for our members, keeping the destination a secret until we arrived. We met at the hospital, boarded a bus and were taken to - drum roll, please -- the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum.
We were served a magnificent catered luncheon and toured an amazing collection of 39 Packard cars, dating back to 1916. Beautiful luxury autos, with lace curtains, charming crystal flower holders and wondrous hood ornaments are the collection of the late Arthur and Shirley Stone. Shirley, now 92, runs the attraction with help from her family.
All the cars are in working order and the 20,000 square foot building is stocked with a great deal of Packard memorabilia, including cars belonging to many celebrities and statesmen. The building was designed as a Packard showroom from the 1920s.
The museum is located at 1527 SW First Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, http://www.antiquecarmuseum.org/ and worth a visit.
Once again, serendipity.
Earlier this week I wrote about visiting smaller museums. In essence, I said while the major tourist sites are important, sometimes smaller attractions can be exciting.
Prior to that, I had written a story about Branson, MO for another publication and in it I noted I'd visited an auto museum and seen some remarkable cars.
Both "news items" came into play this week when I attended a holiday party for the Board of Directors of the Memorial Hospital, Memorial South and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Auxiliary.
It was a surprise party, inasmuch as Volunteer Director David Reinmund, planned it as a surprise for our members, keeping the destination a secret until we arrived. We met at the hospital, boarded a bus and were taken to - drum roll, please -- the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum.
We were served a magnificent catered luncheon and toured an amazing collection of 39 Packard cars, dating back to 1916. Beautiful luxury autos, with lace curtains, charming crystal flower holders and wondrous hood ornaments are the collection of the late Arthur and Shirley Stone. Shirley, now 92, runs the attraction with help from her family.
All the cars are in working order and the 20,000 square foot building is stocked with a great deal of Packard memorabilia, including cars belonging to many celebrities and statesmen. The building was designed as a Packard showroom from the 1920s.
The museum is located at 1527 SW First Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, http://www.antiquecarmuseum.org/ and worth a visit.
Once again, serendipity.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Travel is. . .
. . . Looking at the bigger picture
Which is sometimes looking for something smaller.
Any of us who travel get sightseeing advice all the time. "Don't miss this, don't miss that," we're told. For example when it comes to museums, dedicated travelers know that there are plenty of givens no one should miss. Especially when it comes to the world's largest cities.
Consider in Paris, one goes to the Louvre; New York, it's MOMA, London, the British Museum, Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian. In Chicago, my hometown, I always recommend the Museum of Science and Industry. I first went with a fourth grade class and have been back may times since. I have a high school reunion next fall and hope to go again.
But in the process we can miss something that can be even more relevant: Smaller museums that reflect things much more contemporary than mummies or skeletons.
For example the Andy Griffith Museum in Mt. Airy, N.C., documents the entire
"Andy of Mayberry" concept, a delightful slice of Americana. Griffith portrayed America in a more benign time, when life was simple and lifestyles even more so.
"Andy of Mayberry" concept, a delightful slice of Americana. Griffith portrayed America in a more benign time, when life was simple and lifestyles even more so.
More than 50,000 visitors explored the museum in its first year in its permanent home - that's 10,000 more than were expected, and they came from 50 states and 47 countries.
Without planning to I toured the Branson Auto Museum in Branson, MO where I saw a car used in the film "Robo Cop," another used by Steve McQueen and a 1964 Chevy Impala like one I owned when it was new. I loved it.
Sometime these smaller museums, that don't always make the top 10 or someone's "don't miss" lists can be very satisfying and serendipitious.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . . Research
Some 40 years ago, when my husband and I were making our first trip to England, I went to the library and brought home an armful of guidebooks. I selected a variety of books about England, Scotland and Wales and researched the areas we planned to visit.
Twenty-odd years later I was writing and contributing to guidebooks about the Caribbean and cruising. Doing that early research was largely responsible for my decision to write about travel.
In the interim the concept of guidebooks has altered considerably.
Today, someone contemplating a first trip to England - or outer space for that matter - can log on to the Internet, hit a few buttons and voila! all the information you can imagine about restaurants, hotels, sightseeing attractions, local transportation, sporting events, etc. is at your fingertips. (Okay, I don't know about the restaurants in outer space.) Hit print, and you've the material.
Of course not all sites are reliable, but sites sponsored by the country, hotel chain, cruise line or other verifiable sources are sound. The bottom line is while guidebooks can still be found at Barnes & Nobel and Borders, there are fewer today -- and fewer people use them.
Today's hottest technology is to use an "app," on an IPhone (or like electronic device) that serves as a guide to wherever you are visiting. You pay a fee and the material is updated and whether you go to Seattle tomorrow or in three months, you'll have the current information.
(That was always the problem with guidebooks. Often by the time the book was published, the information was outdated.)
But now a new form of travel information has arisen. A personal experience, so to speak.
A friend has a grandaughter at school in Italy. This young woman has taken several trips with school friends around Europe and has blogged her experiences. My grandson is at school in London. He plans a trip to several of the cities my friend's grandaughter has visited. I forwarded a copy of her blog to my grandson who was thrilled to get the information. (What a 20-something chooses to visit in Paris is not necessarily what grandma recommends, so he now has a new "guidebook.")
But guidebooks and guidebook authors still exist, but today they are more often than not Internet based.
Like my friend's grandaughter's blog.
Some 40 years ago, when my husband and I were making our first trip to England, I went to the library and brought home an armful of guidebooks. I selected a variety of books about England, Scotland and Wales and researched the areas we planned to visit.
Twenty-odd years later I was writing and contributing to guidebooks about the Caribbean and cruising. Doing that early research was largely responsible for my decision to write about travel.
In the interim the concept of guidebooks has altered considerably.
Today, someone contemplating a first trip to England - or outer space for that matter - can log on to the Internet, hit a few buttons and voila! all the information you can imagine about restaurants, hotels, sightseeing attractions, local transportation, sporting events, etc. is at your fingertips. (Okay, I don't know about the restaurants in outer space.) Hit print, and you've the material.
Of course not all sites are reliable, but sites sponsored by the country, hotel chain, cruise line or other verifiable sources are sound. The bottom line is while guidebooks can still be found at Barnes & Nobel and Borders, there are fewer today -- and fewer people use them.
