To Go or Not to Go, That is the Question

The more I get to understanding people's travel psyche, the more I begin to realize something: People are nervous about visiting most places. It's not uncommon for me to hear, "I won't travel there, it's too dangerous" many times a week in reference to places no where near the State Department's Advisory List. While most of the time I think their concern is off-base, the real question is, as travelers, what do we do with places like Thailand, India, Myanmar and Greece? We've all seen these countries in the news of late for various reasons and while not on Advisory Lists, instances of unrest in these destinations often creates an over-reaction from the general public.

So the real questions are:
Where should we be worried about traveling?
Where shouldn't we worry?
When do people need to just relax, put aside their anxiety, and just go?


Let me start with the obvious: Any destination engaged in some sort of international, civil, or insurgent-led war should be avoided. I think we can all agree that places like Iraq, Afghanistan and to some extent Pakistan are off-limits. Add to this the handful of countries that are so incredibly de-stabilized or lawless that one would be risking more than simply their belongings by traveling there, and we should add places like Somalia, Sudan, DRC, Zimbabwe, and largely Palestine. But what then?

One of my pet peeves is that if you watch or read the news, you'd think that every place on this planet is dangerous; anything international should be avoided:

Don't travel to Thailand, there are people that are protesting the government.
Don't go to London, they had those bombings,
Don't see the Louvre, the French hate us.
Avoid South America, they have all of those drug cartels.
Don't see China, it's near that crazy guy in North Korea.
Watch out for Peru, I saw that story about how Alpaca's will spit at you.
Definitely avoid Egypt, there are terrorists everywhere.
Steer clear of Southern Italy... all of those mobsters.
Don't go near the Mideast, Arabs hate us and will kidnap Westerners.
SE Asia is lawless. I heard that if you go most places there, you'll likely wake up in a bathtub without your organs.
Russia is crazy, after the collapse they lost all of their nuclear weapons, and they could be detonated at any time.
Never Indonesia; a tidal wave will sweep me away.
Nor Turkey. Crazy earthquakes, none of those buildings are built like the Japanese, they'll fall on me.

Ugh. My advice: Relax. Take a deep breath. Look around you. Realize our country has it's own dangers. There will certainly be instances of unrest, crime, natural disaster and pockets of danger anywhere in this world one travels. But ask yourself: How many crime reports do you see on TV here each day? How many streets exist in this country that you wouldn't walk down past dark? How many earthquakes/tornados/hurricanes/floods hit our country every 12 months? Would you ever tell someone not to come to America because it's too dangerous?

Make sure you do your research, and just go! Aside from the few places listed above, the countries in this world are overwhelmingly safe. The people there are overwhelmingly sweet, hospitable, and just like you. Buy a good guide book to steer you clear of the wrong parts of the city, avoid war zones, and just relax and enjoy yourself. Read more...

Trinkets and Souvenirs

According to trusty Wikipedia, a "souvenir" is a memento or keepsake or object a traveler brings home for the memories associated with it. Fair enough I suppose. The definition listed above though is a bit trite in my opinion. After all, the summary makes it sounds like a random peach pit someone might choke on in Madrid, could fit the definition. We all know though, this isn't the case. Souvenir's tend to be those really lame things you can find in gift shops around the world: T-shirts, local "cultural" items, shot glasses etc etc. They are all of those things one brings home from a vacation and shows off to friends. Half the time, the "souvenir" could probably be flipped over to reveal a "Made in China" tag despite where you bought the thing... I mention this because I have developed a sort-of fascination over the years with the "souvenirs" foreign cultures think tourists will want to buy, the gullible people that purchase them, and the real gems that exist in these locations.

For instance, the Egyptians think that the golden ticket for tourist purchases is alabaster. Could be anything, just as long as it is alabaster, and made to look pretty old. Really, if it looks to be any sort of ancient trinket, people buy it. I must say too, the salesman in Egypt are way up the aggressive scale. You practically have to spray yourself with skunk odor to get these folks to leave you alone. I love their approach too:

Random tourist: How much for the alabaster pot?
Random gift-shop owner: $320! Original! Bery Old!
Random tourist: I'll give you $4 for it...
Random gift-shop owner: Make it $4.50...

