Think Ahead: Why Wait to Plan Your Next Vacation?

When people plan vacations, they have a natural tendency to put off making decisions and finalizing their itineraries. However, the sooner you book, the better. You have greater flexibility and choice in where you go and what you see on your trip. Following are some benefits to booking as soon as possible.

Extra savings.

When you book early, your travel advisor has time to look for and take advantage of specials and perks during the months before your trip. The savings can be substantial, giving you more to spend during your trip. When you wait, everything costs more.

By booking early, you’ll also have time to plan how much spending money you’ll need.

Select the best rooms or cabins with the best view.

Those who book first get the best. The sooner you can reserve your cruise or your hotel, the better accommodations you’ll have. The longer you wait, the more challenging it is for your travel advisor to book the cruise ship cabins or hotel suites you were looking forward to enjoying.

Ensure your companions can go with you.

Especially if they work, your traveling companions may need months to arrange for time off work, child care, pet care, or house sitting. The more time they have to plan, the more likely they will be able to travel with you, and the more relaxed they will be while you’re traveling.

More time to research and plan what you want to do and see.

If you allow yourself plenty of time to plan that trip through Germany, you’ll have time to read travel books and visit travel websites to get a feel for what you’d like to do and see.

For example, after doing some research on your accommodations months prior to your trip, you might come across a particular castle you wish to stay in for a night during your trip. If you wait until the last minute to do research on accommodations, you may miss out on being able to book your dream stay in this particular castle. Taking the time to research and plan is essential if you want to discover the best tours, guides, and hotels for your personal preferences and book them with ease. If you wait too long, you might miss something you really want to see.

Something to look forward to!

When you book your travel early, the delicious anticipation starts earlier and lasts longer. You’ll be ready to go and as prepared as you can be to enjoy yourself to the fullest. Contact me today.

Tips on Tipping – Tipping Etiquette

When it comes to your vacation, it’s the littlest details, such as tipping etiquette, that can become the most confusing. Whom should you tip? How much? Do you need to tip at all? Never fear! With this simple guide to tipping, TravelSense will take the guesswork out of tipping etiquette and help you focus on more important things – like enjoying your vacation.

TIPPING AT AIRPORTS AND TRAIN STATIONS

Upon arriving at or leaving from the airport or train station, tip the standard porter rate of $1 per bag; more if your luggage is very heavy. Typically, a $1 tip for hailing a taxi is appropriate for doormen. However, you may want to tip more for special services, such as carrying your bags.

HOTEL TIPPING ETIQUETTE

When you arrive at your hotel after a long flight, first things first: Tip the taxi or limo driver. Ten to 15 percent of your total fare is usually expected. If you drive your own car, give the valet parking attendant $1 to $2. If you take a shuttle van or bus, tip the driver $2 per person.

The bellman, who will be more than happy to assist you with your bags and the door, should receive $1 to $2 per bag. Tip when he shows you to your room and again if he assists you upon checkout. Tip more if he provides any additional service. The concierge, who can get you anything from dinner reservations to hard-to-come-by theatre tickets, deserves $5 to $10 for such feats. You may tip at the time of service or at the end of the trip. To ensure good service throughout your stay, add a $20 tip to the bill.

Add 15 percent of the bill to a room service charge, unless a gratuity is already added, then add no additional tip or simply $1. If you requested something delivered to your room such as a hairdryer or iron, tip $1 per item received. Typically, the maid deserves a $2 tip each day, as well.

TOUR TIPPING ETIQUETTE

If you’re taking a tour and a tip is not automatically included, tip a local guide $1 per person for a half-day tour, $2 for full-day tour. Tip a private guide more.

If you are on a multi-day tour with a tour manager – someone who travels with the group for several days and is essentially in charge – tour operators suggest anywhere from $3-8 per person per day. Don’t forget the bus driver either – $2 per person per day.

CRUISE TIPPING ETIQUETTE

When on a cruise, tip according to your comfort level and only on the last evening of your cruise. As a general rule, dining room waiters receive $3.50 per person/per day whereas the dining room assistant waiter should receive $2.00 per person/per day, the dining room maitre’d $3.50 per person/per day and the dining room manager $1.50 per person/per day.

The room steward, for all his efforts, receives $3.50 per person/per day. Other personnel, such as bar waiters, bellboys and deck stewards may be tipped as service is rendered.