Today's hottest technology is to use an "app," on an IPhone (or like electronic device) that serves as a guide to wherever you are visiting. You pay a fee and the material is updated and whether you go to Seattle tomorrow or in three months, you'll have the current information.
(That was always the problem with guidebooks. Often by the time the book was published, the information was outdated.)
But now a new form of travel information has arisen. A personal experience, so to speak.
A friend has a grandaughter at school in Italy. This young woman has taken several trips with school friends around Europe and has blogged her experiences. My grandson is at school in London. He plans a trip to several of the cities my friend's grandaughter has visited. I forwarded a copy of her blog to my grandson who was thrilled to get the information. (What a 20-something chooses to visit in Paris is not necessarily what grandma recommends, so he now has a new "guidebook.")
But guidebooks and guidebook authors still exist, but today they are more often than not Internet based.
Like my friend's grandaughter's blog.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Travel is. . .
. . . Dealing with it
I traveled to Houston for the Thanksgiving holiday. I left on the Tuesday prior to the holiday amid a national brouhaha about patdowns, radioactive scanners and a national paranoia reaching, no pun intended, new heights.
People were actually -- I head on TV before leaving for the airport -- going to rally at airports to decry the TSA patdowns and the new scanners. They were actually willing to further tie up traffic at airports to prove their points. And what exactly was their point?
Only one percent -- ONE PERCENT -- of the traveling public have been selected for either the patdowns or the scanners. The rest, as I did, proceeded through TSA processes in accord with the law. And, because I traveled on Tuesday, although the plane was packed, the airport traffic pattern moved perfectly.
I heard someone say the other day "you can either get felt up or blown up" and while that's a funny line, for most travelers the drill is the same as it's been these last nine years. "Remove your shoes and jackets, take your computers out of the case, yadda yadda yadda." We comply like the robotons we've been conditioned to be while traveling. Is it a sad commentary? You betcha! But if just one crazy who has a bomb in his underwear is caught because he is in the one percent chosen for a futher check, so be it.
So don't make further waves and tie up airport traffic and personnel. Just deal with it and go with the flow.
I traveled to Houston for the Thanksgiving holiday. I left on the Tuesday prior to the holiday amid a national brouhaha about patdowns, radioactive scanners and a national paranoia reaching, no pun intended, new heights.
People were actually -- I head on TV before leaving for the airport -- going to rally at airports to decry the TSA patdowns and the new scanners. They were actually willing to further tie up traffic at airports to prove their points. And what exactly was their point?
Only one percent -- ONE PERCENT -- of the traveling public have been selected for either the patdowns or the scanners. The rest, as I did, proceeded through TSA processes in accord with the law. And, because I traveled on Tuesday, although the plane was packed, the airport traffic pattern moved perfectly.
I heard someone say the other day "you can either get felt up or blown up" and while that's a funny line, for most travelers the drill is the same as it's been these last nine years. "Remove your shoes and jackets, take your computers out of the case, yadda yadda yadda." We comply like the robotons we've been conditioned to be while traveling. Is it a sad commentary? You betcha! But if just one crazy who has a bomb in his underwear is caught because he is in the one percent chosen for a futher check, so be it.
So don't make further waves and tie up airport traffic and personnel. Just deal with it and go with the flow.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . .Travel is
A tale of two ships.
I spent four of the last seven days on two new cruise ships. Along with media from all over the country we toured and ate, listened to executives and explored the vessels. It was tiring, but it was fun and the ships? Both were amazing.
I spent Tuesday-Thursday on Seabourn Sojourn, a wonderful vessel and the newest addition to the Seabourn fleet. Earlier ships accommodated 200-something guests. While the new ship - and a sister, Seabourn Odyssey which debuted last year - still have that yacht-like wonderful intimacy, they feature space for 450 guests. Seabourn has long been a favorite for me. I've sailed to some spectacular ports, through South America, and at another time, New England and Canada, but the ship has always been the destination for me.
Seabourn Sojourn will leave Port Everglades for a 109-day world cruise in January. The all-suite ship is delightful. The decor is soothing. The Spa features the newest spa amenities and entertainment is low-key and superb. It is a famously gracious vessel.
Friday - Sunday were spent on Royal Caribbean's new Allure of the Seas, a sister ship to Oasis of the Seas, but five centimeters longer, (that's only two inches, but who's counting?)
The ship is a marvel - 26 places to dine, a dozen lounges, entertainment that ranges from an ice show to an aqua show, from a Broadway show to a parade of DreamWorks characters. Active travelers can choose from Zip Lines, FlowRiders or rock climbing and pools and sunning areas are plentiful.
The ship, which accommodates 5,400 guests, is dynamite and perfect for families and singles, for anyone who enjoys a shipboard vacation with amenities galore.
Both vessels are cutting edge. Technology and design are major components and once again indicate how varied the cruise industry really is.
Two very different ships, part of that proverbial something for everyone that is cruising in the 21st century. Check them out.
A tale of two ships.
I spent four of the last seven days on two new cruise ships. Along with media from all over the country we toured and ate, listened to executives and explored the vessels. It was tiring, but it was fun and the ships? Both were amazing.
I spent Tuesday-Thursday on Seabourn Sojourn, a wonderful vessel and the newest addition to the Seabourn fleet. Earlier ships accommodated 200-something guests. While the new ship - and a sister, Seabourn Odyssey which debuted last year - still have that yacht-like wonderful intimacy, they feature space for 450 guests. Seabourn has long been a favorite for me. I've sailed to some spectacular ports, through South America, and at another time, New England and Canada, but the ship has always been the destination for me.
Seabourn Sojourn will leave Port Everglades for a 109-day world cruise in January. The all-suite ship is delightful. The decor is soothing. The Spa features the newest spa amenities and entertainment is low-key and superb. It is a famously gracious vessel.
Friday - Sunday were spent on Royal Caribbean's new Allure of the Seas, a sister ship to Oasis of the Seas, but five centimeters longer, (that's only two inches, but who's counting?)
The ship is a marvel - 26 places to dine, a dozen lounges, entertainment that ranges from an ice show to an aqua show, from a Broadway show to a parade of DreamWorks characters. Active travelers can choose from Zip Lines, FlowRiders or rock climbing and pools and sunning areas are plentiful.
