Featured Event: Adopt or Sponsor a Panda Event - Denver, CO

A friend of mine sent me an email regarding this incredible event. If you are able to attend, that would be fantastic, and if not you can still find out more information about this incredible opportunity to Adopt or Sponsor a Panda! What little cuties they are!

DONATE NOW :: ADOPT A PANDA :: SPONSOR A PANDA :: BECOME A MEMBER



Pandas International invites you to celebrate
The Year of the Snake
at our 13th Annual Dinner
Please Join Us At Our Annual Chinese New Year Dinner >>
Saturday, February 23, 2013

The Palace Chinese Restaurant
6265 East Evans Avenue
Denver, Colorado

303-782-0300

Auction and Cocktails
5:30 pm

Dinner
7:15 pm


Silent Auction

Marvelous Chinese Banquet

Up to Date Report on
all of the Panda News

Entertainment

Cash Bar

Enjoy a fun, exciting evening with family and friends
and help support the Giant Pandas!


Individual Tickets $65.00 || Tables $600.00
Various levels of Corporate Sponsorship are available

RSVP:
Visit www.pandasinternational.org
E-mail info@pandasinternational.org
Call 303.933.2365

Make your reservations or purchase a sponsorship now >>

Our goal is to be able to provide climbing structures,
enrichment toys and trees for every panda.

The Giant Panda is one of the world's most endangered species. The proceeds from this year's Chinese Dinner will provide enrichment for the captive pandas. The goal of environmental enrichment is to improve or maintain an animal's physical and psychological health by increasing range or number of species-specific behaviors, increasing positive utilization of the captive environment, preventing or reducing the frequency of abnormal behaviors such as stereotypical behaviors, and increasing the individual's ability to cope with captive challenges.

If you are unable to attend, please
consider a contribution for enrichment.
Donate Online >>





Pandas International is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation of the Giant Panda.
All contributions are tax deductible according to IRS guidelines.
PO Box 620335 Littleton, CO 80123 303.933.2365
PRIVACY POLICY:
We respect your desire for privacy and want to make you aware that Pandas International's e-mail database is used solely for the dissemination of Pandas International's information. We will not sell, trade or share your email address in any way.

Memories are Priceless

Memories are Priceless

There are some people who can go through life; not really living, but, well, just going through the motions. I will agree that life can be hard, but I am a firm believer that LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT - that's why I travel!

Whenever I have my "pity party of one" moments, I pull out photos. Yes, actual pictures that were taken with my old school camera, and throw away cameras I've purchased throughout my years of travel. I pull out varying photos from trips to: St. Lucia, Europe, Jamaica, Canada, Mexico...just to name a few, and I flip through the photos and relive those moments. 

Much like music, for me, when I flip through these photos, I am transported back to that time. If I was at the beach, I can almost smell the ocean. If it is a photo of me on the Golden Gate Bridge during a day where the sky was clear enough I could see miles and miles away, I can remember almost everything I saw that day. Perhaps my memory over enhances my experiences, but it's in a good way.

All of these memories are priceless to me. I know a lot of people do not "get" spending, what they deem is a lot of money, with no real value, but I disagree wholeheartedly. Sure, traveling is not a car, clothing, home, or other tangible items, but it is buying memories and experiences. Going to faraway lands to mingle with other people and living by their customs. Like the photo above, it's driving down a sleepy road in Puerto Rico, and seeing a beautiful horse just chilling on the side of the road. Nothing can compare to these moments, and to me, they will always be priceless.

*Photo taken by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com

Romantic Travel, Even if You're Single!

There seems to be some misconception by various marketers,  that only lovers can travel to romantic destinations; especially during the month of February...yes, because of the "V" word.

I won't hate on Valentine's Day, but I do have a problem with  the marketing surrounding it, and making those of us who are otherwise unattached feel like we are unworthy of a sexy and romantic getaway, because, what in the world would we do by ourselves?

While I can agree, partially, that there are some destinations that just seemingly lend themselves to sneaking away to nestle with your amour, like Paris; that being said, those same destinations are just as sexy and inviting for singles too.