And off someone walks with their "1000 year old alabaster pot". Everything is always "original" in foreign destinations as well. I was once in Luxor, and was taken to "the finest hand-made alabaster shop in the country" according to a guide. We were driven to a two-story factory in the middle of nowhere that had the alabaster on the second floor. The first floor was were it was all made "original". As we walked up there was a scene on the left side of the shop that I found hysterical. Five men in traditional clothing were sitting around holding all of the right tools with huge uncut pieces of alabaster. As we got out of the car, someone yelled to them and they quickly scrambled to start chipping away at the alabaster, drilling holes in it, one guy was even throwing water over it. The moment we walked inside, they all stopped and left their stations to resume whatever they were really there to do.

Anyhow, Egypt has it's alabaster, Jerusalem their wooden ornaments, Thailand it's suits, Guatemala their rugs and on and on. I say this to point out that there are in fact, great souvenirs from the places we visit that are original, do show local craftsmanship, and are one of a kind. A couple of pointers:

1. Anything found in the hotel, restaurant, or monument you are visiting is not unique.
2. When you go to a market, notice that 95% of the stalls sell the exact same things. Look for the one booth in the whole place that has different craft, and that's a good place to start.
3. Try to buy your souvenirs in the most back-alley, out of the way places you can find.
4. Art is usually a great purchase with loads of local influence and originality.
5. If you are a cruise-taker, any shop within a half mile of where the ship docks has a 500% mark-up on very standard goods. Read more...

Extreme Adventure Travel

I really love my job. I love it because I get to live vicariously through my clients as they travel all over the globe. I recently had a client book one of the most crazy adventure tours I have ever seen. It is a Mountain Travel Sobek tour, called 6 Continents in 25 Days! Raft Rivers in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America. Basically, it is 25 days of hard-core adventure travel based around rafting down some of the most spectacular rivers in the world. Mountain Travel Sobek describes the tour themselves as "Outrageous. Audacious. Unprecedented. Ridiculous".....how fun does this sound!

Another amazing adventure tour is offered by Wildland Adventure and called "Undiscovered Belize Adventure". This tour really makes a point of taking you outside the normal resort style stays for which Belize is so well known. Travel to the untouched Southern Toledo district and take advantage of the hiking, birding, caving, snorkeling on the Barrier Reef.....in short all things adventure.

10 days snorkeling, kayaking and hiking through Ecuador....yes please! Well that is what you will get in ROW International's Galapagos Islands Multisport Adventure trip. This tour was honored as National Geographic 50 Best Tours of a Lifetime and there is really no question why. This eco-tour (which we love) is a sea kayak trip through the Galapagos, which is a much more environmentally friendly way of viewing the archipelago, as most tours use small cruise ships. This tour is all about staying active which keeping true to ROW's philosophy of leave no trace travel. Read more...

Travel Disasters

As much as I'd like to believe that travel is always rosy, never a pain, and usually a good time.... as a world traveler, I know better. For as many times as my life has changed in a positive way because of the experiences I have been fortunate enough to have while abroad, there are just as many that didn't turn out as planned.... Or to be frank, just sucked. For today's blog entry, I thought I'd compile a list of some of the worst experiences I've had abroad. Please feel free to leave us comments on your experiences as well. And to be clear, I've often learned as much from these experiences as I have the great ones... So this entry isn't all bad, I'm a better person now for having gone through them.

1. While walking down the street in Florence looking at a map, my friend and I were stopped by an unmarked car of guys claiming to be police officers. They were demanding that we show them our passports. Knowing that they had no reason to request them, we refused. They began shouting. Again demanding the passports, I again refused loudly and told them the only way they'd see them is if they took us to the police station. Getting angrier, they told us to get in the car. Again refusing, I said we'd only go there by following their car. Defeated, they left. Close call.

2. Having missed our bus to Eilat, Israel from Cairo, we I was stuck in Egypt with several friends without a way into Israel for a week. Needing to be in Israel by that next day, we managed to get ourselves on board a bus convoy of armed men heading to the closed crossing point of Rafah, Palestine to pick up their stranded countrymen for reasons I still do not understand. A very nice man wielding an uzi offered us a ride to the crossing point, where we'd be on our own to find our way through to Jerusalem. Long story short, we sat in an old warehouse in Palestine waiting to get our passports back for five hours. We weren't alone though! We shared some crackers and Coca Cola with a sweet elderly nun until we were let through. Good times.