RESTAURANT TIPPING ETIQUETTE

Although excellent service calls for 20 percent of the total bill, most U.S. restaurants accept 15 percent as the standard tip. In restaurants where you sit at the bar or the waiter is a small part of the meal (cafes or pubs), 10 percent is also acceptable. The bar tenders, themselves, generally receive between 15 and 20% when you sit at the bar. If the food or service is unsatisfactory, speak to the manager – don’t walk out without tipping. And pay attention to lunch and dinner bills in Europe and Asia, as some restaurants tack on an additional 15 percent (usually listed on the menu or check as a “service charge”) and do not expect tips.

At fancy restaurants, tip the maitre d’ between $5 and $10 if he gets you a table – more when the restaurant is full and you have no reservations. Tip $1 when you check your coat, and another $.50 to $1 for restroom attendants. For personal service from the wine steward, opt for 10 percent of the wine bill.

This tipping etiquette will hopefully give you a general idea of the standard tipping rate for different stops along your journey. You are always welcome to tip more when the service is excellent, and when you do, you are sure to see the red carpet treatment all the way. Enjoy your vacation, and don’t forget to tip!

This article is being shared courtesy of ASTA – http://www.travelsense.org/tips/tippingetiquette.cfm 

Melissa’s Note: On some cruises, gratuities are already included in the fare you have paid. In some countries, 10% tip is considered very generous or the tip is already included in the bill. Please note this should merely serve as a starting point or guide on what to tip.  If you are unsure about how to tip abroad, ask your travel advisor before heading on vacation. I also recommend this site for more information: Culture Crossing

What are some of your tipping tips? 

101 Things To Do on a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing: Part 6

By now you’re beginning to see why Cunard Line published this list on their website, and in their new electronic brochure for transatlantic cruises. Queen Mary 2 is probably now the most famous destination between New York and London, carrying more passengers transatlantic than any other cruise liners. It is the definition of luxury travel, and getting there is truly half the fun. Truly an icon for the modern era, Queen Mary 2 has all of the majesty of her historic Cunard predecessors, plus a complete list of amenities to appeal to the 21st-century sensibilities of its clients. Show Stoppers and Life’s Simpler Pleasures make up our final post in the series of 101 Things To Do on a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing. I’m certain you’ll see why.

Show Stoppers

64.  Dance, dine and enjoy music from the classical to salsa at the Captain’s Black and White Ball.
65.  Watch 16 sensational dancers and singers from Europe perform in the extravagant Apassionata at the Royal Court Theatre.
66.  Delight in our newest musical show, Crazy in Love – laced with satire and a spake of romance.
67.  Take a salsa, cha cha or Latin dancing class, then try line dancing in the Queen’s Room.
68.  Delight to the performance of Oscar Wilde’s famous comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, at the Royal Court Theatre.
69.  Join the pianist in the Gold Lion Pub for a chorus of “Ship of Fools”.
70.  Enjoy live jazz in the Chart Room…
71.  …Or classical concerts in Illuminations.
72.  Relive the Golden Age of Travel, when Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller ruled, with Big Band Night in the Queen’s Room.
73.  Take a complimentary gaming lesson in the Casino, then see if what you learned pays off at the tables.
74.  Let loose and boogie down in the stylish G32 nightclub.
75.  Join Robert Redford – or at least his voice – for Cosmic Collisions, a riveting film on cosmic phenomena presented by the American Museum of Natural History.
76.  Enjoy the serene sounds of a piano and violin trio in the Grand Lobby.
77.  Experience Viva Italia! – our new original Cunard musical celebrating everything Italian.