When I'm on the beach in St. Lucia, or cruising around some nondescript street in Paris, I feel the romance around me, but I don't feel unworthy to be there. It's just as provocative, sexy and fun; even when I am alone.

There are properties that are solely for pairdom (no, it's not a real word, but it's fitting): Sandals, Couples, some Karisma properties; they all revel and market to those divine couples. You see them frolicking happily together in the water; sharing an intimate dinner for two in an elegant restaurant, and strolling hand-in-hand as a glorious sunset sets below the oceans horizon. Good for them! I think couples should be able to sneak away and enjoy one another.

But guess what? There is nothing stopping a single person from experiencing the same, if not similar experiences. I love strolling on the beach by myself, day or night. There is something so soothing and serene hearing the ocean waves rushing up to the shoreline. And dining alone; I have no aversion to that by any means! I've had some of my most fabulous and entertaining dinners when I've been at a restaurant alone. I'm chatted up by an array of interesting characters - male and female. I can tell you that I've eaten at some phenomenal restaurants around the world, and I have been privy to seeing couples dining together, but barely sharing a dozen words between one another. I understand comfortable silence, but sometimes they don't even seem to be enjoying each others company, and to me, that's a shame, and a waste of a delectable meal.

So, during this month, when we will be tortured by jewelry commercials, chocolate ads, and travel commercials depicting couples frolicking together on the beach; just know that you can have all of that too, and more! 

Rincon, Puerto Rico

My short list of romantic places to be, whether you are single or a part of a couple are as follow:

• Paris, France - I think that speaks for itself.
• Santa Barbara, CA - An eclectic, relaxing and romantic place to be whether you are a couple or a single!
• Aspen, Colorado - You can be snuggled in your room with your loved one, or hunkered down in the lodge in front of a roaring fireplace by yourself; either way is an enjoyable and relaxing experience. By the way, don't forget the Irish Coffee or hot toddy to sip while you languish in front of the fire.
• Seattle, Washington - I'm specifically going to call out an establishment. The 'W' in Seattle, Washington is a place I have enjoyed immensely alone, and while traveling with others. Its seductively dark "living room" area is filled to the brim on a nightly basis, and a lot of the people there are single (well, at least when I've been there).
• Jamaica - All you have to do is rent, "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," to know that Jamaica is definitely a place for everyone, and anything can, and does happen while vacationing in Jamaica.
• Rincon, Puerto Rico - Alone, with friends, with a lover; it's just a spectacular place to be.

Viva solo travel!

*Heart photo taken by  Victor Habbick from freedigitalphotos.net. Rincon, PR photo take by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com

Denver Restaurant Week Coming Soon!

 

Denver Restaurant Week Coming Soon!

Restaurant week(s) are what I live for! A time to pop into a restaurant you have heard about, and experience an incredible meal as a "deal." 

The Denver Restaurant Weeks begins on February 23 and goes through March 8. The rumor was, that the initial restaurant week was so successful, that they had to add another week! I have been to a couple of other cities that have restaurant week too; however, Denver's execution seems to be above average. The selected restaurants, the staffing (because these places are busy), and the overall vibe have always been bar none here in Denver.

Enjoy the good bites!

*Photo taken by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com

Can Expedia Play Fair in the Sandbox?

I am a firm believer in the, "two sides to every story" scenario, but, I will readily admit that I do have specific biases when it comes to certain situations, and this would be one of those situations. I will not recant the entire debacle between the small boutique proprietor of the Luna Blue Hotel vs. Expedia; however, you can read it for yourself and make your own opinion, based on the facts as presented by the Luna Blue Hotel owners: Expedia: Bad for the traveler, Bad for the Hotel.

Now, having been in the travel industry for a bit over three years, I can personally attest to some of the underhanded ways that multiple suppliers will impart, just to make a sell. Some "misrepresent," others will "bait & switch," and others will just flat out lie. Consumers believe that they are being dealt a fair hand, but in many instances, they are simply being pulled along by an invisible string. 

