Archive for » 2011 «

Nov
11th		   How the European Debt Crisis Would Affect Your Travel
Leave a Comment Category: Greece, Travel Tags: ,

The Greek tragedy playing out on the international stage has not only caused market volatility – what if you yourself are thinking of travel to Greece? And now – Italy also?

These countries have burdensome outstanding debts, and austerity measures would cause increases in income taxes and cuts in public spending.

So what should you be prepared for?

1) The best thing to do if you are planning a trip to either country is buy trip insurance that would cover any reason to cancel. We’ve seen the strikes and protests that can be disruptive to transportation, and others could shut down tourist sites. If this happens right before you are to leave, you can postpone your trip if you buy the right kind of insurance. You can count on insurance to cost about 5% of your trip.

2) Bring cash. You may find that locals aren’t taking credit cards because of the distrust of the banks.

3) Be flexible and aware that things could change while you are there – certain places (restaurants, hotels, sites) could close during slower shoulder seasons because it is not worth it to stay open. You may also encounter  protests while on your trip, so be aware as well a flexible.

4) If you are playing for your nice vacation with money in the stock market – take out the vacation money and put it in savings! As we have seen, investors have had a roller coaster ride.

5) It just may be slower and less crowded in Greece with all the turmoil…that is a good thing!

Have a great weekend -

 
Nov
02nd		   Bicoastal Beans Taking on Starbucks – Look For Them
Leave a Comment Category: California, San Francisco, Travel Tags:

One thing I love about traveling is having coffee all around the world. And I’m not talking about running to the local Starbucks in Paris.

No surprise, but in the Bay Area, the buzz is all about another bean breakthrough. Don’t all delicious new food movements come from San Francisco? (OK so after living there for 9 years, I am biased.)

It is called Blue Bottle, and yes folks, it is a courageous coffee shop taking on the Starbucks’ of the world… and by the looks of the lines out the door at the downtown San Francisco shop, they are on their way.

Why should I write about this? For one, if you are a coffee seeker like I am, Blue Bottle makes amazing coffee – totally fresh, and beans grown pesticide free. They say they get their beans from the fields to their customers within 48 hours. You can TOTALLY taste the difference – the coffee is deep, and not bitter. They started out in farmer’s markets, and attracted customers who are passionate about food.

My friends and I were laughing – and you must be warned – they are serious about their java. Don’t even think about ordering a half caff double skim eggnog latte….

My friend tried ordering a single shot latte, and was stared down. Guess she missed the sign above.

The Coffee Nazis have arrived.. Although, they are kinder and gentler on their website, stating they “offer elderly and pregnant women seats on the bus…and brush and floss daily.”  Gotta love coffee makers percolating with personality.

Blue Bottle is worth a trip – there are a few dozen of them opened on each coast – Bay Area and New York. Check the website for more. And remember – no special orders :)

 
Oct
28th		   Happy 125th Birthday…
Leave a Comment Category: New York, Travel Tags: , ,

..to Lady Liberty!

Today is the anniversary of the Statue of Liberty dedication  on Oct 28, 1886. There will be all sorts of celebrations today… but take note – starting tomorrow the interior areas of the statue will be closed while upgrades are made. When completed, the statue will have new stairways and elevators. Make sure to check the website before you go to check on progress if you really want to go inside.  http://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm.

On a recent trip to New York, we saw the Statue of Liberty…

but from the Staten Island Ferry. If you have young kids, a full day on Liberty Island and inside the statue can be a little long since you are at the mercy of a ferry schedule. The Staten Island Ferry is free, you pick it up from Battery Park. It is a quick trip with a good view, and although you won’t get the educational audio tour, you can find all kinds of kids’ materials to teach them about the landmark.

During this renovation, views of Lady Liberty from land and sea will not be obstructed, so you still will be able to see her from the Staten Island ferry.

Have a great weekend!

 
Oct
25th		   Travel Tip Tuesday: The Buzz about Packing Liquids in Your Luggage
Leave a Comment Category: Airline policies, Travel, WIne, Winetasting abroad Tags: , ,

The TSA’s air travel moniker 3-1-1 has been in place to regulate liquids in carry on bags for about 5 years now. It says you can’t pack a liquid, gel, or aerosol  that is larger than 3.4 ounces, and each traveler is allowed 1 Ziploc bag full of their 3.4 oz sized products.(that Ziploc bag can’t be larger than 1 quart.)