Life’s Simpler Pleasures

78.  Drop into the largest library at sea. With over 8,000 books, it’s sure to have at least one of those titles you’ve been meaning to read, and now have time to.
79.  Send a postcard to friends, stamped “Posted Onboard – QUEEN MARY 2 -Transatlantic Crossing” at the traditional red Royal mail postbox onboard-a symbol of Cunard’s history as the first provider of mail service between England and America.
80.  Embark on a literary journey at a meeting of the Cunard Book Club.
81.  Find your favorite vintage Cunard poster in the bookshop to take home.
82.  Schedule a primping and manicure in the Canyon Ranch Spa Salon before the Captain’s Cocktail Party.
83.  Attend a book signing with the best selling mystery author Dick Francis.
84.  Check out the gorgeous pavé earring set at H. Stern in the Mayfair Shops
85.  Drop the kids off for fun in The Play Zone.
86.  Learn critical survival skills like napkin folding or knitting with the Social Hostess.
87.  Join a dart competition at the Golden Lion Pub.
88.  Buy an extra bag for all you’re bringing home from the Logo Shop.
89.  Join musicians and fellow guests for an afternoon sing-along in the Grand Lobby – lyrics included.
90.  Admire the $18,000 “Happy Queen Mary 2″ watch at Chopard. (You can dream)
91.  Take a glass elevator ride to the observation deck for a sky-high ocean adventure.
92.  Laugh ’till you cry at John Cleese who’s appearing in the Royal Court Theatre.
93.  Practice your karaoke at The Golden Lion Pub.
94.  Enjoy a nighttime turnaround on the Promenade Deck and stargaze.
95.  Pamper yourself with a facial or pedicure at Canyon Ranch Spa Club.
96.  Attend a champagne art auction and bring home a memory in oil or watercolor.
97.  You’ve always wanted to learn shuffleboard, right? Here’s your chance!
98.  Pick up some gifts for those poor souls back home in the Mayfair Shops.
99.  Relax like a celebrity, in true Golden Age style, on a Deck 7 teak chair, and check The Crossing off your life list.
100.  Let an Ayurvedic massage prepare you for your return to the real world.
101.  Six days aboard Queen Mary 2 is not nearly enough time – so visit the onboard sales office to begin planning your next Cunard
voyage!

What is your favorite part of a transatlantic crossing on a larger ship?

All images are courtesy of Cunard Cruise Line

101 Things To Do on a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing: Part 5

Now that we have virtually sampled our way through the bountiful and delicious dining options, it is time to decide whether to work on keeping our figure fit and healthy or keep on celebrating the good times. Maybe we will try a little of both! Queen Mary 2 offers the opportunity and possibility to do it all.

Today’s categories are Fitness Fare – to offers you a wealth of suggestions for keeping the figure in its original state if you’re fit, or getting that “out of control” shape back into a workable frame; and Cordially Yours – to keep the celebrations going. No matter which direction you go, it will be a good choice!

Fitness Fare

48.  Now that you’ve mastered St. Andrews, hit the links at Pebble Beach or any of the 51 courses available on the golf simulator.
49.  Take some Canyon Ranch fitness classes like YogaLates and spinning. Follow up with a latté or spin through King’s Court.
50.  Awaken with a brisk walk or jog around the third mile Promenade Deck.
51.  Demonstrate your superior wrist/eye coordination in a Table Tennis Tournament.
52.  Revitalise body and mind in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub Aqua Therapy Pool, where the water jets massage your every muscle.
53.  Feeling energetic? Test your strength at the Indoor Cycling Power Hour.
54.  Sign up with a personal trainer in the Fitness Centre and work off the calories.
55.  Prove to yourself that you can still make jump shots on the basketball court.
56.  Show off your swing at the Longest Drive Competition.
57.  Work up a sweat at the Canyon Ranch Gymnasium-one of the largest and best equipped sports facilities at sea.
58.  Paddle tennis anyone? Get to know new friends even better over a friendly match.
59.  Make up for that baked waffle; swim a few laps in the domed Pavilion Pool.

Cordially Yours
60.  Enjoy one of 50 different martinis and the detailed scale model of Queen Mary 2 in the Commodore Club.
61.  Meet old friends for drinks in the cozy Chart Room, or pop in alone and make some new ones.
62.  Puff a fine cigar while sampling an aged Napoleon Cognac in Churchill’s.
63.  Unwind with a soothing nightcap in a lounge before heading off to dreamland.

We are coming to an end in the voyage.  Next in our series is Show Stoppers and Life’s Simple Pleasures to depart on a high note.

All images are courtesy of Cunard Cruise Lines

101 Things To Do on a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing: Part 4

Now let’s get to the meat and potatoes of the cruise – so to speak. Today’s category covers Fine Dining and Divine Wining. There is an abundance of restaurants and lounges onboard for your dining and drinking enjoyment, and all served on the finest of china and glassware afloat! Celebrate the exciting choices to select from for your culinary pleasures onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.