The ship, which accommodates 5,400 guests, is dynamite and perfect for families and singles, for anyone who enjoys a shipboard vacation with amenities galore.
Both vessels are cutting edge. Technology and design are major components and once again indicate how varied the cruise industry really is.
Two very different ships, part of that proverbial something for everyone that is cruising in the 21st century. Check them out.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . . A section of the Sunday paper.
Granted it is a slimmer section than it was once, ads are fewer and far between, and stories are often syndicated not created out of unique content for the publication. Sunday Travel Sections still own a large piece of my heart and back in the days when papers paid for publication of assigned stories, it was always a thrill for your story to appear on the first page.
Last week I saw the Travel sections of both the Orlando Sentinel and the Miami Herald feature front page stories on the new cruise ship sweepstakes. It was a vital story as these new ships debut this week and will serve as vacation destination
That same week the New York Times Travel section featured the Caribbean. These were once my stomping grounds. About 20 years ago I wrote guidebooks to the region and updated them for a few years afterwards. I got to know the islands - at the time . Everything changes so drastically in tourism in two decades.
A piece on St. Martin/St. Maarten brought back fond memories. I spent a lot of time on that island that is half Dutch and half French - and the best halves of both, I might add.
The French side offers some of the finest cuisine in the Caribbean and used to be home to a sprawling, quiet Orient Beach where clothing was optional. Now, Orient Beach is all built up with timeshares, condos and hotels. Marigot, the capital of the French side of St. Martin provided ferry service, so a quick visit to Anguilla for lunch was fast and easy and elelgant.
Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side of the island, had great beaches as well - although clothing was always a necessity - and gambling casinos. Hotels across the island were great and shopping quite charming.
I haven't been to St. Martin/Marten in a few years. The last time I took a couple of grandkids on a yacht race and from the sea, the island looked the same.
The Times article include a picture of a plane taking off from Princess Juliana Airport (on the Dutch side) right over one of the most populous beaches. I remember being scared by the noise and the draft. That seems to be the same.
Good memories.
And good travel sections. Keep reading them.
Yesterday's Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel offered a delightful geography quiz compiled by A; Borcover, the former travel editor of The Chicago Tribune.
It was clever and smart and the kind of things newspapers used to do. Components included a match-the-currencies section, a true and false section and one in which readers were supposed to fill in the blank. Borcover has always been a bright guy and kudos to Tribune Newspapers for utilizing his talents so well.
Granted it is a slimmer section than it was once, ads are fewer and far between, and stories are often syndicated not created out of unique content for the publication. Sunday Travel Sections still own a large piece of my heart and back in the days when papers paid for publication of assigned stories, it was always a thrill for your story to appear on the first page.
Last week I saw the Travel sections of both the Orlando Sentinel and the Miami Herald feature front page stories on the new cruise ship sweepstakes. It was a vital story as these new ships debut this week and will serve as vacation destination
That same week the New York Times Travel section featured the Caribbean. These were once my stomping grounds. About 20 years ago I wrote guidebooks to the region and updated them for a few years afterwards. I got to know the islands - at the time . Everything changes so drastically in tourism in two decades.
A piece on St. Martin/St. Maarten brought back fond memories. I spent a lot of time on that island that is half Dutch and half French - and the best halves of both, I might add.
The French side offers some of the finest cuisine in the Caribbean and used to be home to a sprawling, quiet Orient Beach where clothing was optional. Now, Orient Beach is all built up with timeshares, condos and hotels. Marigot, the capital of the French side of St. Martin provided ferry service, so a quick visit to Anguilla for lunch was fast and easy and elelgant.
Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side of the island, had great beaches as well - although clothing was always a necessity - and gambling casinos. Hotels across the island were great and shopping quite charming.
I haven't been to St. Martin/Marten in a few years. The last time I took a couple of grandkids on a yacht race and from the sea, the island looked the same.
The Times article include a picture of a plane taking off from Princess Juliana Airport (on the Dutch side) right over one of the most populous beaches. I remember being scared by the noise and the draft. That seems to be the same.
Good memories.
And good travel sections. Keep reading them.
Yesterday's Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel offered a delightful geography quiz compiled by A; Borcover, the former travel editor of The Chicago Tribune.
It was clever and smart and the kind of things newspapers used to do. Components included a match-the-currencies section, a true and false section and one in which readers were supposed to fill in the blank. Borcover has always been a bright guy and kudos to Tribune Newspapers for utilizing his talents so well.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Travel is ...
. . . Occasionally awful!
Think of the passengers aboard Carnival Splendor. Their experience defines "awful."
I am not a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Lines, but many in the media have taken a lot of cheap shots at the Miami-based mega-company. You can be sure that in addition to the 3,500 passengers on the ill-fated ship, Carnival management certainly didn't want the vessel dying in the water off the coast of Mexico a day after departing California for a seven-day trip to the Mexican Riviera.
Many passengers had saved and planned for the cruise for years. For some it was a birthday or anniversary treat. One couple were on their honeymoon. For many it was a family getaway. But for the folks at Carnival it was a big bucks investment going nowhere fast and incurring the wrath of news people around the world. I heard one prominent network political reporter ask "why don't they just bring another ship alongside," as though Carnival has a fleet of empty ships standing by. Another said the crew panicked, a third thought the crew was heroic. On and on it went and finally, three days after the power went off, the passengers disembarked in San Diego with vouchers for future cruises and stories to dine out on for years. And network news went back to what it was doing before.
I would not have enjoyed the experience. Of this I am sure. But it was not a plan. It was not a Carnival itinerary to sail and fail. That's not what cruising is all about. I've been on dozens of Carnival cruises and have found their security measures comforting. In fact all cruise lines these days offer broad-based security.
But on sea, as in life, stuff happens. (And hey, how much fun was the Quantas flight when the engine dropped off?)
Cruising is about enjoying a sea-based vacation. A concept about 13-14 million North American travelers have embraced this year.
Coincidentally, a week after the Splendor experience new ships will be sailing out of Port Everglades: Seabourn Sojourn, Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam and Celebrity's Eclipse. Long may they sail.
