Restaurant Week - Coming to a City Near You!

Restaurant Week - Coming to a City Near You!

I get like Pavlov's dog when I hear that restaurant week is about to begin. My tongue hangs out of the corner of my mouth, and mini visions of exotic dishes dance through my head. By the way, calling it restaurant week is a bit of a misnomer, since it's been so successful that here, at least, they have stretched it to two weeks.

Restaurant week in the Denver area begins February 26, and goes through March 11. I am going to try at least three restaurants in that time frame, and more, if possible. It is a bit of a decadence; however, given the opportunity to try a restaurant with their premier dishes at a fraction of their original menu price is something that I just have to do. It is, shall we say, my calling. I must answer!

The top three I know I will be going to are as follow:

• 1515
• Bistro Vendome
• Del Frisco's (where I've been, but one of my friends would like to go)

There are several others that I may try to get to as well, but at least I have some priorities. I've heard some great things about another restaurant called, Colt & Gray, so I will more than likely slip that one into the mix as well.

The prices are great, because you can go as a single person and pay $26.00 or go with someone else and pay $52.00. I like that option, because there are numerous occasions where either a. I want to go to a place where nobody else wants to go, or b. I want to go buy myself, so having the single person option is a great benefit. Long gone are the days where a host or hostess makes you feel like an outcast by stepping into a restaurant by yourself. Actually, quite a few savvier restaurants have begun implementing communal type seating, which encourages those who are in larger groups, or alone, to have a place to sit and eat, and possibly get to meet new people. I don't think the restaurants intentions are to serve as a "love connection," but they are simply capitalizing on a market that is ever increasing.

My recommendation would be for everyone to google their cities name, and see if/when restaurant week begins where you are. Enjoy, and happy eating!

*photo taken from flikr: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2305/2263243016_067b3421f3.jpg?v=0

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

Leave Mexico Alone!

Leave Mexico Alone!

Our neighbors to the Southwest have been inundated with horrible news over the past year and a half. It seems like once every few months there are news stories of bombings, heads being found buried on beaches in the sand, cartel drug crimes, and a host of other horrific news that finds its way into our headlines.

I've been to various cities in Mexico on numerous occasions in my life, and I can honestly say that not once in any of my visits have I ever felt unsafe, threatened or ill at ease. Now, with that being said, I do take precautions when I travel, but I take the same precautions when I am traveling (or even not traveling) anywhere - including in the United States. In my opinion, safety begins at home. Are there circumstances that are beyond our control when we travel? Absolutely, but there are things that I am certain that a lot of people do while they are home that carry over to their travels. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people run into a convenience store and leave their car running with an animal or child inside. Or the ladies who place their handbags on the back of their chairs, and then wonder how on heavens earth it got scooped up. I believe the people of Mexico are just as alarmed by the seeming escalation of crime, and for the most part, the vast majority of inhabitants of Mexico do not participate, nor encourage the crimes that have been taking place.

When I hear the news stories surrounding Mexico, and then the comments and conclusions that people automatically make, I think about a James Taylor song, "Mexico." The following lines sum up my feelings on those who continue to hold Mexico at an arms length because of the recent reports, "Oh, down in Mexico, I never really been so I don't really know..."

While many people are quick to judge and castigate the country, most of them have never even been before. I understand fear, but I don't believe an entire country should be looked upon with a jaundiced eye simply because some rogue parties have been able to use scare tactics to control a small portion of the country.

Safety is important regardless where you are, and I hope those who've always wanted to go to Mexico do not let a few isolated crimes deter them from their travels.

*photo used from: http://topnews.in/files/mexico_10.jpg

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

Part 15 Of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Part 15 Of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

It's January and in many states (and other parts of the world) it's cold. Not only cold, downright frigid. In speaking with several of my colleagues, I've made my own personal observation that the colder the climate the more apt people are to go on "impromptu" trips. Several of my colleagues in the Northeast have stated they have had an onslaught of clients contacting them to leave on trips immediately! Some even want to travel in less than a weeks time. They want to go anywhere it's warmer!

By working with a travel professional, instead of them having to pour through several hundred "discount sites," they can contact their travel professional and tell them what they are looking for, and leave the work for someone else. By asking the right questions, the clients can get where they want to go; save some money, and have a great last minute vacation.

Advice on Activities to Book Beforehand - A travel expert can forewarn you of any activities that tend to sell out early so there are no unexpected disappointments when you are there. For example, character dining in Disney sells out months in advance.