Fine Dining and Divine Wining

32.  Welcome the morning with a cappuccino and pastry at Sir Samuel’s.

33.  Enjoy a jolly good pub lunch, perhaps fish & chips?  –  at the Golden Lion Pub.
34.  Live la dolce vita with Spaghetti Puttanesca and other Italian specialties at La Piazza.
35.  Sample the Pan Roasted Turbot Fillet at the trendy Todd English restaurant or try the extraordinary tapas.
36.  Indulge in five courses including snow crab soup, duck spring rolls and more at Lotus.
37.  Watch the bubbles rise in your Waterford flute at Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar.
38.  Join the chief sommelier to sample sangiovese, dolcetto, and other varietals as you taste your way across Northern Italy.
39.  Hone your culinary skills at a cooking demo and feast in Chef’s Galley.
40.  Start the day in a sinfully decadent way with a baked waffle, maple syrup, and whipped cream in King’s Court.
41.  Counting calories? Try Canyon Ranch Spa Selections, available at every meal.
42.  Burger lovers rejoice! Follow the crowd to the Boardwalk Café.
43.  Mais oiu! Celebrate with a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild from the largest wine cellar at sea.
44.  Is that the sound of a trolley? Why yes, it’s Afternoon Tea on the Promenade Deck.
45.  Fall in love with a signature truffle Love Letters appetizer in Todd English.
46.  Order in from room service. After all, it’s available 24 hours a day.
47.  Choose from the cheese trolley and enjoy some vintage ruby port at Sir Samuel’s.

Did we whet your appetite with the many cruise dining options? 

Next in our series is Fitness Fare for those who may overindulge in food and wine and Cordially Yours for those who want to keep on celebrating!

All images are courtesy of Cunard Cruise Lines

101 Things To Do on a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing: Part 3

Cunard truly believes its heritage is one of its utmost important assets. It has been a voyage of dreams for nearly two centuries. A travel tradition. Today’s installation of the 101 Things To Do on a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing covers one of my favorites!  Here are just a few of the on-board activities that may spark that nostalgia.

Thoroughly British Moments

25.  Don’t miss Afternoon Tea in the Queen’s Room, complete with scones, fresh cream, strawberry jam and white gloved servers.
26.  Toast your good fortune to be here over a pint or two at the Golden Lion Pub.
27.  Get a deck quoits lesson from that nice English couple you met at breakfast.
28.  Savour fork tender roast beef at The Carvery – a true English specialty.
29.  Watch actors from RADA perform scenes from your favorite Shakespeare plays.
30.  Play a round of golf at the one that started it all, St. Andrews, on the golf simulator.
31.  What does it feel like to be royalty? Dress to the nines for the sophisticated Ascot Ball and experience for yourself!

The departure from what we experience in our lives every day makes this section so great. Who does not love fresh hot scones? If nothing else, the cruise experience is like a step back in time with the modern conveniences of today.

What is your favorite part so far? 

Next, we will present Fine Dining and Divine Wining.

All images are courtesy of Cunard Cruise Lines

101 Things To Do on a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing: Part 2

Our continuation of the Cunard Line Queen Mary 2’s list of 101 things to do on a transatlantic crossing covers the Cultural Affairs category. If you missed part 1 of our series, you can view it here. Each new post, I’ll be adding to the list that was originally published in the Cunard Line 2010 Transatlantic Crossing. Thought provoking from the perspective that you are only limited by your own imagination as to what you can do on-board. We hope you find some inspiring cruise ideas.

Here is the next list of things to do under Cultural Affairs.

11.  Capture memories on your digital camera and have them printed in the onboard photo lab.
12.  Renew your wedding vows and enjoy a ceremony conducted by the Captain.
13.  Brush up on your Excel spreadsheet skills at a computer learning class in ConneXions.
14.  Sit in on a reading by mystery author P.D. James followed by a book signing.
15.  Have a body composition analysis with experts in the Fitness Centre.
16.  Be inspired to start your own epic tome at a workshop with a published novelist.
17.  Strap yourself into your seat and enjoy a virtual ride through space in Illuminations – the only Planetarium at sea.
18.  Head to Deck 2 to begin a Cunard history lesson with the Maritime Quest Exhibit. The 10 historical “pathways” located throughout the ship include A Great History, On the Bridge, Stars Aboard and more.
19.  Attend a lecture about Beethoven’s Fidelio and find out why it was his only opera.
20.  Enjoy the classic works of the great 20th Century masters such as Dali, Chagall, Erte, and Picasso in the Art Gallery.
21.  Take a third and final Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) workshop, “Speaking the Speech”. You’ll learn to perform a Shakespeare monolog.
22.  Listen to the dramatic reading of The Old Man and the Sea in Illuminations.
23.  Shiver me timbers. Sit in on a lecture about piracy with English diplomacy expert, Vincent Strudwick.
24.  Brush up on your Russian, French, Spanish, or even Mandarin. Parlez vous chinois?

