Dec
23rd		   The Trip George Bailey Never Got to Take
Leave a Comment Category: Travel

I was going to write about the Hotel Santa Claus in Finland, in the Arctic Circle… right near Old Man Claus’s “hometown” as the tourism board calls it.

But.. something kept nagging at me. It just doesn’t have the gravitas deserving of Christmas this year.

I have been thinking about George Bailey lately… I’m sure you all have caught a re-run of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at some point this holiday season…

Do you remember how all George wanted to do was make life one grand adventure… and travel the world? He was always booking his tickets, then having to cancel the trips because responsibility called. He even had to bail out on his honeymoon.

In the end, though, George had a life-changing trip with angel Clarence…and his rewards on Christmas Eve are what one would hope to appreciate every holiday. May your holiday and new year be as rich.

Life is short – reschedule those trips… and take time to be with those who brighten your days.

Thank you for reading my posts and even responding… Happy Holidays.

 
Dec
22nd		   If You Can Get a Reservation, Don’t Miss This Foodie Haven
Leave a Comment Category: California, Los Angeles, Travel, restaurants Tags: ,

So I may be sealing LA’s reputation to the rest of the world as casual, carefree, and at times a bit wacky, but this is what I encountered while out and about Santa Monica recently.

Yes, Christmas carolers in bikinis and Speedos, ironically singing about a White Christmas. I wouldn’t have it any other way – even the most rushed and stressed out shoppers began to smile. Great spirit. Loving life.

In that same vein, I recently dined at one of my favorite restaurants, just down the road in a similarly spirited part of L.A.- it is Gjelina on Abbot Kinney in the artsy town of Venice Beach. (pronounced Juh-leena)

I dream about coming here. If you’ve ever had the caramel butterscotch salted pudding, you know exactly what I am talking about. Foodies – back me up.

The menu is seasonal, and robust – there are so many choices, even the pickiest of eaters are satisfied. And I’ve been here with my share of vegetarians, dairy-free friends, etc.

The idea is to order a bunch of small plates and share – There are a mess of plates on every table. The brussel sprouts with balsamic and bacon and kale salad are staples for me.

If the food isn’t enough to wow you, the other elements of Gjelina will – buzzy, high energy atmosphere… cool design… outdoor patio…and our Ashton-Kutcher look alike waiter provided good service.

The downer is it’s a bit loud…  and the LA Dept of Public Health recently rated it –  a “C”!  The Huffington Post wrote about it, as foodies were skeptical. It may be irresponsible of me to say, but if I can get a reservation easier now, I am all over it. Gjelina is THAT good.

Book your dinner way in advance, or else you’ll be left with only 5:30 or 10PM . …oh, and DO NOT forget to order the caramel butterscotch salted pudding for dessert. I am trying to replicate it for Christmas dinner…Santa? The recipe would fit in my stocking…

I hope you enjoy this special time of year of great food, family, and friends.

www.gjelina.com

 
Dec
20th		   Travel Tip Tuesday: Don’t Put off Renewing Your Passports
Leave a Comment Category: Family Travel, Travel Tags: , ,

I had to renew my kids’ passports this week. It’s one of those tasks that demand time and energy and are easily put off. But don’t!

If your children have passports,  check them for expiration. If it was first issued at 16 years or under, passports are issued for only 5 years instead of 10.  You don’t want to be surprised the week of your trip that your child’s passport has expired!

Throughout the process of renewing my kids’ passports, I was reminded of tips to make it go smoothly:

1) Remember your check book and ID. There is an $80 fee for each passport renewed and the Dept of State doesn’t take credit cards. If you need it expedited, it will be another $60 per passport – that adds up to a lot of money for a family so allow yourself at least 8 weeks before your trip.  I was told we would get our new passports within 4 weeks since it is a slower time for passport processing.

2) Check your local libraries for passport processing. Post offices are always busy, and the larger the institution, the more misinformation and confusion. Plus -  some libraries process passports on Saturdays.

3) Call to find out the hours for the passport office lunch break. Really. These government workers are serious about their lunch hour. It is often posted, but call ahead and make sure the person in charge of passport processing knows you are coming so you coordinate with their hungry stomachs.

4) This past  April the U.S. Department of State began requiring the full names of the applicant’s parent(s) to be listed on all certified birth certificates to be considered as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship.

5) Make sure both parents are with present, or one has had a notarized letter… If one parent is deceased, the remaining parent has to bring proof.

6) Minors under age 16 must apply in person – they can’t renew by mail.

