Spring Has Sprung!

Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year to me. The snow is melting away and everyone is in great spirits because they don't have to be locked inside of the house (well, those of us in colder climates).

I am excitedly plotting my Colorado Wine Country Journey that I will be blogging about over the course of the next few months. As time permits, I am going to visit many of the vineyards & wineries located in Colorado, and I am looking forward to this time to reflect, create, and just be one with nature. It may sound trite to some, but going on a road trip is a good way to clear out the cobwebs of your mind and just - be.

I was recently reading an article written by Erin Bried, in the April 2010 Self magazine entitled, "Your Great Escape: 5 Excuses To Skip Town." Paraphrasing, the article points out five great reasons to go on vacation. I won't rewrite the article, but the five reasons were as follow:

1. You'll be fitter and slimmer
2. You'll sleep better
3. You'll live longer
4. You'll be calmer at work (I personally can attest to this one)
5. You'll strengthen your bond

Regardless if you take a trip that is exotic and far away, or a long weekend away, the health and regenerative benefits are exceptional. There is something to be said about that anticipation before a trip, and while it's not always a fun aspect returning to work; I always found (when I was in the corporate world), that it seemed to buy me some more sanity. I probably shouldn't admit to that, but it's true. Going on a vacation was a way to get away from all of the stress and ugliness that can oftentimes be in the work place. While you are on vacation it can help you put a lot into perspective, and it can make you appreciate the fact that you have a job, but it also helps to reenergize you, and to that point, it may help you make decisions that can potentially better your work/life balance.

*picture taken from: http://www.freenaturepictures.com/pictures/view-from-cliffs-5.php

(http://www.chicksthattrip.com/)

Part 5 of Series: 101 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

Part 5 of Series: 101 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

Having a travel professional in your “pocket” allows you to find out about things that may not be widely publicized or may be so limited in availability that when you do find out – it’s too late. Case in point, one of my top suppliers immediately sent out an email to those of us who book Major Sporting Event packages to let us know what they had available for the Masters’ once Tiger Woods announced he would be playing. It is these types of situations that travel professionals are able to know about, and pass on the information to their clients who may have expressed interest in attending these types of events when made available/accessible to the general public.

• Where to Go to Avoid Kids - Want to go somewhere without children running all over the place? A travel agent can help you to find excellent retreats that are open to adults only.
  

• Good Senior Trips - Need a trip with a good balance of sightseeing, and rest and relaxation? Travel agents can help lucky retirees you to plan great extended trips that are senior-friendly for those lucky retirees.
  

• Student Discounts - Some travel agents are an excellent go to source for students looking to go on discounted trips.
  
  
• Exotic Adventures - Travel experts can help to recommend great once in a lifetime experiences. They can help you to find the best/safest shark cages to dive into and the highest free fall bungees to jump off.
  
  
• Great Deals without Sitting at a Time Share Presentation - Want an affordable trip to Florida without having to sit through a timeshare presentation? A travel agent can help you to exceptional deals without the stipulations.
  

*Source: American Society of Travel Agents

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

TMI

TMI (Too Much Information)


Anybody who travels a lot has probably run across this, and I'm not talking about the slightly (or overly) inebriated gentleman or lady that you meet at the bar who overshares their personal information! I'm talking about that person who is sitting next to you on the plane. Regardless if they are talking to you; on their cell phone, or talking to the person next to them, there is TMI being inadvertently shared with those within hearing distance.

I know that some people really don't care that everybody is being subjected (tortured) by every intimate detail of their personal life, but quite frankly people are sharing information in close confines, that I'm certain they wouldn't want their colleagues, friends or family to even know about...or maybe I'm wrong???

I've been subjected to hearing about horrible divorce proceedings; birthing tricks/conceiving options; woes of bankruptcies; graphic details of health issues, and much more that quite honestly I can't remember. I think our society has been desensitized by common decency around privacy, because most individuals probably don't even think twice about having entire, intimate conversations within earshot of others, or with complete strangers. Well, I'm one of the few that is NOT interested in all of the personal going ons with complete strangers. I think some things should remain sacred and shouldn't be discussed aboard a plane; especially since there is no where you can run in order to get away from overhearing these conversations. You are stuck. Period.

I guess this is something I will have to get used to since every personal detail of a person’s life is essentially a "point & click" a way.


*photo taken from www.wisebread.com/.../whispering-small.jpg

(www.chicksthattrip.com)