General Ideas on Where to Go - A travel expert can offer excellent trip advice based on the details of what type of a trip you want to take. Internet booking sites tend to require a destination up front.

A Trip to Nowhere...Sort of - Want to take a trip to a get away somewhere that is really not a normal vacation hot spot? Your travel specialist can help you find that perfect place.

Great Singles' Trips - A travel agent can help to match you with exciting singles' trips and cruises.

What to Pack - Your travel expert can give you great advice on what to pack to those exotic destinations.

*source information provided by ASTA

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

A New Year - What's In Store?

A New Year - What's In Store?

WOW! I will say it again - WOW! I can't believe it's a new year already. It seems just like yesterday that I started this blog and now a full year (and then some) has passed! Guess what? I'm still excited, elated, titillated, exuberant...ok, I think you get the picture.

It is a new year and everyone is talking about their "resolutions." I am not a "resolution" type of person, per se, but that doesn't mean I don't have goals. In my prior life, I thought goals were simply another avenue for companies to make their employees completely annoyed and irritated; however, having my own business now, I realize that goals actually help to get things done. If there are no goals, ie, directions, then nothing would ever get done. While I believe there are a lot of extremes in the goal setting department, I realize it is crucial for everyone to set some goals to achieve throughout the year.

When I was preparing for college, I remember my guidance counselor suggesting that I apply to an "easy" college; a couple of colleges that I really wanted to go to; and a "stretch" college, that I probably had no chance of being accepted. Her theory was simple, you will be going to college, and to her point, I did go to college (and to a good one, might I add). Setting goals is the same concept. You should set goals that are achievable, and also set some goals that may seemingly be out of your reach, but that you would like to accomplish. It doesn't have to be 50 goals you set in a year; however, ensure that the goals you do set are leading you down the path for future success.

Since starting my own business, I realize just how critical goal setting truly is, and not only for my business, but for my own personal goals. I recently completed my vision board, and I can attest to its power. Many opportunities are beginning to open up for me, and all of the goals I have been working on over the past two years are coming into shape.

I believe the economy (while slowly) is starting to rebound, and many people are beginning to see a bit of hope in the future. Fortunately, this helps a lot of the business and personal goals I've set for myself. I won't bore you all by divulging every goal I've set for this year, but a couple of them are great and will affect some of the followers (and hopefully new followers) of this blog. One of the goals is to increase viewership of this awesome blog, so there will be several drawings for travel and entertainment related gifts. I will also add information regarding a couple of the trips that, Chicks That Trip, will be hosting throughout the year. One of the great trips we have planned for this year is to host a small group to London (the light bulb comes on, and you all say, "ahh, hahh, now we understand the above picture of Harrods in London".) It won't be anytime during the pomp and circumstance surrounding the royal wedding, but it will be in the late Fall when a lot of the tourist have completed their travel, and Londoners start preparing for the holidays.

Stay tuned and check back often to see information on the first drawing to take place in this first quarter!

*photo taken from: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1091/1362000284_4910aa9752.jpg

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

Wishing you a safe New Year's Celebration, and a
wonderful, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

See you next year!

Chicks That Trip

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

*Image taken from: http://www.balloonmaniacs.com/images/happynewyear2011heliumballoon.gif

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

We would like to wish you and your families a beautiful,
warm, and special holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

Chicks That Trip

Pick Up Your Passport!

Pick Up Your Passport!

Imagine that all of your friends are planning an impromptu trip to an exotic locale like Bali, Greece, Portugal, or even Jamaica, to depart in the next week, but you can't go. Yes, you can't go because you don't have a passport. You think to yourself, "No problem, I can get one in the next week without a problem"- but it is a problem. Obtaining a passport on short notice (while possible) is expensive. Most people don't realize the cost until they are attempting to get a passport expedited to them in the course of a week; oftentimes less time than that. Currently, receiving your passport can run 4-6 weeks, sometimes longer if there are a glut of applications that are received and need to be processed (excluding expedited passports).