The reason the TSA wants you to put it all in one clear bag is so the line moves faster, and luggage doesn’t have to be searched.

Yet, I still see so many large tubes of toothpaste being confiscated! Are people forgetting.. or still confused? Gels and aerosols may not be an obvious part of the rule to some travelers.

I have been in California’s wine country the past couple of weekends, and another murky area dawned on me… It is a gorgeous time to be in wine country – harvest in full bloom.

Thus, this is a popular time to visit. But how can you bring the wine home from some of those boutique wineries you love that aren’t in major wine emporiums?

The TSA DOES allow you to pack wine in your checked bags – that scares me a bit because I’ve seen how “careful” some of those baggage handlers are. Then we are also limited in just how many bottles we can bring back by how many will fit in our suitcase.

Coming home from Napa and Sonoma, I saw some smart travel solutions. There are some durable bags made especially for transporting wine home. Of course, with airlines charging for extra bags, you should see if it is cheaper to ship wine home. But first check out the interstate shipping laws – your state may not allow it, or limit how much you can ship. You should also check with your airline to see if there is a limit.

So – if packing the wine sounds good to you – and let’s face it, it is fun to bring home the wine yourself, right after you’ve had a great time tasting – here are some helpful packing solutions.

This wine carrier called the winecruzer is available through www.casesbypelican.com/wine-carrier.htm.

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This aluminum one ensures safe delivery and is available through www.portlandwinegear.com – around $300.

If you don’t want to bring home more than  a bottle or two, then stowing them in your checked bag may be your best bet – but nothing worse than wine-stained clothes… so I’d recommend these for your precious goods:

The Wine Mummy – a padded bag for packing, available through www.winemummy.com …. and check out the vinni bag on www.magellans.com.

If you have any other questions regarding TSA air travel regulations, go to www.tsa.gov.

Cheers to happy and safe travels.

 
Oct
21st		   Hotel of the Week: Laid Back, Old Fashioned, Family Retreat where Lighthouses and Lobster Abound.
Leave a Comment Category: Cool Hotels, Family Travel, Luxury Travel, Maine, Travel, hotels Tags: , ,

Inn By Th Sea, Portland, Maine

This hotel is off-the-beaten-path, but still has won accolades from travel magazines… and anyone who knows of it. It is “The Inn by the Sea,” in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. I had always wanted to visit the coast of Maine, and this hotel won me over by it’s non-pompous attitude, and location: on the stunning coastline, but just a 10 minute drive into quaint Portland, Maine – the state’s largest city.

I did mention non-pompous didn’t I? When you pull up to this truly grand resort, it has a humble but pretty curb appeal.. and no valet parking. As a matter of fact, the parking is free. How often do you visit an upscale establishment offering that?

The lobby is inviting… and in the bar area there are daily drinks put out – coffee for guests in the morning… tea in the afternoon… and you can have a glass of wine into early evening by the cozy fireplace.

But what captivated my family the most when visiting is the huge grass field in the back, where we spent much time playing soccer and volleyball. The Adirondack chairs dotting the lawn made it feel tranquil… you could sit there to rest and enjoy the view and the sound of children’s laughter.

The games don’t end there – the bocce court is a nice touch – a game everyone can enjoy.

There is a pool near the grass yard – but beware – this is New England, so the solar heating isn’t always generating warm pool water. So when you look at the website thinking you can rest by the pool all day while your kids swim, make sure you visit during a sunny heatwave! On the other hand, the beautiful beach is just a short walk down a path.

The dining room is lovely and the food is gourmet and local fare… can you say blueberry martinis? (Blueberries are big in Maine!)

We did venture out to Portland for dinner it was so close and is a very cute town. If you visit, you really should get out to Portland. Very clean and charming, with unique boutiques and not many chain stores.

Breakfast, well – when you have kids you don’t have as many options – to drive to Portland right when you wake up doesn’t sound to leisurely, and with hungry kids, impractical. We ate breakfast at the hotel on the lovely veranda. It is a beautiful setting – we only wished there was a children’s menu so you don’ t have to pay $7 for a bagel for them.

The service is stellar – some of the nicest and most helpful people work there. My camera lens broke and I wanted to get it fixed, so they looked into it and got me the info. We needed to switch hotels in our next destination when we were there, and the director of publicity researched some options that may be good for our family before I even had an opportunity to think of something.