And while you are at it… you may want to check your own passport if you are planning a trip. Some countries require that your passport is valid up to six months past exit date… Asia…and even in Europe there are places that require three months validity past exit date. Travelers have been turned away because of insufficient passport updating and you don’t want to be one of them.

If yours has expired, this is a good time to renew before the spring break/summer travelers start renewing.  travel.state.gov/passport/

I hope you get to use it to visit exciting places , in good health and happiness,  in 2012!

 
Dec
08th		   New Way to Fly Might Be Nice, Depending on Your Seat Mate
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Air New Zealand is offering the first real seat/sleep options in coach class… for a price. Gotta give bonus points for thinking out of the box for long and overnight flights, especially  in coach. Read about it in today’s Wall Street Journal.

This link leads you to the Personal Journal page..then scroll down.

http://online.wsj.com/itp/20111208/us/personaljournal

 
Dec
06th		   Tues Travel Tip: Old Age is Hard Enough – How to Prepare for Embarrassing Pat Downs?
Leave a Comment Category: Airport Security, Senior Travel, Travel Tags: , ,

Warning: Don’t visualize the following details.

The latest story from JFK airport is that two women in their 80s going through security were required to pull down their pants to show a back brace and colostomy bag. We’ve heard similar stories – another senior was forced to remove her wet diaper because the body scanner showed a spot on it.

At what point can we preserve an elderly person’s dignity and yet still practice tough national security? In 2009, a Nigerian man tried to blow up a flight to Detroit on Christmas Day with explosives in his underpants. So the very personal hiding spots are not without precedent.

The TSA has adjusted screening procedures for certain people – Just a couple months ago it modified pat downs of kids under 12 – But I wonder if announcing that is a smart thing to do since a would-be sick-minded terrorist could then hide something on a child.

The problem of screening seniors is only going to grow with the aging boomer population and a whole sea of medical devices requiring special screening: Catheters, prosthetics, pacemakers, and artificial hips….

According to reports, prosthetic devices can possibly set off metal detectors, and catheters and bags are visible on body scanners, making those passengers candidates for more intimate inspections. Metal detectors and wands can disrupt some devices such as implanted defibrillators, so those passengers must ask for pat-downs instead.

Welcome to the post 9/11 world. How do we get around it? Would you want your grandmother to be asked to drop her drawers? A doctor’s note may not be enough. Sensitivity training is going on right now, according to TSA reports.

The best thing to do to avoid a pat down is to be extra careful about removing things from your pockets and your body that may trigger the metal detector or body scanner, and spawn a more intensive search.

If you are traveling with a senior, especially one with a medical condition, make sure to explain the whole security process – and what may happen in a pat down. At least preparing them will reduce some of the shock.

If you or a senior member of the family do need a pat down, ask to go to a private room – which means you REALLY need to get to the airport early.

Of course, there are those, like me, who choose the pat downs. I am a little OCD about radiation – I know I know, they say it is such small levels in the body scanners. I have joked with the women patting me down… changed the subject to ignore the embarrassing situation…and just deal with it. After all, I chose to have one.

But for seniors, we have to practice a little more sensitivity. Any ideas?

 
Dec
02nd		   Adele, and Music Lovers’ Travel
Leave a Comment Category: London, Music, Travel Tags: ,

It should be no surprise to any music aficionado – or anyone on the planet for that matter – that Adele received 6 Grammy nominations last night, including the most prestigious awards. And this young artist is a mere 23…

Who were her influences? Well growing up in London, she had many – but one moment she says inspired her the most is when she saw Pink in concert.

There are so many wonderful music-related venues in England, that Adele’s nominations and success reminded me of a London trip where I visited Abbey Road, the most famous music studio in the world, home to the Beatles.

Nothing special to see… no music to be heard… but I had a fun little glimpse of history, and imagines the Beatles walking up to the door. One of their album covers was shot right outside. It did inspire me to buy the “Let it Be” sheet music for the piano, so I did get something more out of it.

All of this reminded me of a Frommer’s article called “A Music Lovers Guide to Britain.” Here is the link. It mentions everything from spending a day in Liverpool… to visiting a dinosaur of a record store. http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/?group=701

In the meantime, I am going to go back to enjoying Adele…and hoping her voice heals after surgery so there will be more from this incredible talent. It is rare that you can download an entire album and like 90% of the songs.

Although “Rolling in the Deep” garnered most of her Grammy nominations, “Someone Like You” is not to be missed. At the tender age of 23 it sounds as if she’s had her share of heartbreaks.