Are you dreaming of a transatlantic crossing voyage yet? Share with us what cruise journey you have been deeply enriched on. 

Next, we will present Thoroughly British Moments.

All images are courtesy of Cunard Cruise Lines

101 Things To Do on a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing: Part 1

Have you ever wondered what all there is to do on a transatlantic crossing cruise? Cunard offers a timeless adventure, an iconic experience. What a fun piece to share with you to show that transatlantic cruises can be fun, relaxing, and provide a wealth of things to do. Cunard offers so much inspiration that I will divide the activities up over a six part series. You will learn about Leisurely Pursuits, Cultural Affairs, Thoroughly British Moments, Fine Dining & Divine Wining, Fitness Fare, Cordially Yours, Show Stoppers and Life’s Simpler Pleasures. So relax, sit back, and enjoy what the possibilities are on a transatlantic cruise aboard the Queen Mary 2.

The first category is Leisurely Pursuits.

1. Relax in the soaring Grand Lobby and enjoy the angelic melodies of the harpist.
2. Take a watercolour class and paint your own impressions of “The Crossing”.
3. Play duplicate bridge in the Atlantic Room.
4. Be forward looking. From the Sports Deck, head to The Lookout – an observation platform with endless views of the bow.
5. Log onto the Internet and stay in touch with the outside world.
6. Take a “Finding Your Voice” or “Filling the Space” acting course with Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
7. Invite new friends over for a cocktail party with canapés in your stateroom.
8. Learn more bridge conventions from an ACBL Certified Master Instructor.
9. Spend a lazy afternoon with a recently released film in Illuminations.
10. Hit or stand your hand at the Blackjack Tournament in the Empire Casino.

Are you dreaming of a transatlantic crossing voyage yet? Share with us where the longest voyage is your have taken.

Next, we will present Cultural Affairs.

All images are courtesy of Cunard Cruise Lines

Top 7 Travel Packing Tips

“What should I pack?” is one of the most frequent questions I hear from people and truthfully sometimes mutter myself. I try to stick with a strategy of packing neutral colors with a few pieces of color to step it up a notch. This leaves me flexible, stylish and ready to go. My goal is to maximize what I take and minimize what I carry.

Here are my top 7 tips for travel packing:

1. Buy mix and match collections. Somewhere in the shopping evolution women decided to buy separates. When you pack, instead of laying out the shirts with the shirts and the pants with the pants, lay out your clothes in combinations that can be worn together. Each piece of clothing can (and should) be part of more than one outfit. Try to pack only  enough clothes to get you through each day of your trip.

2. Pack items you can wear at least twice. If you can’t get more than one wear from a piece of clothing, it should not go into your suitcase. Ask yourself, “Is this comfortable and durable enough to wear twice?” and “Can I use it to make at least two different outfits?” After asking these questions, I think you’ll find it easier and easier to pack appropriately.

3. Launder clothes. I know I can hear you saying “No way, not me!” If you are planning a 2 week or longer vacation, I would recommend laundering clothes instead of packing more items. A small zip-loc or old prescription bottle of your choice powder detergent will free up space for you to go on more shopping sprees.

4. Wear the clothes you buy on vacation. There is no need to “save” them until you return home. How fun is it to wear the sundress you bought in Rome when you are actually in Rome? Plus, when you get home and wear the sundress, it will bring back wonderful memories of your vacation.

5. Pack only 3 pairs of shoes. Aim for packing two casual pairs and one dressy. If you are anything like me, you love shoes but remember shoes take up a lot of room and are heavy. Wear one pair and pack the other 2 pairs. Besides if you have a need (ok a strong want) what better excuse to buy new shoes?!

6. Roll and layer. Pack your suitcase in such a way that maximizes the space available and minimizes wrinkling. Start with shoes and any heavier items go towards the bottom or wheels of suitcase to minimize wrinkles. Stuff your shoes with sleepwear, undergarments, etc – this will help keep the shoe’s shape and utilize space. Make use of all the inside and outside pockets. Roll your clothes and layer with dry cleaning bags to decrease friction and wrinkles.