Overall, staying at the Inn by the Sea is a relaxing experience but there are activities nearby if you want to partake – kayaking, whale watching, lobster fishing are all “so” Maine. The only thing I would have liked to have done is have a clam bake… but that just gives me a good reason to go back. :)

What to do in Maine:

Summer and Spring: all sorts of outdoor activities. L.L. Bean can hook you up with guides for kayaking, birdwatching, etc..There’s also lobster fishing, and hanging out on a beach.

Winter: winter carnivals, snowmobiling,  and ice fishing

Fall: leaf peeping of course!

www.innbythesea.com

 
Oct
20th		   Do You Ever Disagree on Where to Go on Vacation? Here Are Some Solutions…
Leave a Comment Category: Costa Rica, Family Travel, Italy, Mexico, Travel Tags: , ,

I am a member of Homeexchange.com – meaning I am able to receive offers from avid travelers all over the world to exchange houses at some point. It is totally fun fantasizing about visiting some of the places from which I receive offers.

Interior Gardens and Pool: Terrace, master, living room kitchen, and dining room to the left; two bedrooms, library and TV room straight ahead.

So the other day, when I received a too-good-to-be-true request to exchange with the palatial home above  in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, I was all over it. San Miguel de Allende may not be up there say with London or Paris as one of the top five places to visit, but  I have read and heard so much about it, I have been itching to go…and this was a free place to stay for a couple weeks.

In the words of Lyle Lovett, I thought this was a “dream made to order, south of the border…” until I proposed it to m y husband for our family vacation. To my surprise, the response was a flat out “No.” Not a “Let’s think about it…or Maybe..” but “NO.”  Hasta la vista Mexico. He had no interest, didn’t think it would be good for the kids, etc.

Really? Even though he relies on and trusts my travel knowledge, and I plan the trips,  he wouldn’t budge.

I am always up for any kind of trip and ready for an adventure, but I am sure this happens in a lot in families. So I called upon my travel agent slash family travel therapist John Clifford for some advice. (InternationalTravelManagement.com) He suggests:

1) One partner gets to choose the current destination (say, a summer vacation) and the next trip, the other partner chooses (say a holiday trip,or next vacation).

2) The couple agrees to choose a “neutral” third destination that they jointly agree upon.

3)Choose a destination  that “hits all the passion points” and tends to please most all couples. A few are:

Costa Rica: Abundant nature with immense rainforests teeming with wildlife, breathtaking beaches, affordable & romantic resorts, endless beaches, mountains, rivers & valleys, exciting adventures, seems to please even the most picky couple.

Mexico: Vibrant culture, colonial cities full of charm, ancient Mayan ruins, culinary delights, resorts that run from boutique to over the top, beaches that blind the eye, the country has it all. (Uh, John…can you please place a call to my husband on this?? LOL)

Italy: Who doesn’t love Italy, whether you’re a movie star, or a couple taking your first trip together? The cradle of civilization boasts iconic cities from coasts, to mountains, artists such as da Vinci and Michelangelo, islands with spewing volcanoes, to other worldly Venice with her gondolas, the infamous Roman Empire and her ruins, or the Lake District’s belle of swanky, Lake Como. With millennia of history dating back to the 9th century BC, art, culture, and dreamscapes of Italy seduce both men & women.  Italy once ruled the world, and it often overpowers visitors with a heady mix of more than the average mind can comprehend.

My suggestion -go to a region that offers both beach and culture or beach and city. The French Riviera worked for us – our first home exchange.

There are so many fantastic places in the world to travel, if you just take some time to think about it, you and your partner are bound to find something to satisfy all tastes. Now – who wants to join me in San Miguel de Allende?

 
Oct
18th		   Check out THE Hot New Winery in Sonoma…
Leave a Comment Category: California, Travel, WIne Tags: , ,

I haven’t been this excited by something in the travel industry in a long time. Ram’s Gate Winery, which just opened a few weeks ago in Sonoma, is bound to cause some buzz…It is unlike any other winery I have ever visited  in the world.

You don’t have to love wine to automatically feel like you are somewhere special… there is plenty to admire in the architecture, design, and food.