Think of the passengers aboard Carnival Splendor. Their experience defines "awful."
I am not a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Lines, but many in the media have taken a lot of cheap shots at the Miami-based mega-company. You can be sure that in addition to the 3,500 passengers on the ill-fated ship, Carnival management certainly didn't want the vessel dying in the water off the coast of Mexico a day after departing California for a seven-day trip to the Mexican Riviera.
Many passengers had saved and planned for the cruise for years. For some it was a birthday or anniversary treat. One couple were on their honeymoon. For many it was a family getaway. But for the folks at Carnival it was a big bucks investment going nowhere fast and incurring the wrath of news people around the world. I heard one prominent network political reporter ask "why don't they just bring another ship alongside," as though Carnival has a fleet of empty ships standing by. Another said the crew panicked, a third thought the crew was heroic. On and on it went and finally, three days after the power went off, the passengers disembarked in San Diego with vouchers for future cruises and stories to dine out on for years. And network news went back to what it was doing before.
I would not have enjoyed the experience. Of this I am sure. But it was not a plan. It was not a Carnival itinerary to sail and fail. That's not what cruising is all about. I've been on dozens of Carnival cruises and have found their security measures comforting. In fact all cruise lines these days offer broad-based security.
But on sea, as in life, stuff happens. (And hey, how much fun was the Quantas flight when the engine dropped off?)
Cruising is about enjoying a sea-based vacation. A concept about 13-14 million North American travelers have embraced this year.
Coincidentally, a week after the Splendor experience new ships will be sailing out of Port Everglades: Seabourn Sojourn, Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam and Celebrity's Eclipse. Long may they sail.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . . Whatever gets you there
I wrote, the other day, about my love affair with cruising. I truly enjoy nothing more than being on a ship - not necessarily calling at port after port - but at sea. Maybe having breakfast on my terrace, doing laps around the deck, sitting outside with a good book, taking part in an enrichment lecture. It is my kind of travel.
But for hundreds of thousands of people air travel is the way to go. I saw a story in the Orlando Sentinel on Sunday about people who'd used that Jet Blue air pass to travel hundreds of thousands of miles. For about $600-700 per person these folks purchased the option of unlimited flights wherever the airline goes. An imposed time limit still permitted travel all across the country and to Bermuda. I don't remember all the details, but those who had utilized the program loved it. And even though television gurus are telling us holiday air travel prices are up some 40% from last year, I am sure people will fill air fleets for Thanksgiving and Christmas trips. (I am paying almost twice what I normally pay to fly to Houston for the holiday.)
I knew a writer who only enjoyed train travel. He'd taken trains all over the U.S. but was especially fond of the European train system and had written several books about it. He'd fly to Europe than travel from country to country by rail. That's a concept that makes sense, because unlike airports, train stations in Europe are situated in the center of cities. European train stations usually double as shopping malls where you can pick up a lipstick, a pair of panty hose or a heavy jacket when cold air awaits. The trains are usually clean and on time and it is a sensible mode of travel.
Other people enjoy bus travel, a concept I've never really understood, but it's what turns them on.
You pay your money and you take your choice. The choices are many. But staying home? That's not one of them.
I wrote, the other day, about my love affair with cruising. I truly enjoy nothing more than being on a ship - not necessarily calling at port after port - but at sea. Maybe having breakfast on my terrace, doing laps around the deck, sitting outside with a good book, taking part in an enrichment lecture. It is my kind of travel.
But for hundreds of thousands of people air travel is the way to go. I saw a story in the Orlando Sentinel on Sunday about people who'd used that Jet Blue air pass to travel hundreds of thousands of miles. For about $600-700 per person these folks purchased the option of unlimited flights wherever the airline goes. An imposed time limit still permitted travel all across the country and to Bermuda. I don't remember all the details, but those who had utilized the program loved it. And even though television gurus are telling us holiday air travel prices are up some 40% from last year, I am sure people will fill air fleets for Thanksgiving and Christmas trips. (I am paying almost twice what I normally pay to fly to Houston for the holiday.)
I knew a writer who only enjoyed train travel. He'd taken trains all over the U.S. but was especially fond of the European train system and had written several books about it. He'd fly to Europe than travel from country to country by rail. That's a concept that makes sense, because unlike airports, train stations in Europe are situated in the center of cities. European train stations usually double as shopping malls where you can pick up a lipstick, a pair of panty hose or a heavy jacket when cold air awaits. The trains are usually clean and on time and it is a sensible mode of travel.
Other people enjoy bus travel, a concept I've never really understood, but it's what turns them on.
You pay your money and you take your choice. The choices are many. But staying home? That's not one of them.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . . Comfort
Yesterday a friend said "I still want to travel, but my choice is a cruise. That running through airports, packing and unpacking isn't appealing. I prefer a cruise."
Well, yeah.
A cruise is much easier and much more comfortable than a program of six cities in 10 days or flying 9 hours in a middle seat in coach. Then, when you get to your destination, force yourself to try and stay awake and get on to another time zone experience. Plus with today's dollar exchange rate? Travel overseas is a challenge.
I'm not even referencing age. But cruises make good sense for travelers of all ages.
And, a cruise is comfortable.
Unpack once, see what you choose to see, spend days at the pool, in the spa or the casino and basically do what you want to do. Sightsee in port or enjoy a cool drink in a local hot spot, make new friends or opt to go it alone. You can dance until dawn or take a sunrise hike around deck. The choice is yours.
But if your life-long goal has been to climb Mt. Everest, explore the Galapagos or wander through Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, do it. Make plans to realize that goal.
If you find those experiences a little too physical or too daunting, consider a cruise.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . .Or can be, downright silly.
I went into Bed, Bath and Beyond yesterday to replace a meat thermometer and found an amazing array of themometers to choose from. But I also found a display of luggage scales. Luggage scales!
Imagine a nation so terrified of airlines' baggage charges that travelers struggle to weigh their suitcases before leaving for an airport. Having to weigh bags at home is frankly nuts. Pack with discipline, it's not too hard.
In the last month I heard a story about a woman who was boarding a transAtlantic plane when the ticket agent told her she would have $150 in charges because her suitcase was too heavy. She encouraged my friend to go around the corner and buy another bag for $30 and carry it on.
