Travel is . . .

. . . Where little things mean a lot

An article in Sunday's Sun-Sentinel by Josh Noel of Tribune Newspapers addressed the upturn in amenities at hotels across the country - and across all price points.

The concept of "amenities" has changed.

I can probably find a dozen bottles of body lotions from hotels and cruise ships here at any given time; and such necessities as lip balm and eye shades salvaged from international flights; playing cards, ear buds, tote bags of all sizes and shapes and countless other items I thought wonderful when I received them. I remember an elegant bottle of sunscreen gifted on a Seabourn cruise; a small tote with great inside pockets from Swiss Air with which I travel regularly and other amenities that meant - and still mean - a lot.

But times change.

According to the article the most requested amenity today is complimentary wireless in hotels. (Many airlines are also offering wireless.) Travelers also want to find state-of-the-art fitness centers and complimentary breakast offerings that are more than a roll and coffee.

Some cruise lines offer the use of iPhones, iPads, etc. to tour art collections or order from a menu. Most hotels offer docking for MP3 players.

Since business travelers set the standard for hotel offerings, leisure travelers benefit from what hotels have offered. It's a win-win situation and a sign of the times.

A good sign!