It is already difficult enough to sift through the over abundance of information that is available at our fingertips, without having companies manipulate information to their advantage. I realize that in all business, there are some "tactical strategies" that comes into play. Hey, it's business and you want to make a living, but where is the line drawn? Unfortunately, I can't answer that question, but I do make my opinion and feelings known by simply choosing NOT to do business with companies that I have found to be underhanded and unscrupulous. If you do read the Luna Blue Hotel vs. Expedia situation, make sure to check out the comments; they are just as interesting as the article.

*photo taken by Stuart Miles and used from freedigitalphotos.net

www.chicksthattrip.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year,

filled with exciting food, travels and experiences!

Chicks That Trip

*Photo taken by Grant Chochrane and provided by freedigitalphotos.net

Thank You and End of Year Wrap Up!

I wanted to send out a heartfelt "Thank You," to everybody who continues to read this blog. It's always fun to write, and I look back and see that I started this blog a little over three years ago; which is remarkable and exciting to see that there is always something to write about.

As the year comes to a close, many people are running ragged trying to complete their holiday shopping, end of year goals or simply trying to stay above the fray in their day-to-day lives. It's not always easy, but we can only do our best. This year has been a mix of incredible highs, and significant lows too, but that is life. We can only do our best. With that being said, I hope that everyone out there is able to reach out to those who are important to them, and let them know how much they have brought to their lives. It's easy to let the days, weeks and months slip away without telling people how important they are to you, but I strongly encourage everybody to do just that - reach out and embrace the ones you love. I've been blessed to accomplish a lot this year, and I am optimistic about doing even more in 2013!

Enjoy the remainder of 2012, and look forward to more hotel, restaurant and entertainment postings in 2013.

All the best,

Chicks That Trip

*Photo taken in Intercontinental Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com

Hotel Spotlight: Conrad Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico

 Ahhhh, Christmas in paradise, well, Puerto Rico, that is! I just got back from a wonderful trip to Puerto Rico. It's one of the best places to mix business with pleasure - I can personally attest to that.

The photo is of a communal Christmas tree that was right off of the beach in the Condado area of San Juan, Puerto Rico. I went for a two hour walk the day after arrival, and passed by the tree. I had to take a photo of the Pepsi Christmas Tree! Yes, the decorations are essentially Pepsi ornaments, so my assumption is that the tree was displayed and sponsored by Pepsi, but then again, you know what they say about assuming anything.

Alright, now, down to business. On this trip, I was scouting properties to hold an event next October, 2013, so I saw some incredible hotels during my visit (St. Regis, Water & Beach Hotel, Intercontinental, The Horned Dorset). I stayed at the Conrad during this trip, which is a property that my business partner likes (although I think that's because she was there during the Latin Music Awards, that was held there a few years ago),  but to be honest, it left me feeling a bit...blah. Don't get me wrong, the rooms are comfortable and well appointed. The decor is modern, without being too outlandish, but the service and general vibe left me feeling less than warm and fuzzy. Most of the staff that I encountered appeared to be less than enthusiastic to be there; with the notable exception of our bartender at the Aqua Bar & Grill, and our bartender at the Moon Bar (situated in the lobby area of the hotel). Both of these individuals were engaging and funny; however, the rest of the staff fell flat. Rarely did I see a genuine smile, nor did I feel that they were excited to be working. Even the doormen/valet were a disappointment (especially considering that one of their main competitors down the street has a phenomenal doorman/valet).

The overall property is fairly well maintained and clean, but it seemed to lack any real personality. I think the liveliest place on the property was the casino area, located on the 4th floor; however, it would have been a disappointment if it hadn't been lively because, well, it is a casino! I will say that the food I had was decent. My business partner and I had two meals while we were staying there. One was at Eight Noodle Bar, where we shared some spicy tuna rolls and chicken chow mein, and at the Aqua Bar & Grill, I had a nice chicken sandwich (with fries, but of course), and my business partner had a chicken quesadilla and wings. While not culinary cuisine, all of the food was well prepared and the appropriate temperature when served (I have a problem when food is lukewarm when it's supposed to be hot).

