Monday, August 29, 2011

Nostalgia: Remembering When Air Travel Was Glamorous

Nostalgia: Remembering When Air Travel Was Glamorous

It is hard to imagine that there was ever a time when air travel was glamorous, but it was, many moons ago. This hearkening back to the by gone days of travel was precipitated by a commercial I saw, advertising a new show that will be airing soon on ABC called, Pan AM. I must confess, while I do not watch a lot of television (barring my sports and food shows), I am curious to see how, and what this show will depict in respect to air travel, but more importantly, I wonder if the show will have any (positive) impacts on the airlines, as well as for those who travel? Maybe I am expecting too much. (Added 9/20/2011 - link to ABC's video of Real Pan Am Stewardesses: http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/pan-am/real-stewardesses/part-1).

In that same vein, I happened to catch the end of How to Marry a Millionaire, with the divine Marilyn Monroe. One of the scenes depicted Marilyn portraying the near-sighted character, Pola Debevoise. Pola accidentally mistook a plane to Kansas City, instead of Atlantic City (since she refused to wear her glasses). What caught my attention in the humorous scene was the fact that everyone was dressed to the nines. Clearly, I realize it is a movie; therefore, it would not be probable given the setting, and the age the film was created, that there would be anybody on the plane with flip flops on; however, I found myself longing for that type of glamorous travel too. The kind where people are polite; the planes are not smashed with people like a can of human sardines; the flight attendants appear to actually enjoy their jobs (excluding Southwest employees, who seem to enjoy their jobs), and the food is edible. Did I just say food? Yeah, I know, good luck with that!


My intention is not to say that I think we should be parading around in ball gowns and three-piece suits during our travels, and goodness knows that given the TSA requirements now days, less clothing would probably be better - from their point of view, but I digress. I simply found myself wishing that the days of air travel were easy and unencumbered like they were years ago. Obviously I know numerous things have transpired that have necessitated these changes, and anything that has to do with my safety, I am definitely embracing. But, there are those times I recall when I was very young, traveling on a plane with my mother in the early 80's, flying to Washington D.C. (in 1st Class), enjoying a bowl of raspberry sorbet with chocolate sauce, and looking around the cabin at all of the business travelers, and even then, a lot of people dressed up for their travels. There also was an unspoken etiquette that permeated the air. There was no pushing, shoving, hovering, or just plain rudeness that has become commonplace in today's air travel.

I often fantasize about having my own private jet. Yes, it's a luxury and decadence I will likely not see in my lifetime, but I can still dream. Needless to say, despite the air portion of travel (which I'm well seasoned at), I still enjoy traveling, and look forward to doing some more before the year ends, and also to start getting ramped up for the destinations I will embark upon for 2012!

www.chicksthattrip.com

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Complete the Survey for Sanctuary Camelback Mountain in the Condé Nast "Reader's Choice Award"

I must confess, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is one of this Chicks most favorite places to stay and play (and if you've read this blog before, then you probably already know this).

They have been nominated, so they would appreciate our votes so they can secure this win! Also, as an added incentive, if you vote, you might even win a luxurious Crystal Cruise for two by answering the survey - what can it hurt? Follow this link to cast your vote: http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/503569

Monday, August 15, 2011

Part 22 of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent


Part 22 of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

As a part of the travel professional community, we all seem to live by that old saying about "the best laid plans," because sometimes, even the best preparation can not dictate what the weather will be like in a certain destination; if there will be civil unrest; and any other oddity that can occur while traveling. The reality of the matter is that we really have very little control over most circumstances, so it's imperative to control those aspects of travel we have control over: reserving accommodations, booking an airline ticket vs. going standby and "hoping" everything will go as planned, packing reasonably and maintaining your own level of sanity throughout the process. 

A vacation should be a relaxing, fun, and inspirational experience. When you work with a travel professional, they want you to have the best time as well, and will work hard to ensure that your trip is everything, if not more than what you expected!
  • Someone to Complain to - If that slim chance were to occur that you do not get what you were promised, you have a real person to go back and complain to. Travel agents will work hard to rectify the matter. They will work as hard as they can to make sure you are happy so that this doesn’t happen and so you will use their service next time.
  • They Are Considered Travel Experts and Specialists - Wouldn’t you rather have a travel expert plan your trip rather than a pre-programmed website?
  • Best Pre-Seat Assignments Possible -Travel agents can talk directly with the airline to arrange for you to get the seats with the most leg room that might not otherwise be released until the day of the flight. (*Although, if you book your own reservations, oftentimes travel agents are unable to handle any changes since the airlines have become much more strict in their handling of changes, and we all know about the fees - just an fyi from That Chick Té).
  •   Mapping Routes Out Ahead of Time - Not really good at reading maps? A good travel expert can help you map out any basic directions you might need on your trip ahead of time.
  •   Family with 3 Small Children and Only Want 1 Room? - A travel expert might be able to find a way to help a family with small children get around the hotel policies of only 4 to a room.
*Source: American Society of Travel Agents

www.chicksthattrip.com

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Thoughts for London...


Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of those residing in, and traveling through the areas that were/are a part of the civil unrest.

Chicks That Trip


*photo used from: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2169/2126740570_2eb419b206.jpg

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Keeping Up With the In Crowd


Keeping Up With the In Crowd

 There is a never ending amount of information out there in cyber space. Sometimes it can be overwhelming and time consuming to figure out just what you should, and want to read in order to stay "in the know." I get asked a lot by people who know that I blog and do other freelance writing, "Who/what do you read?"

I'll be the first to admit that I am selective about what I sign up for, because my in box is already stuffed to the gills with items I have to read; therefore, anything I read for enjoyment is fairly limited.  With that being said, I'll share just a few of my favorite sites that I have signed up for:
  • Reign (www.denverreign.com) - This is a newly re-launched site by Betsy Martin. Her website is hip, cheeky, sleek and definitely one that I look forward to reading when it's delivered to my in-box on Tuesday & Thursday. That is one of its benefits; I am not inundated by daily emails. Their delivery method is twice a week, and the information is fresh, interesting and in tune with the type of lifestyle I like to live.
  • Tasting Table (www.tastingtable.com) - Yes, we all know I love food,  so it would go without saying that one of my favorite websites is Tasting Table. They send information on everything food related. It can be about a new chocolate bar infused with Scotch; to a new Chef who has launched a new cook book; farmers' markets around the U.S., and everything in between.
  • Urban Daddy (www.urbandaddy.com) - Urban Daddy provides timely information about what is going on in select cities of the U.S., like D.C., New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Whether it's a new art gallery opening; an innovative new restaurant on the scene; or information on businesses that serve your every whim, Urban Daddy is one of my premier sites to find out what's going on in some of the areas I enjoy and/or frequently travel.
If you have never heard of these sites before, I would recommend you take a cruise through and check out what's going on so you stay "in the know" too!

*photo taken by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com