7. Pack without emotion. It never fails. As you are zipping up your suitcase, a small voice whispers “you might need that extra dress” or “you’ll regret not packing the red cardigan sweater “. Don’t listen!  If you’ve packed a mix and match collection, trust me, you will be good to go.

Share with us what some of your travel packing tips?

How Safe Is Your Checked Luggage

Long ago, we simply locked our luggage to attempt to deter theft.  While using a lock may not prevent theft from your bags, it can’t hurt and will make your bag less likely to be a target.  With 9/11 and heighten security, locking your bags became difficult until the TSA approved locks were introduced. Now you can find a fair number of people who do lock their luggage as opposed to those who don’t especially for international flights. We all know if a thief wants to steal from your bag they will, regardless of any lock or preventative measure. The rule of thumb remains to never to pack any valuables in your checked bags regardless of a lock or not.

Any one who travels internationally should know their TSA approved locks might work passing through US airports when the agents have the keys but once you leave the country, no guarantees. It is not always likely that all agents overseas will have the keys for the TSA locks.

In the spirit of saving money and being prepared, I recently learned some countries actually require you to have your bags locked before they will check you in for your return flight home. Of course, the locks for sale in the airport are at an extremely high price. So if you are someone who always travels with your bags locked, then you should be set. If you are someone who does not normally lock your bags or uses zip ties, unless you want to pay upwards of $40.00 or more  for 2 locks, you may want to have spare locks. You can see where this could add up quickly and that you may want to consider always carrying locks with you just in case. Zip-ties are a popular option since they are inexpensive and easy to put on and take off, however some airport security checks may require more than a zip-tie for a lock.

Finally, always check the limits of the insurance coverage for your checked bags. If the standard coverage amount airlines provide is too low for your tastes, additional travel insurance may be something to consider. A good practice is to have name tags on your bags plus a unique identifying feature like a handle wrap or ribbon.  All those black bags can look the same coming around on the carousel.

How do you adjust to the changing luggage security requirements when you travel?

What Is On Your Bucket List?

One of my favorite movies is The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. The characters, Carter and Edward, are two terminally ill men that escape from a cancer ward to head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they “kick the bucket”.  A big part of this list is to travel to destinations like Egypt to see the pyramids, go on safari in Africa, ride a motorcycle on the Great Wall of China, dine high in the hills on the Cote d’Azur, explore the Taj Mahal in India and climb the Himalayas.

You don’t have to be sick or dying or even to make your bucket list but you need to have a plan! If you have a list then you can prioritize it or better yet, be on the look out for a great value.

Have you made your bucket list? Dreaming is free and limitless. Don’t worry about the “how” just yet – focus on the fun, the joy of the idea of going to the places you dream to visit. Start with where ever you are most comfortable and build your trips from there. Where is the one place you really dream to visit? Make that the number one on your list. One of my friends recently told me “when there is a will to travel,  people find a way” and I agree. Life is a journey and it is meant to be fun.

What are some of the destinations on your Bucket List?

The Parallels of Climbing and Business

In the General Session #2 at Cruise3Sixty 2010 in Vancouver, I learned some valuable lessons for my travel business that I feel are worth sharing.  Our keynote speaker is Alison Levine, who I had not heard of before but WOW she is an inspiring person, who really exemplifies how we should all use the present moment for the most it can be.

Alison says “The skills required to climb big mountains are no different from the skills required to succeed in business. Leadership, teamwork, determination, tenacity, and the ability to adapt to a changing environment are as critical in the jet stream as they are in the workplace. This presentation will take you on an incredible journey above the clouds; where the magnificent views make up for the sub-zero temperatures, hurricane force winds and altitude sickness…where willpower is as important a qualification as experience, and good judgment is the most essential piece of equipment.”

The lessons I was reminded of from her presentation are simple but solid and true:

• Figure out how to get it done with the resources you have
• Ask the right questions and keep on asking until you get to a yes
• Do not let fear stop you
• For daunting tasks or goals, break it down into manageable pieces
• Fear is OK but complacency will kill you
• Sometimes no matter how good or prepared you are things can go wrong
• When you have people looking to you – no matter how you feel – put on a smile
• The conditions need to be right
• Panicking will NOT help

These are not only good for climbing and business but travel in general.

Can you recall  your last vacation or business trip, do any of these  points apply?
I would love to hear from you.