Pros:

• Clean
• Well appointed rooms
• Centrally and conveniently located in the Condado area of San Juan
• Close to Old San Juan 
• Rental car agency on site (Enterprise)
• In walking distance of a lot of great restaurants and activities

Cons:

• Seemed to lack personality
• Staff did their job, but didn't really go above and beyond to provide that WOW  factor that I look for in properties
• Pools and beach on property were just, ok
• Cleaning staff was hit or miss - the first couple of days the room was cleaned very well and all towels and toiletries were well stocked, but the last three days, the room wasn't cleaned as thoroughly, nor were towels and toiletries restocked 
• Also, when I attempted on several occasions to call the wake-up call number, nobody answered???? Fortunately, I used the alarm in the room, as well as on my phone, because I was there on business and had daily appointments 

All in all, the property is a solid 3* property, and despite my lack of "warm and fuzzy" feelings about the general vibe of the property, it is not a bad place to stay; however, I don't think I'll be staying there again anytime soon.

Finally, just a little bit of the sigh...factor:

It really couldn't get any better than this! I MISS YOU PUERTO RICO! I'll be back soon!

*Photos taken by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com

GOT MY OWN ROW!

What I am about to post is a veritable anomaly in this day and age, but it DID happen to me on my recent connecting flight from Miami - I GOT MY OWN ROW! I will be updating more about my fantastic trip to Puerto Rico, but I just HAD to jump on here and write that, because I was flabbergasted.

I had a window seat, so I know that (typically) just because no one is in the row when I get there; they will be coming. I tucked myself away into my corner and began reading. As I read, I looked up from time to time at the front of the plane. There was a fairly steady stream of passengers that were still milling about and trickling in, so I just continued reading because I knew my luck wouldn't be THAT good; I expected and waited for at least another passenger to join me in my row.

Well, lo and behold, the flight attendants began their spiel and the cabin doors were locked, and guess what? I was in flying heaven! Now, it's not as good as First or Business class, but it is something wonderful. I can say that I haven't had a whole row to myself in well over ten years of traveling. Prior to 9/11, I would fly home from college or fly across the country on  a red-eye flight, and I can say that 50% of the time I could have a row to myself, or just shared with one other person; however, in this day and age, that is a rarity, even on a red-eye flight!

So, stay tuned for my post about my fabulous trip to San Juan and Rincon, Puerto Rico!

www.chicksthattrip.com

Freedom of a Passport

On one of the money blogs I follow, the blogger discussed the freedom that money offers an individual; so it got me thinking about the freedom of having  a (current) passport.

Money notwithstanding, when it comes to providing freedom, a passport offers a plethora of options. By having this funny little booklet with blank pages - you can travel the world! I think that's pretty cool.

I obtained my first passport when I was about twelve years old. I was supposed to go to Germany...but, that is a long story, so I won't digress; however, I will say that the whole process of obtaining (my horrible photo), and submitting the application made me feel so incredibly grown up. I think it's a special experience, and without even knowing exactly why, I knew that a whole other world had been opened up to me, and I wasn't wrong.

Traveling to far flung places in order to have my passport stamped is not why I go there, but it is an added bonus. It's a conversation starter, and it's something that you can add to your own "bucket list" of accomplishments. When I meet people and they ask me what I do, and I tell them that I am a travel professional with my own agency; it's amazing to me how many of them will say some of the following, "Wow, that's cool. Is it a good business? Do you get to travel all over the world? I would love to travel the world, but I don't even have a passport." I hear that phrase more than I care to think about. And of course, being in this business, my personal favorite is the individual(s) who want to go on a trip (next week or month) to an international destination, yet, they have no passport. Those are always interesting conversations, especially when you let them know how much a. a passport cost, and b. how much it will cost to be expedited. More often than not, their plans change and they travel a bit closer to home (read: within the United States).

I was fortunate growing up, in that, my parents liked to travel (primarily throughout the United States), and it provided me a chance to see a lot of diverse places while I was young; thus, increasing my thirst for travel as I got older. I guess you could say, I saw all the U.S. had to offer at a young age, so I had to branch out and travel the world! I am glad that I was provided the opportunity to obtain a passport while I was young, because to me, it's as essential as having a drivers' license.

If you don't have a passport, go apply for your own freedom.

*photo by digitalart and provided by freedigitalphotos.net

www.chicksthattrip.com