3. A buddy of mine became deathly ill while in Salzburg, Austria with an unknown ailment. Upon reaching a closed hospital, we managed to commandeer a wheel chair to get him to the ER. BEcause the staff spoke no English, we spent many hours trying to get him admitted. We finally did, and three days later he was out. Scary, but we met some sweet people in the process.

4. I slept for a night in the new Thailand airport once. For any of you that haven't been there, it's gotta be the worst airport in the world to be stuck in. In addition to the fact that you cannot go to your gate and must wait in the absolutely enormous central reservations area, there are metal benches, air conditioning kept at about -56 degrees, and the loudest cacophony of noises and overhead announcements you ever heard stretching into the wee hours of morning. A tip from me to you: At the far end of the airport there is a gift shop that has fresh, hot noodles for about $1 that are served 24/7. Those noodles definitely got me through the night. Read more...

Vegas!

As I just returned form a sleepless weekend in Vegas, I thought I'd blog about some of the hotels/casinos to be found there with my thoughts on some of the best and worst the city has to offer.


My favorites:
1. Bellagio: Love this place. Great pool, great tables, nicest leather chairs in Vegas, and fanciest buffet.
2. Palazzo: This is the new sister hotel to the Venetian just built in January. One word: Wow. It's clean, well done, enormous rooms, and for the price, you won't find something nicer anywhere. On top of that, their pool area is a lot of fun. It connects with Venetian's pool (and Tao Beach) and provides hours of entertainment.
3. Wynn: Very similar to the Bellagio in that their furnishings, shops, and overall ambiance is top notch. I haven't explored this hotel a ton, but from what I've seen it's definitely in my top three. Steve Wynn is constructing a similar hotel next store named Encore that is due in December.
4. The Mirage: I know this one doesn't really fit with the others, but I like the overall feel and what they've done with the floor space. Lot's of room, well taken care of, and plenty to do.
5. Imperial Palace: If you're looking for cheap eats and tables, head straight to the IP. Their champagne pit tables, and rocking impersonators are worth the trip.

My least favorite:
1. Circus Circus: How this dilapidated casino is still up and running, I'm not sure.
2. New York New York: Most overrated casino on the strip. Crowded, and cheap knock-offs everywhere... Such potential.
3. The Palms: The only things this place has going for it are the eateries Nine and Little Buddha, and Ghostbar. Other than those, you may as well tear the whole place down. For a newer property, the casino is small, the decor lame, and the poker room looks like someone converted an old broom closet. Disappointing.
4. Las Vegas Hilton: Nothing at all redeeming about this place. It's a million miles from everything, and thinks it's a fancy place (not even in the realm of any of the places that are). Table minimums are way too high, boring decor, and charging way too much for where it's situated. Read more...

What is your favorite travel guide?

When I first starting traveling on my own, I bought my first travel guide. It is a 'Let's Go Spain' and honestly it is so beat up, ragged and over-used, but I cannot imagine throwing it away. I used it for a whole year to get around Spain and I literally brought it with me everywhere. Of course when I bought the 'Lets Go' version, I did it specifically because it had a plethora of information about hostels and low budget accommodations.

Now that I am considerably older and hostels don't hold the same place in my heart as they once did (perhaps it is the fact that you have to sleep in the same room as 12 strangers), I tend to stay away from the 'Lets Go' Travel guides. Since most travelers purchase books to read up on their destinations I am curious to learn, what is your favorite travel guide?

Here is the quick synopsis of some of the most popular versions:

Lets Go: A great option for those on a tight budget. I love the options they give because they find places at a great price that do not appear to be budget lodgings. Plus, they take into account younger travelers and their needs/wants, so this book always includes the best bars, trendy restaurants and other pertinent tips.

2. Frommers: Wonderful for travelers who are looking for mid to high priced accommodation options. Truth be told, this is now my favorite of all travel guides. I feel like their strength lies in describing a city before you arrive. They give a fair account of what to expect and especially the 'must-do's' that the region.

3. Eyewitness Travel Guides: I know so many people that swear by this book, because of the vivid pictures and maps included. I do admit that this guide includes more visual material than any other, but I think there is a big lack of content. I never find these books very helpful once you get to the location, plus I find the layout very confusing.