Which Senses Aid In Your Travel Memory Recall?

Travel for me is a very sensual experience using your sight, smell, sound, touch and taste to fully explore the place. As an explorer you have to really slow down and be in the moment, take notice. Each destination has it’s own unique smell, obvious sights, tastes in food and beverages, and sounds that profoundly impact your memory of the place.

Without the luxury of being able to revisit each great place you have been to - how do you remember the destination? A place you saw, something you ate, a noise you had never heard before but heard a lot or a smell. A great example is the last time I visited Lake Maggoire, Italy the jasmine was in bloom – everywhere. The sweet aroma filled the air especially after a light afternoon shower. This memory over every other sense captures that visit for me.

Which sense gives YOU the strongest memory recall of your trip?

Tulips, Castles & River Cruising: Part 1 of 4

This four part series will cover my experiences  on Tulips, Castles & River Cruising – small group luxury tour by Want To Go Travel. It is a 12 day journey that started today. We will spend several days in Amsterdam, then cruise down the Rhine River visiting various quaint towns and ending in Switzerland where we spend our last two days in Lucerne.

You know your trip is off to a great start when:

• Your main handle breaks off your suitcase thus forcing you to repack into another suitcase entirely
• The airline check-in person is “in training” and to enhance their learning curve, the computer is broken
• And finally the airplane in-flight entertainment system (yes with the movies, music and games) does not work on the 9 hour flight – good thing I can sleep

Honestly, the KLM equipment was in need of a refresh but the crew was of high quality.  The flight seemed to go by faster than the last time I made this trip, which was nice. Most of our bags were already to be picked up by time we cleared immigration.  Our driver Cedric, reminded me of Morgan Freeman in looks, was fantastic with the most positive spirit and in depth city knowledge you will find! I look forward to using his services again.

The Sofitel Grand is well located in the heart of Amsterdam, although it may be a bit close to the Red Light District for some people. This former Amsterdam City Hall is a lovely upscale hotel. Check in was prompt and thankfully they had our rooms ready and waiting. The rooms, recently renovated, are very spacious by european standards and feature a large wall of windows that have a nice view of the canal. The marble bathroom offered a huge soaking tub with a TV in the wall, a generous separate shower and dressing area.

Several of us took a cruise to see the sights and amazing architecture from the waterways. My only issue with this boat tour is the glass windows, which don’t open.  Any photos taken from inside the boat would have reflections of the all the passengers – several places will have to be revisited if we want quality pictures. It is nice that Amsterdam is very walkable that retracing our journey is easily doable.

The most colorful experience of the day was taking several wrong turns in the red light district. Oh how very special and exhilarating to my jet-lagged self. Thankfully, no one I was traveling with was too shocked, although the “ladies” in the windows were eagerly trying to get our attention.

As I write this, I have all the windows open to let the fresh air in,enjoying the sounds of seagulls, bicycles and church bells. Texas was 90 when I left, so this mild 50’s weather is very refreshing.

What do you love about Amsterdam in the spring?

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

 Ask anyone who has been stuck as a result from a major accident or delayed flight missing the connection and my bet is they would agree. Yes, it is worth it to pay anywhere from 3-6% of the trip cost for those unexpected experiences.

Your dream vacation can take a year to save for, but only a split second to ruin. While you can’t do anything to prevent an unexpected storm from closing the airport, you can do something to help cover your travel investment and buy travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide you coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage damage, and much more. Plus, with every insurance plan you will also receive 24-hour travel assistance that covers services like flight changes, lost wallet or passport, broken eye-wear, dinner reservations, transportation arrangements, identity theft services, lost luggage tracking and more.

Personally,  I feel the most important coverage offered is the medical expenses and emergency medical transportation. Did you know when you leave the United States you may not only be “out of network” but you may not be covered at all? Maybe your credit card like American Express covers you - do you know what your limits are and if it is primary or secondary coverage? I am not one to push any unnecessary extras but it pays to know these kind of things before something happens.

No one plans for broken bones, lost luggage, stolen passports, hurricanes, earthquakes or volcanos. No one plans to have their boss cancel their vacation before they have even left home. And no one plans to get into an accident. But it happens and the question is how do you want to manage it? If you never have to use it, then you may feel why did I pay for it? All that money could have gone to another vacation! But when you need it for what ever reason, then you will be happy to have it.

Have you had an experience with or without Travel Insurance?