Downtown In The City - Denver, Colorado

Downtown In The City - Denver, Colorado

I don't know who started the expression of, "Save the best for last," but I have to disagree with them, because I like to put the best right up at the top (see photo above) - so it's not missed. This past weekend I had a complimentary night at a Sheraton property, so I selected to stay at the Sheraton in downtown Denver. This isn't a review showcasing the property; however, I did add some of the photos of the property and the room, and one of their bars called 16Mix Lounge.

While the Sheraton property was relatively clean (there was trash in the trash can of my room????) It's not necessarily a property that would ordinarily appeal to me; however, I can say that for families or business traveler(s) it's great because it is:

• Centrally located in downtown Denver off of the 16th Street Mall
• Surrounded by a multitude of restaurants and sporting venues (Rockies, Broncos, etc)
• A LARGE property to hold conferences and other events
• While utilitarian (in my opinion) the rooms are practical and laid out well
• As with most Starwood properties, the beds are very comfortable - that's always a plus in my book
• The young lady, Tina, who checked me in was courteous and nice; however, the other staff members I passed and came in contact with were none too friendly - barring the wait staff at 16Mix Lounge - they were great!

I did not like the intricate, maze like way you had to get to the Tower I was staying in on the property. It's confusing and quite frankly, annoying. I had to go down one level; walk across the very large expanse of their conference/ball room areas to the other side, to elevators that were connected to the Tower area of the property.

I am from Colorado, so I decided to go to a few places I'd never been to before. I stopped into the Paramount Cafe on the 16th Street Mall. I had a mimosa, and while browsing the menu, I determined I really wasn't that hungry so I would wait until later to eat. The brunch menu was available at the time I was there, which consisted of a small array of pancake, French toast and egg dishes. I peeked at their regular menu, which consisted of typical appetizer dishes (wings, spinach & artichoke dip, nachos, and other small plate fare). They also had a nice selection of salads, sandwiches, and interestingly enough, they also had several mediterranean style dishes on their menu as well.

After I left the Paramount Cafe, I strolled amiably down the mall area; intermittently receiving phone calls. I poked my head into a few stores and restaurants. On this particular Sunday afternoon and evening, there was an early Colorado Rockies game, and an evening Broncos vs the Steelers game. Throughout the day I saw quite a few Steelers paraphanelia and jersey's being worn by those I assumed were likely going to the game.

Several hours later of my roaming the streets, I decided to check out The Tavern on Market street. It's owned by a group that has several restaurants throughout the metropolitan Denver area. Each of their restaurants have different menu items, so I know they have great bar food, and that's exactly what I wanted - and a beer or two...

Their rooftop bar area is HUGE. This location is directly across from the Rockies stadium, so everytime there was anything going on, you could hear the roar of the crowd. I sat down and had a Bud (it was on special, as it's not my beer of choice), and watched the remainder of the Golf tournament and soaked in the lovely day. I eventually ordered two of their awesome slider sandwiches, as well as (gasp) a basket of their fries. They have added a new assortment of sliders to their menu, so I tried the chicken slider, and the philly cheesteak slider. They were yummy, and hit the spot, and for $1.00 a slider (on Sunday's) that was a good deal!

After spending several hours at the Tavern, I decided I better make my way back to the hotel so I could enjoy the game and the Rocky Patel cigar that had been burning (not literally) a hole in my purse. In not my brightest moment, I had on high heels, and while the Tavern isn't far from the 16th Street Mall, it's not close when you are walking in 4" heels! Trust me, I typically always bring along a pair of my ballerina flats, but on this particular day I'd forgotten, and my poor feet paid the price.

I arrived at the small gate entrance to the 16Mix Lounge. It was getting cloudy and breezy, but I wanted to sit outside and enjoy my cigar before I started watching the football game - priorities! I stepped into the bar area and ordered a Jack Daniel's Whiskey Sour, and took it outside and lit my cigar. Ahhhhh...that's what I call the perfect ending to a laid back day. The patio area is actually on 16th street (hence the name 16Mix Lounge). I read a review about the bar before going (hey, I have to know the bars...) and one of the comments was (paraphrasing), "What a great bar; to bad it's connected to the Sheraton." My sentiments exactly. It's a bar that could have been plucked down in Los Angeles, California or Scottsdale, Arizona and competed with even the trendiest of bars. The decor of orange, brown and creams was well incorporated and subtle. While it wasn't a large bar, it was big enough. There were very few patrons at the time I was there, but it was a Sunday evening, so it didn't seem odd at all, and I enjoyed pretending that it was just my own private bar.

All in all, I had a great day. These are the moments that are taken for granted, but I revel in them and appreciate them at any opportunity. Now this is what a "staycation" is all about - cheers!

Lobby area of Sheraton in Downtown Denver

15Fifty Restaurant - off of the lobby area

View of Denver's skyline from my room

Desk area in my room

Closet area

Comfy bed

Bathroom

Picture of Coors Field from the Tavern rooftop

Outside of 16Mix Lounge

Patio area at 16Mix Lounge

The dark sky awaiting the rain

Bar seating area of 16Mix Lounge

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

It's Almost That Time Of The Year Again --- FOOTBALL SEASON!