Scenes of people repacking their luggage in public spaces at airports are common.
When I left Frankfurt for home, three weeks ago, I had accrued paper information on Germany that weighed over three pounds, for which I was being charged. Otherwise my luggage was exactly what I'd left home with. (Oh, I did buy a lipstick in a Hamburg department store, but that was in my purse.) Fortunately all the paper had been packed in an outside pocked and I passed off the offending paper I didn't need to the agent and flew home.
We are at the airlines' mercy. I truly am glad they are making money. I am happy when any business is successful, but this continuing luggage tyranny is rather silly.
But I have to go now, I have a plane to catch. And yes, I am checking my bag. But, I am flying Southwest. They don't charge!
I went into Bed, Bath and Beyond yesterday to replace a meat thermometer and found an amazing array of themometers to choose from. But I also found a display of luggage scales. Luggage scales!
Imagine a nation so terrified of airlines' baggage charges that travelers struggle to weigh their suitcases before leaving for an airport. Having to weigh bags at home is frankly nuts. Pack with discipline, it's not too hard.
In the last month I heard a story about a woman who was boarding a transAtlantic plane when the ticket agent told her she would have $150 in charges because her suitcase was too heavy. She encouraged my friend to go around the corner and buy another bag for $30 and carry it on.
Scenes of people repacking their luggage in public spaces at airports are common.
When I left Frankfurt for home, three weeks ago, I had accrued paper information on Germany that weighed over three pounds, for which I was being charged. Otherwise my luggage was exactly what I'd left home with. (Oh, I did buy a lipstick in a Hamburg department store, but that was in my purse.) Fortunately all the paper had been packed in an outside pocked and I passed off the offending paper I didn't need to the agent and flew home.
We are at the airlines' mercy. I truly am glad they are making money. I am happy when any business is successful, but this continuing luggage tyranny is rather silly.
But I have to go now, I have a plane to catch. And yes, I am checking my bag. But, I am flying Southwest. They don't charge!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . .Meeting yourself coming and going
About 15 years ago I interviewed a woman who, at the time, lived here in South Florida. She had created the Women's Travel Club a few years earlier. It is a travel group for women of all ages who for a variety of reasons don't want to travel alone and/or don't have a companion to accompany them.
The Club was made up of women of all ages -- women with husbands who couldn't or wouldn't travel, and single women who wanted to see the world. The just didn't want to travel alone. I remember writing about the differences in lives of the women who traveled with the Club, the very different parts of the world they visited and the serendipity of meeting a need.
The founder, Phyllis Stoller, loved to travel. Her husband wasn't quite as enthralled with the traveling life. Phyllis and I kept in touch for years. After my husband passed away three years ago I developed even more respect for the concept of arranging travel experiences for women.
I had lost contact with Phyllis and couldn't find a way of reaching her.
While my work had empowered me to travel alone - I have been doing so for many years - I suddenly understood what a single women faced and how daunting it must be to someone who had never booked a cruise, made airline reservations or traveled alone.
Last week I received an e-mail from Women's Travel Club and, by phone, suddenly reconnected with Phyllis.
She had moved to the northeast, sold the Club to Club ABC Tours and was only recently back working with Women's Travel Club. After catching up on our personal lives, she told me about a few of the current offerings including a pair exciting cruises on Voyages of Antiquities next spring and summer; a trip to India in January; offerings to Ecuador and the Galapagos; Egypt, and Ixtapan Resort and Spa and Mexico.
The group is still successful and she says the all-inclusive prices are popular. For example, several cruises offer single supplements without the high cost usually associated with these accommodations. Among the many women who have traveled with the Club over the years are a 13-year-old girl and women in their 80s.
For more information on traveling with other women, go to www.womenstravelclub.com or call 800-400-4448.
About 15 years ago I interviewed a woman who, at the time, lived here in South Florida. She had created the Women's Travel Club a few years earlier. It is a travel group for women of all ages who for a variety of reasons don't want to travel alone and/or don't have a companion to accompany them.
The Club was made up of women of all ages -- women with husbands who couldn't or wouldn't travel, and single women who wanted to see the world. The just didn't want to travel alone. I remember writing about the differences in lives of the women who traveled with the Club, the very different parts of the world they visited and the serendipity of meeting a need.
The founder, Phyllis Stoller, loved to travel. Her husband wasn't quite as enthralled with the traveling life. Phyllis and I kept in touch for years. After my husband passed away three years ago I developed even more respect for the concept of arranging travel experiences for women.
I had lost contact with Phyllis and couldn't find a way of reaching her.
While my work had empowered me to travel alone - I have been doing so for many years - I suddenly understood what a single women faced and how daunting it must be to someone who had never booked a cruise, made airline reservations or traveled alone.
Last week I received an e-mail from Women's Travel Club and, by phone, suddenly reconnected with Phyllis.
She had moved to the northeast, sold the Club to Club ABC Tours and was only recently back working with Women's Travel Club. After catching up on our personal lives, she told me about a few of the current offerings including a pair exciting cruises on Voyages of Antiquities next spring and summer; a trip to India in January; offerings to Ecuador and the Galapagos; Egypt, and Ixtapan Resort and Spa and Mexico.
The group is still successful and she says the all-inclusive prices are popular. For example, several cruises offer single supplements without the high cost usually associated with these accommodations. Among the many women who have traveled with the Club over the years are a 13-year-old girl and women in their 80s.
For more information on traveling with other women, go to www.womenstravelclub.com or call 800-400-4448.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . . Addictive
Yes, travel can become a way of life. When your work takes you on the road with great regularity you live by a concept of either time to plan or pack for a trip, unpack and recover from a trip. or think down the road to the next travels on your dance card. Your normal life -- visits with friends, doctor's appointments and chores around the house -- often get put on hold. But while it is a way of life that many people can't understand, it is a perfectly normal way of life for those of us who enjoy the nomadic existence.
A friend visted this weekend, a friend who had also been in Germany with me earlier this month. We discussed our various tours and experiences in Germany and looked ahead to next year's Society of American Travel Writer's convention in New Zealand. We got a kick out of planning a year ahead of time what we'll do when to get to the other side of the world.