“Nothing compares, no worries or cares… regrets and mistakes they’re memories made…who would have known how bittersweet this would taste? Nevermind I’ll find someone like you. “ 

…… Soulful crooning, deep lyrics, and powerful voice.
Check it out:

 
Nov
29th		   How to Navigate an Iconic Travel and Holiday Shopping Destination
Leave a Comment Category: New York, Shopping, Travel Tags: , ,

Black Friday… Cyber Monday.. all these terms to get you to shop! And with the news that Americans spent record retail dollars this past weekend, it looks like we’ll be seeing more encouragement to buy those holiday gifts.

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be crazy. With access to the internet, you can do research in advance. And if you plan ahead (ha!), you  don’t have to rush through every store – start early.

The crowds can be annoying, but in some places, that is part of the charm – for instance, people watching on adorned and decked out Fifth Ave in New York – one of the most classic shopping and tourist destinations in the U.S., is especially vibrant this time of year.

The great thing about Fifth Ave is that there is something for every pocketbook, even though you may doubt it spotting a $700 pair of shoes at Bergdorf Goodman. That comes with the territory – New York is fashion forward, and designer driven. The best strip of Fifth for shopping is in the 30s up to 60th St.

If you have the kids, or are a kid at heart – there’s no place like FAO Schwarz…whether you buy anything or not, it is a fun place to visit. I am failing as a travel guide if I always tell you things you probably know, like that FAO Schwarz is a great place to visit, but I want  to show you inside.

What you may not know is that almost everywhere you turn in this mega toy store are demonstrations of toys that you and your kids (or not) can try. You can get hands on with remote control gadgets…

or toys to take out to Central Park.

How about this remote control floating in the air Nemo? The aisles are filled with kids just having fun with the products. Go right when it opens to avoid mobs.

FAO has toys you might not see anywhere else… and there’s a lot of them in  50,000 square feet…

The LEGO area is always cool…. and the kids love the candy area on steroids.

Right nearby is the Apple Store (under construction when I was there.) It is always an exciting and busy place, this is a store that belongs in a city that never sleeps – it is open 24 hours for your “shopping convenience.”

For the fashion focused – Bergdorf Goodman is the place. The window displays alone are reason to visit. But even though it is fun to browse, it is more for the ladies who lunch. A lot of designer labels at expensive prices. In my opinion, you don’t have to spend so much to still look chic. But this IS New York, and the place was packed with fashionistas when I was there.

Saks Fifth Ave is along the same lines as Bergdorf…

Henri Bendel was my personal favorite, and is also on Fifth Ave. BUT  – was I the last one to know Bendel doesn’t do clothes anymore?  Plenty of good stuff at that, but I miss the clothes. You will find beautiful jewelry, accessories, make up, and handbags… upscale, but you can still find items that are not outlandish. Be careful walking through the cosmetics department – you will be hounded to sample everything from overzealous salespeople.

For a more affordable holiday shopping destination, go to Zara and H and M. I love Zara – runway fashions at bargain prices. This is a European brand, so there are some interesting finds…and it’s better quality than most cheaper brands. Avoid Abercrombie and Fitch!!! It always smells like they pump aftershave through the doors…and is usually packed with Europeans and is way too crowded.

Pop in for a drink at the nearby Plaza Hotel at Fifth Ave and Central Park… or for a more casual lunch try my favorite quick cafe – Mangia on W 57th. And to really get you in the spirit, the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is right off Fifth Ave… a holiday tradition for years. http://www.rockefellercenter.com/tour-and-explore/the-ice-skating-rink/

Wow. Just thinking about spending the day here transported me. Seriously, I know Christmas spirit can’t be found shopping, but all the festivities really put you in the mood. I hope your holiday season is happy and bright.

 
Nov
18th		   New TSA Travel Rules for Family Travel
Leave a Comment Category: Airport Security, Travel Tags: , ,

Finally… a little something to make traveling with children easier this holiday season. This from the TSA:

  • New Screening Procedures for Passengers 12 and Under: TSA has implemented new procedures that reduce, though not eliminate, pat-downs of passengers 12 and under that would otherwise have been conducted to resolve alarms while also ensuring effective security measures. Passengers 12 and under are also able to leave their shoes on when going through security checkpoints.

