Concerts, Music & Fun in the Sun

Concerts, Music & Fun in the Sun

I have a love of music - I always have, and I always will. If I am having a lousy day, nothing can make me feel better than listening to some good music. I can move between a lovely concerto; to hip hop; to big band. Regardless if it's Eric Clapton, Mtume, Kenny G, Maxwell, Rod Stewart, Kanye, Tu Pac, Carrie Carpenter, U2, Van Halen, Cyndi Lauper, George Michael, Kelly Clarkson; the list is endless, because I simply appreciate music and all the aspects of it.

During this time of year I start looking for the outdoor concerts and seeing which ones may fit my tightly packed schedule. The summertime makes me want to be outside, so I am fond of venues where the concerts are held out doors, and the closer to the beach or wine country they are - the better. California is flush with concerts throughout the year, but one of the big ones is the Playboy Jazz Festival, held at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. If you've ever been to this concert, you know that it's a cornucopia of top performers in the jazz industry. There are a host of other concerts held in the Los Angeles (or surrounding) area - it makes me a bit envious that they are stocked piled with the some of the best concerts and venues.

Despite the fact that (in my opinion) California is one of the best places to attend outdoor concerts, there are a host of other cities and that have fantastic concerts throughout the year; for instance, here in Colorado they have an awesome Winter Park Jazz Festival. My advice is to get online and check them out in your area, so you can take a break, sit back, and sip on a nice beverage of choice and enjoy a relaxing day or night of music and fun.

*photo used from: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4717546367_205f975f7f.jpg

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Part 19 of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Part 19 of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Have you ever been in the process of researching the purchase of a car, and all of a sudden that one model you've looked at seriously starts popping up every where you go? You can be in a mall parking lot, at a gas station, grocery store, freeway; just about any where, and you are seeing that car. Well, I've been feeling that way about travel; more specifically, stories about travel agents and their "resurrection." Five years ago, the inevitable extinction of travel professionals was being touted everywhere as being the "last of a dying breed." OUCH!

I am happy to report that the trend is now being reported in the opposite direction (like I didn't know this already). It seems not everybody feels that travel professionals are going the way of the dinosaur; in fact, I was recently reading an article in the Washington Post, whereby the author is extolling the virtues of using a travel agent, and how many people are going back to their preferred travel agents to book their trips. You can read the full story here at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/travelers-turn-back-to-travel-agents/2011/04/25/AFZcLM8F_story.html.

It doesn't surprise me at all, and as a matter of fact, there are more and more people I've been coming into contact with that indicate they don't mind doing some research on their own, but ultimately when it gets down to the final recommendations for lodgings, activities, and "must see/do" items, they still prefer working with a travel professional. I have said it once, but it deserves repeating; you can have 100 people who prefer to only do online banking; however, you will always have another segment (although it is a smaller percentage) that will want to have that face time with a banker. Also, for those who prefer 24/7 online access, they will still come across situations where they need to speak with a real, live person. Travel is the same thing. Yes, there is a lot of information out there, but a lot of times people like the idea of contacting one person to help them plan everything and be done with it; versus spending hours and hours trying to out beat the lowest price. There are individuals who see the value in not expending their time doing something that they can have done by someone else.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? – Your travel expert can help you save money by helping you decide if certain upgrades at hotels are really worth the extra money.
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.

*source information provided by ASTA

www.chicksthattrip.com

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Wishing you all a wonderful and special day!

Chicks That Trip

*photo by That Chick Té

Ode to the Bartender!

Ode to the Bartender!

I must (shamefully) confess! Bartenders are the ying to my yang. While I can't say that every bartender I've met has resonated with me; most have been wonderful treasures that have touched my life in a positive way.

Bartenders are forced to listen to the most inane banter of drunk, clueless individuals; while still maintaining a smile on their faces (well, if they want tips that is). Even for those customers who don't drink, bartenders are still attentive and appreciative of the business. Rarely do they take themselves too seriously (although there is that rare breed of class conscious ones who may); and they are always willing to lend an ear, a shot of tequila, or in some cases a kiss - to make you feel everything will be alright in the world.

In my travels, I have been fortunate to meet some of the best bartenders in the world. They are creative, funny, oftentimes attractive, witty, smart and always interesting. It doesn't matter if they are male or female, they are a group that should never be forgotten nor dismissed arbitrarily. In our society there has been a loss of the appreciation for those in the service industry, so in this small way, I wanted to send a "shout out" to bartenders around the world.

In order to protect their privacy, I will not list their place of employment, but I will list a few names of some of the best bartenders I've come to know and appreciate: 2 Justin's (one of my uber favorites), 2 Dan's, Greg, Brock, Juan, Oscar, Amanda, Jessica, Corey, Brian, John, Errol, and Julio. I've met these individuals at my local haunts, as well as on my numerous travels. For all of you - have a shot on me!


*photo by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com