New Zealand is an ambitious trip, long hours of flight time and a long, long away from home. (When it is noon on the East Coast it is 5 AM the next day in New Zealand.)
I suppose we are travel junkies who can't seem to keep away from airports and travel plans.
I know many people think this work is glamorous and exciting. Getting to an airport at 5:30 AM isn't either, nor is dragging heavy suitcases through train aisles or winding up in the last room a hotel has to offer and the offering is poor at best. It's not fun to find out there's a mechanical problem, the plane is late or the crew has worked too many hours. It is unpleasant to discover the restaurant is closed, room service will take two hours or water will be shut off until noon.
These all happen, but so does life. While it may be simpler to sit home and watch mindless television, leaving your comfort zone for other vistas can be a wonderful existence. And people are traveling - when was the last time you saw empty seats on a plane?
Travel is what I do, it's not life-altering or will it impact mankind. It will, however, broaden my experiences and allow me to share these experiences with readers. In the process, I hope to convince others to head for the train, bus, cruiseship or airport and enjoy the mind-expanding joy of visiting new places and seeing new sites.
But a cautionary statement. Watch out! It can be addictive.
Yes, travel can become a way of life. When your work takes you on the road with great regularity you live by a concept of either time to plan or pack for a trip, unpack and recover from a trip. or think down the road to the next travels on your dance card. Your normal life -- visits with friends, doctor's appointments and chores around the house -- often get put on hold. But while it is a way of life that many people can't understand, it is a perfectly normal way of life for those of us who enjoy the nomadic existence.
A friend visted this weekend, a friend who had also been in Germany with me earlier this month. We discussed our various tours and experiences in Germany and looked ahead to next year's Society of American Travel Writer's convention in New Zealand. We got a kick out of planning a year ahead of time what we'll do when to get to the other side of the world.
New Zealand is an ambitious trip, long hours of flight time and a long, long away from home. (When it is noon on the East Coast it is 5 AM the next day in New Zealand.)
I suppose we are travel junkies who can't seem to keep away from airports and travel plans.
I know many people think this work is glamorous and exciting. Getting to an airport at 5:30 AM isn't either, nor is dragging heavy suitcases through train aisles or winding up in the last room a hotel has to offer and the offering is poor at best. It's not fun to find out there's a mechanical problem, the plane is late or the crew has worked too many hours. It is unpleasant to discover the restaurant is closed, room service will take two hours or water will be shut off until noon.
These all happen, but so does life. While it may be simpler to sit home and watch mindless television, leaving your comfort zone for other vistas can be a wonderful existence. And people are traveling - when was the last time you saw empty seats on a plane?
Travel is what I do, it's not life-altering or will it impact mankind. It will, however, broaden my experiences and allow me to share these experiences with readers. In the process, I hope to convince others to head for the train, bus, cruiseship or airport and enjoy the mind-expanding joy of visiting new places and seeing new sites.
But a cautionary statement. Watch out! It can be addictive.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . . A sense of history.
And the recent launch of Cunard's Queen Elizabeth is a case in point.
Consider the first Queen Elizabeth was introduced in 1938. The second ship, known as QE2, debuted in 1967. In early October the third vessel to bear the name came on line. Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth was 12 years old, and present, when her mother named the first liner, she named the second as well as the most recent. I think that's wonderful. Talk about a sense of continuity!
These are incredible ships. I have only seen photos so far of the naming ceremony and of the vessel itself, but Queen Elizabeth - Her Majesty and the vessel - look marvelous. I have sailed aboard QE2 and Queen Mary and was onboard Queen Victoria when she was named in Southampton Harbor. I will visit Queen Elizabeth in January and am already looking forward to it.
I know the cache of these vessels and the Cunard name. Sailing aboard these ships are not merely transAtlantic crossings or cruises, they are experiences.
I lectured aboard QE2 to Brits about the British-accented islands of Barbados and the Bahamas in the early 1990s. At the time I had published guidebooks to Caribbean and Atlantic islands. It was a far-less electronically sophisticated time - no powerpoint, for example.
My husband used a slide carousal and I cued him to change the slides. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. My audience was immensely supportive and the ship's staff amazing. The ship itself was wonderful. I loved the elegance of the ship, tea time, the concept of dressing to the nines for dinner and the lovely Harrod's deparment store on board.
It was a sea-going experience I won't forget and the sense of continuity and history England's monarch has lent to the new ship, is a wonderful bonus.
Long live the Queen!
And the recent launch of Cunard's Queen Elizabeth is a case in point.
Consider the first Queen Elizabeth was introduced in 1938. The second ship, known as QE2, debuted in 1967. In early October the third vessel to bear the name came on line. Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth was 12 years old, and present, when her mother named the first liner, she named the second as well as the most recent. I think that's wonderful. Talk about a sense of continuity!
These are incredible ships. I have only seen photos so far of the naming ceremony and of the vessel itself, but Queen Elizabeth - Her Majesty and the vessel - look marvelous. I have sailed aboard QE2 and Queen Mary and was onboard Queen Victoria when she was named in Southampton Harbor. I will visit Queen Elizabeth in January and am already looking forward to it.
I know the cache of these vessels and the Cunard name. Sailing aboard these ships are not merely transAtlantic crossings or cruises, they are experiences.
I lectured aboard QE2 to Brits about the British-accented islands of Barbados and the Bahamas in the early 1990s. At the time I had published guidebooks to Caribbean and Atlantic islands. It was a far-less electronically sophisticated time - no powerpoint, for example.
My husband used a slide carousal and I cued him to change the slides. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. My audience was immensely supportive and the ship's staff amazing. The ship itself was wonderful. I loved the elegance of the ship, tea time, the concept of dressing to the nines for dinner and the lovely Harrod's deparment store on board.
It was a sea-going experience I won't forget and the sense of continuity and history England's monarch has lent to the new ship, is a wonderful bonus.
Long live the Queen!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . .Consistency
For quite a few years now, South Florida has been the site of an annual boat show . I don't mean the kind where you choose a boat you want to own.
No, these boat shows are a parade of lovely new cruise ships joining an existing fleet of vessels and offering the newest, largest, most exotic, (supply you own superlatives, they'll all fit) amenities at sea. Really, it is a competitive business and in-room amenities, variety of eating venues and entertainment offerings are a sea-going version of the can-you-top-this concept.