4. National Geographic Traveler: Obviously the photography in these guides are stunning, so be aware you experience might not be quite as beautiful. I love this guide because of the historical references it includes. These books tend to be a bit more expensive, but well worth it for a genuine understanding of the region in which you are traveling.

So what is your favorite travel guide? Read more...

The Misconceptions of Tours

One thing Jessica and I have learned over the last year or so is that people have a lot of misconceptions about taking tours as a vacation, or as a part of a vacation. Truth be told, I should raise my hand first, as I too used to have the same misconceptions. A couple of years ago I would have responded to tours by saying some of the following:

Why would I want to be ushered around with 85 people following someone waving a flag annoying everyone at every major site visited?
I don't want to be on a bus full of people driving around from place to place listening to someone on a megaphone.
Why would I want to have every second of my vacation planned.... I'm on vacation to relax!

While it is true that there are tour companies that run tours like the points mentioned above, 98% don't (thank goodness). In fact, I have been blown away by the different offerings of tour companies, their professionalism, expertise, access to behind the scenes locations, the structure of the tours themselves, and the ability to take such tours for an amazing price. I thought I'd list some of the finer facts of what tours have to offer for travelers while abroad:

1. Nearly every tour company has limits to the number of people allowed on each trip. Typically, the maximum number allowed on any given trip is between 6 and 15 people. Essentially we're talking about 3-4 couples or families. Furthermore, nearly every tour company has private tours as an option as well. This means private guides, transfers, meals etc for you or your group. And while most people think this is substantially more expensive, you'd be surprised how often the price is nearly the same or nominally more.

2. The level of expertise of local guides is a huge asset while traveling. How many times have you been to a historical site, museum, building, or archaeological ruin, and wondered of its significance and/or history? Having a knowledgeable local guide really enhances the experience as you learn infinitely more than you will on your own. And by the way, any reputable tour guide doesn't carry flags!

3. Most tours do not plan every second of every day. In fact, nearly every tour company provides as much free time as they do planned tours. It's typical that a standard tour has transfers, lodging, internal flights, some tours, some meals, and a few extras included in their packages but provide built in free days or portions thereof. Sure, you can find tours that will keep you busy the entire time your gone (some people prefer this), but by and large tour companies know people want to relax as much as they want to sight see.

4. Tours can be customized. Any time you are looking at a pre-set package on a tour operator's Web site, know that most tour operators post itineraries as much as suggestions as they do canned packages. If you want to take a trip that includes 90% of a trip online but without one day or activity, ask them to amend it. You'd be surprised how often trips can be changed (this is especially the case on private trips).

5. You don't have to take a tour for your whole vacation! If you like to explore cities on your own, and see adventure in getting from point A to point B, then a two-week tour probably won't make much sense to you. That said, why not hire a guide for a day in a region you want to learn more about? Or in a museum full of art you'd love to know the history of? There are plenty of options out there for every travel personality. Read more...

One tiny suitcase....too many products

Now that United Airlines announced that they will also be charging for checked bags (ugh), I thought we all could use a lesson in how to avoid paying additonal fees and carry on your luggage. Now I do not think men suffer from this same affliction, but I always check bags because of that annoying 12 oz liquid regulation. I never buy hair/face/ make-up in sizes small enough to bring them on the plane. But now companies are getting smart and offering travelers small size options (in clear containers) so they will not get hassled at the x-ray line. Or if not hassled, have all your neatly packed items riffled through in public.

1. Grab and Go- Portable products for men. Again, men have it easy when it comes to the amount of beauty products they need to haul around, but this is still a great idea for packing light and checking everything.

2. Drugstore.com- Has cleverly added all travel size items on one page so you can buy them all at once. Now you may ask, why not just so the the regular drugstore and buy the travel size items? Because, pert-plus is just not a good option for me.

3. Clinique- Has a great, travel simply set, with only the basics. As long as you are not planned to go to a gala ball, this is all the make-up you need.

4. SKS- makes travel containers so you can just add your personal products into TSA sized containers. I am never this organized to do this before time, but it is not a bad idea. Read more...