One can’t help but be drawn into the Ram’s Gate experience by the sheer design – contemporary decor in a country setting – a dramatic Calacatta marble slab bar for tasting… cozy furniture for mingling… eclectic and interesting pairings of furnishings in a 22,000 sq foot barn setting.

The  massive floor-to-ceiling glass “walls” that open to sweeping vineyard and bay views bring the outdoors very much indoors. Designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy – brilliant.

The winery is open 10-6PM… but cozy up to the fireplace..

or lounge in the private library… and there is no reason you can’t stay all day and hang out with friends. You can even request a picnic lunch to take down to the nearby lake…. but there is a fantastic tasting menu if you stay at the winery.

On the tasting menu, each wine is listed with appropriate foods.  I had a private dinner there recently, and got to experience the exquisitely paired food and wine – the 2009 Zinfandel with the dark chocolate olive oil and goat cheese cake with orange zest (and I dislike chocolate with orange) was insane.

Oenophiles, who may be more into the wine than the design and food, take note: the wine offerings are darn good too. There are mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir… from single and estate vineyard (Some from Durell Vineyard – I’m a fan.) You can try a flight if you like.

The wines, priced from $25-$75/bottle, will be sold exclusively at the winery and via the winery website and wine membership.

Guests can experience the winery in a multitude of ways, and the staff is there to create tailored experiences for its visitors – drop in for an impromptu tasting, reserve the private wine parlor for a wine and food pairing, or celebrate an occasion over a wine dinner with friends. The open kitchen will offer guests the opportunity to learn about how Ram’s Gate wines pair with food, even getting the chance to cook alongside the chef.

Now… Since they host private parties for 6 people to 600, I am looking for an excuse to have a soiree there. Anyone else game? I am SO there. You should be too.

www.ramsgatewinery.com - just 35 minutes from San Francisco.

 
Oct
12th		   Can You Go Unplugged While On Vacation?
Leave a Comment Category: Technology, Travel Tags:

Have you ever taken a trip and not checked email, phone messages, or social media?

On a recent trip, I went completely unplugged for about two weeks. Well, almost. I admit I did carry my phone so I could receive texts from people I told I would be unavailable, and I did send two urgent emails.

The other day, while waiting for a plane, I looked around me and everyone was on their mobile phones texting, talking, or emailing.

According to TripAdvisor, many of us use social media while traveling – 71% check Facebook on a daily basis. Some 60% of us regularly post -sharing photos or other travel experiences – while on the road. So why do we even need a travel companion when you have a whole built in group of friends traveling “with you”, who can provide colorful commentary? Kidding of course.

It is interesting to note these observations about electronic use and how it impacts us, and our travels:

—Scientists who study the topic say too much reliance on technology can inhibit deep thought and cause anxiety.
They say when the brain doesn’t relax, and has too much stimuli, one won’t be as introspective. Think about it: Many of us check our phones in tiny moments of boredom, when we could be having productive thoughts, or deepening relationships with a little chit chat, or admiring the architecture of a foreign place. Also -can you live in the present if you are always expecting an email?

–Scientists also say that the expectation of email seems to be taking up room in our working memory. They hypothesize that when a part of the brain is tied up in anticipation of an email or message, there is less space for new ideas or integrating information. You might not retain any highlights you learn while touring the Smithsonian, for example.

Bottom line: Vacation is supposed to be restorative. Try to go unplugged and you will see – and your kids will appreciate it when you don’t check your phone every 10 minutes during dinner. Has anyone succeeded in doing that?

 
Oct
06th		   Steve Jobs: How to Live Before You Die
Leave a Comment Category: Travel Tags:

Nothing to do with travel. Just a moving and inspirational speech that I hope you can find 15 minutes of your life to view….

 
Oct
04th		   Travel Tip Tuesday: The Safest Seats on a Plane
Leave a Comment Category: Airline policies, Travel Tags: , ,

Before you book your next airline ticket, this is information you will want to know.

British Airways has launched a “survival safety course” for passengers, teaching them what to do in an emergency, followed by practice time.

BA says statistically, the aisle seat is the safest… and in a crash,  a higher number of survivors were seated within 5 rows of an exit.

Also -  take two minutes at the beginning of your flight to think about an emergency plan. If a plane is having problems and flight attendants are calling for emergency action – DON’T hesitate.The airline says a 1/2 second could make the difference in your survival.

For more: http://online.wsj.com/article/the_middle_seat.html

 
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