Earlier this year Silversea Cruises launched the elegant Silver Spirit and last summer Norwegian Cruise Lines debuted Epic, a wonderful new ship with wall-to-wall entertainment. In mid-November top-drawer Seabourn Cruises will introduce the intimate and gracious Seabourn Sojourn and a few days later Royal Caribbean shows off its new Allure of the Seas, a sister to the popular and year-old Oasis of the Seas. A few weeks ago the venerable Cunard Line introduced its third ship with the regal name and majesty of Queen Elizabeth.
More are scheduled to sail from Port Everglades and Port of Miami later this year, but it's a parade that, as a cruise writer and a cruise aficionado, warms my heart.
I strongly believe a cruise vacation is the easiest means of travel. It is a way of seeing the world without schlepping through security and customs at airports, flying long hours and dragging luggage in and out of hotels. On a cruise you unpack once, and voila! That's it.
And while the basic cruise and meals is all-inclusive, a per-person, per-day fee for tips is added to your bill at the end of the cruise. It is still an great value.
So while I wait to review this new generation of ships, let me tell you "I love a parade."
For quite a few years now, South Florida has been the site of an annual boat show . I don't mean the kind where you choose a boat you want to own.
No, these boat shows are a parade of lovely new cruise ships joining an existing fleet of vessels and offering the newest, largest, most exotic, (supply you own superlatives, they'll all fit) amenities at sea. Really, it is a competitive business and in-room amenities, variety of eating venues and entertainment offerings are a sea-going version of the can-you-top-this concept.
Earlier this year Silversea Cruises launched the elegant Silver Spirit and last summer Norwegian Cruise Lines debuted Epic, a wonderful new ship with wall-to-wall entertainment. In mid-November top-drawer Seabourn Cruises will introduce the intimate and gracious Seabourn Sojourn and a few days later Royal Caribbean shows off its new Allure of the Seas, a sister to the popular and year-old Oasis of the Seas. A few weeks ago the venerable Cunard Line introduced its third ship with the regal name and majesty of Queen Elizabeth.
More are scheduled to sail from Port Everglades and Port of Miami later this year, but it's a parade that, as a cruise writer and a cruise aficionado, warms my heart.
I strongly believe a cruise vacation is the easiest means of travel. It is a way of seeing the world without schlepping through security and customs at airports, flying long hours and dragging luggage in and out of hotels. On a cruise you unpack once, and voila! That's it.
And while the basic cruise and meals is all-inclusive, a per-person, per-day fee for tips is added to your bill at the end of the cruise. It is still an great value.
So while I wait to review this new generation of ships, let me tell you "I love a parade."
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Travel is . . .
...NOT about fear.
I arrived in Germany three weeks ago. A couple of hours later I took a train from Frankfurt to Hamburg. After an all-night flight and a four-hour train ride, I was grateful to get into my room, my tub and my bed in that order.
I slept for about two hours and turned on TV. BBC World informed me that the U.S. State Department had issued a travel advisory for Germany, France and the UK based on possible terrorist attacks and that the terrorist cell was located in, drum roll please, Hamburg. I knew that the news would make the Sunday morning talk shows, so I hooked up by trusty laptop and emailed friends and family that I was fine and would be careful. Within a few hours one of my sons had responded, "when are you flying home."
I didn't leave. I didn't feel fear. I have a rather fatalistic outlook that what will happen will happen, and while I don't take risks, I do try to be cautious. Obviously, while I enjoyed my more than two weeks in Germany and the UK, (I am saving France for the next trip,) I got home all in one piece. In the mean time I toured some fascinating places in Europe.
Frankly, the concept of bed bugs frightens me more.
About a month or so ago I met a woman in the Atlanta airport. It was a Saturday evening and while we waited for our flight to Fort Lauderdale she told me about her business. She is an account manager for a line of medical-related products and carries something called Organic Avenger Natural Bed-Bug Killer. Any travelers to any city these days has heard about the threat - and bed-bugs aren't only in low-rent hotels. Properties at all price points have been infested and I have seen stories about the bugs on television in four different cities in recent months..
My new friend sent me a sample of a small aerosol spray the kills the bugs without staining bedding or using harmful chemicals.
It's a wonderful insurance policy and I am delighted to have it. So far, those little rascals haven't been on my dance card, but I am fearful. I am very afraid.
But travel in general, no. Not really.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . . Often completely unexpected.
It's the totally out-of-the-blue situation that pops up every now and then. It's an OMG moment and extremely unusual, like unexpectedly running into your college roomate in Switzerland.
I purchased an Ipod before leaving for Europe. All my kids and grandkids have them and I love music and had hours of travel time ahead of me, so I bought one for myself. It took my 10-year-old grandson seemingly seconds to program it. He paused only to ask for my credit card number.
The Ipod was exactly what I wanted and was wonderful company on the flight to Frankfurt.
I used it on several long bus tours in Germany only to find I was providing entertainment for my fellow travelers. No one ever told me that singing along to your music is an embarassment. I found out when I heard everyone on the bus laughing and discovered it was me they were laughing at!
The lesson learned? Singing isn't part of my skill set, and tapping my fingers might be a better choice.
I evidently did not pack it when leaving Leipzig for Frankfurt. At the Steigenberger Hotel at the Frankfurt Airport I completely unpacked. No Ipod. I was frantic and called the Leipzig Westin and was connected to a wonderful employee who checked her records and sure enough, an Ipod had been found in my room. I explained that I was going to London but would be back at the Steigenberger on Sunday. Not only did she find it, but packaged it carefully in bubble wrap and corrugated paper, and when I returned to the airport hotel it was waiting for me.
Serendipity? You betcha! Would that happen in your home town? Would an MP3 player be found and returned so promptly and graciously? I'm not sure.
I thanked my new found friend at the Westin, and flew home with my favorite music in my ears.
Only this time I didn't sing along.
It's the totally out-of-the-blue situation that pops up every now and then. It's an OMG moment and extremely unusual, like unexpectedly running into your college roomate in Switzerland.
I purchased an Ipod before leaving for Europe. All my kids and grandkids have them and I love music and had hours of travel time ahead of me, so I bought one for myself. It took my 10-year-old grandson seemingly seconds to program it. He paused only to ask for my credit card number.