Packing 101

After re-reading all of the conversation sparked by my American Airlines post last week, I thought I'd write another entry to talk about a class that should be taught in every grade-school around the world: Packing 101. Recent moves by airlines, and my experience traveling, has taught me two things: One, the airlines will continue to try and find ways to nickel and dime travelers, and two, people don't know how to pack. I mean seriously folks, how many times have you been at the airport and seen the couple pushing 12 bags towards check-in? Or how many people do you know that get away for the weekend and can't seem to find a way to bring less than three bags? What do you people possibly need that requires so many bags?

I know this is tough for you excessive packers out there so you may need to sit down: It is possible to get away for two, three, or four days with just a carry-on. Okay people, deep breaths... get a paper bag if you need to... it can be done. Here are some helpful packing tips to avoid having to pay (certain) airlines, and/or chronic back pain later in your life:

1. Roll your clothes: Sounds a bit odd I know but your clothes are going to be wrinkled anyhow, why not save space? Plus, what hotel, condo, or home doesn't have an ironing board? This method is a great way to save a ton of space. Try it. You'll be surprised.

2. Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes: Unless you've got a black-tie event to be at, you should be able to get by with two pairs of shoes for a long weekend. I can't tell you how many people I've traveled with that bring three or four pairs of shoes along and then just wear one pair for three days. I know folks, you want options, and if you want to pay for an extra bag be my guest, otherwise this is an easy way to save the most space.

3. Use extra space: Make sure you take advantage of all those cool side pockets and containers. This space is great for underwear and socks once you're done packing. Also, make sure to use the space inside of your shoes for odds and ends, as well as the pockets on the outside of the bag.

4. Know your limits: The standard carry-on bag dimensions allowed by most airlines is 45", or a 22" x 14" x 9" bag. Make sure you've got a nice bag that uses every inch of it! Read more...

Advice Lists

I may really age myself with this blog, but back when I graduated from college, in 01' (gasp) there was am email forwarding phenomena called 'always wear sunscreen'. As in most email forwards, it was often touted as being the speech read at Harvard in that same year, although I have not found any proof this is true. It is kinda like the email forward warning you of ever traveling abroad for fear someone will steal your kidney's and leave you in a tub of ice. Anyway.......besides the fact that someone embellished its purpose, I really love this forward. It popularity was based mostly on the pure simplicity and humor of the advice given.

Here are some of the more memorable quotes: "Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing gum. Real troubles are apt to blind-side you at 4 p.m. on an idle Tuesday." or more practical is, "Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone." And finally the best advice ever "travel".

Have you ever noticed, how most 'advice' lists have a portion about travel? Whether it is a cliche like 'travel off the beaten path' or 'make your own directions', people have always had a desire to experience other cultures or environments. So here is my small piece of advice for the day..... travel as much as you can!
Read more...

Tips for the absent minded traveller

I admit it, I can be a bit of an airhead. It is not that I am a stupid person, its more that I have inherited a family trait of leaving keys, sunglasses and other such items in extremely random places. So when I travel, I do try and make it a point to come home with the same amount of stuff I left with. So here are some pointers which have I have gleamed after years of embarrassing travel blunders.

1. If parking your car at the airport, write down where the hell you left it. I hope more of you out there can relate to this, you are hurried to get to the airport, you park and run inside with only thoughts of your vacation. Of course this was best documented in the Seinfeld episode with the fish, but believe me...I have been that bewildered girl walking around a giant parking structure with my luggage.

2. Add a gaudy piece of brightly colored ribbon to your bag. Because this is inevitably what happens; you buy some generic luggage at Costco which everyone and their brother owns and then cannot distinguish which bag is yours. I realize it is somewhat nerdy to have yellow ribbon on your bag, but truthfully it beats out inadvertently taking someone's bag and having them chase you down the terminal. This is just embarrassing, and yes, I personally know what it feels like.

3. If traveling internationally, put an extra pair of undies in your carry on. I will try and make this one as PG as I can, but airlines delays are bound to happen and wearing your underwear for multiple days is just really gross.

4. Don't fall asleep on public trains. I was once robbed by a very nice thief on a train from Krakow to Budapest. He was not nice due to the fact that he stole all my money, camera and even my change. However, he did kindly replace my wallet back into my purse with all my necessary credit cards, ID and such. How did someone manage to take my wallet out, steal only pertinent items, then replace it? Well, I fell asleep on a public train......not really my finest moment. Read more...