And here are some good travel tips to keep in mind this time of year -

  • Holiday Travel Tips
  • Travelers should remember the three simple steps to security: have ID’s out, coats and shoes off, and laptops and 311 bags out for screening. TSA reminds travelers to follow 3–1–1 for carry-on luggage for non-exempt liquids: 3 ounce bottle or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols; placed in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag to hold all small bottles; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. The limitations on liquids apply only to carry-on bags and larger quantities may be packed in checked baggage.
  • TSA also recommends that passengers do not travel with wrapped packages. In order to determine if the contents of a package are a threat, a security officer may need to unwrap and inspect the item. Snow globes of any size are not permitted in carry-on bags because officers cannot accurately determine the volume of liquid. TSA recommends passengers pack these items securely in checked baggage.
  • Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted but may require further inspection. If travelers are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel it is best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it to a destination in advance.

TSA reminds travelers to be vigilant during the holiday travel season by reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement. The traveling public plays an important role in security, so “If You See Something, Say Something.”

The TSA has also devised a mobile app to help you  with any security or screening questions.

For more information on these and other helpful tips, please visit www.tsa.gov.

Here’s to the beginning of the holiday season!

 
Nov
17th		   WIth Thanksgiving a Week Away, The Best Place to Feast Is On The Brain
Leave a Comment Category: New York, Travel, restaurants Tags: ,

I broke my golden travel rule the last time I visited New York: Never, ever, eat at the same restaurant twice in the same visit.

And yet, I enjoyed “Eataly” so much, I almost went there a third time in 5 days. It had that much pull on me, and by the looks of it, everyone who goes there.

“Eataly” is a 40,000 square foot marketplace on steroids; the energy is magnetic. It is hard to describe because I’ve never seen anything like it – the San Francisco Ferry Building comes close, but then again, not – it is a mix of farmers market, gourmet products, and restaurants: all high quality, all from only Italian producers. It is located on 5th Ave, and 23rd St.

Whether it be cookies… or coffee.. there is a sign above each product indicating from which region of Italy it comes. So, of course, there are exciting products you won’t find anywhere else nearby…and are authentically Italian.

Excellent place to pack up a picnic lunch for Central Park!

But in between the dozens of aisles of products…Italian meats…

fabulous cheeses…

and hundreds of bottles of imported wine…

are various places to stop and eat – retaurant style. The magical thing about it, is everything is out in the open under one big roof, so it feels very communal.

The first time I went after a business meeting… and seriously lost track of time. The second time I took the kids for gelato. It was fresh,and not too sweet. Needless to say, they loved it.

One of my favorite cookbook authors, Mario Batali, is a partner in this venture – the first ‘Eataly” started in 2007 in Torino, Italy, and there are now more than a dozen – mostly in Italy and Japan.

Now… if they could only bring one to Los Angeles…per favore!

www.eatalyny.com

 
Nov
15th		   Travel Tip Tuesday: How to Best Navigate Airports, & Find Surprising Services
Leave a Comment Category: Airport Security, Technology, Travel Tags:

Don’t ya hate when you have a great idea, and someone beats you to developing it?

A few years ago I wrote up a book proposal  – a guide to the world’s busiest airports with maps and hours of operation for all amenities. Since travelers were spending more time at airports due to longer security checks, I thought it was a great idea. There have been many times myself when I landed somewhere at a late hour and wondered where I could find a restaurant that was open. Or times when I wanted to pick up a gift on the way home, and didn’t know where to go.

Anyway, I shopped the book around to a few literary agents, and they liked the idea.. just thought it might make a better magazine series, or couldn’t figure out if anyone beyond business travelers would need it.

SFO

In comes the “App” age. The airport guide is the perfect app idea. In today’s airports we are experiencing upgraded and even exciting amenities like cutting edge design, charging stations, gourmet food, and massage chairs so there is a lot more we can get excited about.

Airport Charging Station

There are some useful apps out there to help you get through airports, whether delayed, on a layover, or have time to kill waiting for a flight. They can also help you discover  hidden gems in various terminals.

I once had to buy a stopwatch for a shoot, and actually found a pretty great watch store in Denver’s airport… stumbled upon a fun wine bar in Oakland… have spent hours shopping in Heathrow…and even seen a full-service spa offering Brazilian bikini waxes. Good to know.

All of this can be info at your fingertips. Here are some airport assisting apps for you to check out – easy to carry right in your phone!

1) Flysmart App: Free on the iphone. Gives you maps of more than 25 domestic airports and what each one offers.

2) Airports are launching their own apps – look for guides under the airport’s name.

3) Gate Guru – free Android and iphone.

4) ifly Airport Guide -free Android and iphone.

Here’s to never getting lost in terminals again. :)

 
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