Here is the information you will need in order to obtain a passport, as well as the costs:

1. You need to get passport photos (2);
2. Verification of identity is required which can include one of the following: Previously issued, undamaged U.S. Passport, Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship;
3. If applying in person the following information can be used as identification: Previously issued, undamaged U.S. Passport, Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver's License, Current Government ID (city, state or federal), or Current Military ID (military and dependents);
4. If you are providing Secondary Identification, you must provide a photocopy of the front and back of each document presented with your application. Example of secondary identification would be: Social Security Card + Credit Card + Employee ID + Library Card *these items are not acceptable as secondary identification when presented alone;
5. There are special requirements for All Minors Under Age 16 and All Minors Ages 16 & 17 - you will need to review those requirements, and any information, as they are subject to change at any time;
6. An Adult Passport is $110 + $25 execution fee = $135. The Adult renewal is $110;
   
7. A Minor Passport is $80 + $25 execution fee = $105;
8. Expedition costs are $60 per application plus overnight delivery costs, as well as other fees that can be associated too. Check the fine print.
   

I would strongly recommend checking out this website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html, so that you are prepared whenever you are going to obtain your passport, as it is a wealth of information, and any information can change at their discretion in respect to pricing and fees. Also, keep in mind for those of you who are sitting their smugly thinking that you are o.k. because you have your passport; if you are traveling, and your passport expires in less than 6 months of your return date, then you will need to renew your passport prior to your travels too.

Don't be left behind - get or renew your passport today!

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

Part 14 Of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Part 14 Of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

My business partner sent me an email forwarded from another party regarding deep discounted rooms in the Dominican Republic. The rooms were jaw dropping 90% off of their rates; which equated to approximately $20.00 a night. Upon further perusing, I reviewed the fine print and came up with well over several hundred dollars of associated fees; so while the price was still very inexpensive, it was not the $20.00 that was advertised.

The same thing happens with deep discounted cruise rates you will see online or in snail mailings too. There will be a rate for 3-7 nights showing a ridiculously low price of $199/$299/$399; however, once the port surcharges, and additional fees are added, those ratchet the prices up several hundred dollars more. Again, even with the additional charges, some of these rates are still significantly less than other prices; but, more often than not, the cruise lines who have the these deep discounts are not the upper echelon of the cruise industry. Again it goes to the old adage, “You get what you pay for.” While there are countless people who have and will continue to take a discounted cruise on a lower class ship, there are those who will chose to add more to their budget in order to obtain a higher level of service, food and overall experience.

Difference in Days to Save Money - Instead of playing around with dates on the internet for hours your travel agent can advise you on any changes to your travel dates that might save you hundreds of dollars.

Staying In-the-Know of Daily Promotions - Travel agents get emails and faxes of daily money saving promotions.

Enhancing the Trip With Extra Amenities -Your travel specialist may be able to arrange for those little extras like a bottle of champagne to be waiting in your room when you arrive.

Using Clout in Impossible Situations - Whether it is air line seats, cruise reservations, or overbooked activities travel experts have more buying power than the average consumer.

Clarifying the Fine Print - Your travel agent can advise you of all the cancellation penalties and restrictions hidden in the fine print of your travel documents.

Detailed Itineraries - Your travel expert can help you plan your trip out day- by- day to give you a good mix of fun and relaxation.

*Source Information from ASTA

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

What Are Your Plans For New Year's Eve?

What Are Your Plans For New Year's Eve?

First, let me say that New Year's Eve is probably my least favorite holiday. It started at a young age for me, and I primarily can say my distaste for the holiday was derived from the singing, or should I say, the lyrics of "Auld Lang Syne." It's slow tempo and depressing lyrics never made me feel like leaping out of my seat and dancing the night away; nor did it give me any feeling that I'd be able to accomplish magnificent goals in the new year.

With that being said, I do enjoy New Year's Day! The parades, food, and you guessed it - FOOTBALL! A lot of my friends and colleagues are in a frenzy trying to decide what they are going to do on NYE? Where they are going? What they are going to wear? Who is going to be where they are going? How much are they willing to pay to be at X location? And it goes on, and on and on. While the end of the year is oftentimes viewed with a certain degree of mixed emotions; I (typically), am able to reflect on all of the positive steps I've made over the past year, while also looking ahead at all of the marvelous adventures I will have in store for the New Year.

There are still quite a few other holidays between now and the end of the year, so enjoy all of the holiday cheer and don't "sweat the small stuff." Whether you are in New York watching the ball drop in Times Square; sitting in your home watching television; partying the night away in Los Angeles or enjoying a private party with friends and family, make sure to enjoy the remainder of 2010, so you can carry that excitement into 2011!

Cheers!

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Wishing you a wonderful,

safe and food filled Thanksgiving holiday.

All the best

~ Chicks That Trip~

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

*photo taken from: http://www.jannorris.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/thanksgiving-meal.jpg