The Ipod was exactly what I wanted and was wonderful company on the flight to Frankfurt.
I used it on several long bus tours in Germany only to find I was providing entertainment for my fellow travelers. No one ever told me that singing along to your music is an embarassment. I found out when I heard everyone on the bus laughing and discovered it was me they were laughing at!
The lesson learned? Singing isn't part of my skill set, and tapping my fingers might be a better choice.
I evidently did not pack it when leaving Leipzig for Frankfurt. At the Steigenberger Hotel at the Frankfurt Airport I completely unpacked. No Ipod. I was frantic and called the Leipzig Westin and was connected to a wonderful employee who checked her records and sure enough, an Ipod had been found in my room. I explained that I was going to London but would be back at the Steigenberger on Sunday. Not only did she find it, but packaged it carefully in bubble wrap and corrugated paper, and when I returned to the airport hotel it was waiting for me.
Serendipity? You betcha! Would that happen in your home town? Would an MP3 player be found and returned so promptly and graciously? I'm not sure.
I thanked my new found friend at the Westin, and flew home with my favorite music in my ears.
Only this time I didn't sing along.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Travel is . . .
. . . . A hard habit to break.
Sometimes that break is forced upon us: Maybe it's a job change, sickness or surgery, or loss of a loved one. Any life-altering experience will prompt a change in habits.
Short version: I had a back problem, had surgery, recovered and hit the road in August after a three month break. In the process I neglected this blog but it is good to be back. And I am really back.
Literally.
I just returned from two-and-a-half weeks in Germany and a weekend in London to visit a grandson going to school there. I went to Germany for a Society of American Travel Writers Convention in Dresden and Leipzig.
Before the convention I spent five days in Hamburg. The trip entrailed four train and four plane rides, three boat excursions including an exciting sail on the River Weser from Hamburg to Bremerhaven. It was a culturally and historically interesting time and included visiting the new Beatles Square in Hamburg, exciting and memorable emigration museums in Bremerhaven and Hamburg, the regal Dresden Museum or a tiny town named Markneukirchen - the Music Town - in a corner where Bavaria, Bohemia and Germany meet in the former GDR. The townsfolk have made musical instruments since the 1670s and we had the opportunity to interview a 50-something violin-maker who continues the process.
My mind is still reeling, but the trip - though tiring - provided terrific information. Seeing my SATW friends - and the collegial feeling we share - was fun, and now it is time to put things in perspective.
I hope to do that soon, and I will share some of these experiences in the next few days.
As I said to my dry cleaner this morning, it was a wonderful trip, but it's good to be back home.
Sometimes that break is forced upon us: Maybe it's a job change, sickness or surgery, or loss of a loved one. Any life-altering experience will prompt a change in habits.
Short version: I had a back problem, had surgery, recovered and hit the road in August after a three month break. In the process I neglected this blog but it is good to be back. And I am really back.
Literally.
I just returned from two-and-a-half weeks in Germany and a weekend in London to visit a grandson going to school there. I went to Germany for a Society of American Travel Writers Convention in Dresden and Leipzig.
Before the convention I spent five days in Hamburg. The trip entrailed four train and four plane rides, three boat excursions including an exciting sail on the River Weser from Hamburg to Bremerhaven. It was a culturally and historically interesting time and included visiting the new Beatles Square in Hamburg, exciting and memorable emigration museums in Bremerhaven and Hamburg, the regal Dresden Museum or a tiny town named Markneukirchen - the Music Town - in a corner where Bavaria, Bohemia and Germany meet in the former GDR. The townsfolk have made musical instruments since the 1670s and we had the opportunity to interview a 50-something violin-maker who continues the process.
My mind is still reeling, but the trip - though tiring - provided terrific information. Seeing my SATW friends - and the collegial feeling we share - was fun, and now it is time to put things in perspective.
I hope to do that soon, and I will share some of these experiences in the next few days.
As I said to my dry cleaner this morning, it was a wonderful trip, but it's good to be back home.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Travel is
Travel is...
Change. It is one of the many interesting things I enjoy about travel, the change in scenery, opportunity to learn something new, see something different, meet new people, and share my experiences with others.
Some changes are easier to deal with than others and technology has sometimes been a hard sell as far as I'm concerned.
I recently bought a new cell phone and have mastered the texting thing, although I am still amazed that I can access the Internet on a phone not much bigger than a business card. I had another interesting technological moment the other day. I was at the doctor's office and while waiting for her, I finished the book I was reading. I only had one or two books left on my Kindle which I hadn't yet read, and none appealed to me. In her examining room (which obviously had wi-fi), I purchased two new mystery novels from Amazon, they were beamed to my Kindle in seconds and I almost immediately received notice on my cell phone that I'd purchased the two items.
Now the office no doubt contains hundreds of thousands of dollars of sophisticated medical equipment, but those two high-tech moments symbolized the changes in technology that I have come to enjoy. (Okay, I may not totally understand it all, but I do enjoy.)
It seems a fitting way to embrace the new decade, to embrace new technologies and new ways to look at things.
And they are always interesting.
Change. It is one of the many interesting things I enjoy about travel, the change in scenery, opportunity to learn something new, see something different, meet new people, and share my experiences with others.
Some changes are easier to deal with than others and technology has sometimes been a hard sell as far as I'm concerned.
I recently bought a new cell phone and have mastered the texting thing, although I am still amazed that I can access the Internet on a phone not much bigger than a business card. I had another interesting technological moment the other day. I was at the doctor's office and while waiting for her, I finished the book I was reading. I only had one or two books left on my Kindle which I hadn't yet read, and none appealed to me. In her examining room (which obviously had wi-fi), I purchased two new mystery novels from Amazon, they were beamed to my Kindle in seconds and I almost immediately received notice on my cell phone that I'd purchased the two items.
Now the office no doubt contains hundreds of thousands of dollars of sophisticated medical equipment, but those two high-tech moments symbolized the changes in technology that I have come to enjoy. (Okay, I may not totally understand it all, but I do enjoy.)
It seems a fitting way to embrace the new decade, to embrace new technologies and new ways to look at things.
And they are always interesting.
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