It's Almost That Time Of The Year Again --- FOOTBALL SEASON!

My throat is dry and scratchy. I can feel my heart palpitating and my blood pressure is going up (fortunately, it's NOT a serious health condition). It's from yelling on the sidelines; on my couch, or at my favorite Sport's Bar - it's Football Season! While the beginning of football season marks the end of long, sultry summer days, family vacations and mosquitoes (thank goodness on that one); it is a whole different ball game (pun intended). Tailgaters, beer (preferably Stella Artois or Blue Moon), hot wings and yelling...lots of yelling.

Anybody who has gone to a live football game can attest to the rush of adrenaline that you get just by pulling into the parking lot of your favorite college, professional, or heck, even a high school football stadium to see your favorite team play. I've been extremely blessed in my life that I have been to my fair share of high school, college, professional (including Canadian league) football games. While I love the sport, it's also the shared camaraderie amongst all of the fans for both teams and the electricity in the air that keeps me excited and energized throughout the entire football season. It's great to be at your favorite bar, or at home watching a game, but there is nothing like being at your favorite game. Whether I am watching the guys run onto the field completely smashing one another to smithereens in beautiful Southern California weather or blistering cold New England weather, there is nothing quite like it.

Even though it's only preseason, and most people I speak to detest preseason. I am the exact opposite. It's like having that pretest or quiz that you know doesn't mean anything in respect to your grades, but can play a huge part in how you feel about yourself when you score a 100% on the "practice" test to get your mind working to take the "real" tests later in the year. Preseason is the ultimate practice test because it's the first time the guys are on the field playing against other opponents. For some of the guys they are rookies, and it's their first time on that field, and for others they are veterans and it's just another day in the office - or is it? I believe that no matter how many times they've been there before, it's always an exhilarating feeling to step onto that field and see the hundreds of thousands of people who've come to watch them play. I just can't imagine that getting old. Maybe we should ask Brett Favre; obviously he can't quite let it go either!

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

Where In The World? Top 5 Reasons Why People Don't Travel

Where In The World? Top 5 Reasons Why People Don't Travel

I often wonder why some people don't travel, or say they don't like to travel. I love to travel, so it's always interesting to me when I meet or hear people talk about not wanting to go anywhere; especially not outside of the United States.

This is not a scientific experiment, nor is this something I read about elsewhere; these are my own assertions based on speaking with countless people over the years. Here are the top 5 reasons that are spoken or unspoken as to why they don't travel:

1. "It's too expensive!" --- OK, I hear that one quite often; especially when it's dealing with a far away destination like Bora Bora, etc. My answer to that one is - plan. If someone really wants to go somewhere, they will pinch every penny and save every dime to get where they want to go. It has to be a priority; if it's not, then no, they won't be going.
2. "Why do I need to go to abroad, when I have everything here?" --- I believe it's called, "broadening your horizons," but hey, that's just my take on it. Honestly, there is NO better education than travel. The good, the bad and the ugly.
3. "I don't speak the language at all/or very well." --- That's an easy one actually, unlike a large majority of us from the United States, a lot of people from other countries usually DO speak multiple languages, and oftentimes they speak English very well. Also, most countrymen like to see you try, even if you butcher their language. They appreciate you trying, and it also gives them a good laugh, see, that's an ice breaker right there!
4. "I have no idea where I would want to go?" --- Again, that's a simple one. Pick a place, anyplace, and then make it your goal to get there. Set a date and make it happen. I have a friend who would spin the globe, and wherever her finger landed when it stopped spinning, she would go visit that place. I think that's actually pretty cool.
5. "What if I don't fit in there?" --- Who says you fit in here? Just kidding. Seriously though, there is always some fear or trepidation when you are going to unknown territory, but that happens right here in the U.S. I know tons of people who don't want to go to the East/West/North/South, because they have "heard" __________(fill in the blank) about going to that State, and they don't think they will like it. Hey, what's the worse thing that could happen? You go somewhere you completely don't like and guess what? You never have to go there again. I think that ones pretty simple.

All in all, most of the objections (barring finances) are based on fear. Fear of being different; getting lost because of a language barrier; fear of eating the wrong thing...just fear. Most places are great. Do you have to do some research? Absolutely, but that's part of the fun and anticipation. Also, when you work with a Travel Professional, they assist you in navigating the unknown terrain and the answering some of those questions so you won't be on your own!

So, go ahead, spin that globe - I dare you!

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

Protect Your Investment!

Protect Your Investment

Interestingly enough, this conversation did take place in a lobby. I got into a conversation with a woman and she began discussing serious health issues that her husband had endured, and that the vacation they had been planning was not to be had - at least for the time being.

I inquired if they had purchased travel insurance for their trip, as from our conversation, it was a pricey vacation they had been planning (in excess of $20,000.00). She indicated that they had purchased insurance, but had failed to get their airline tickets insured with their package; therefore they would lose that amount of money, but would be able to get their deposit back for the trip. I told her that was good, and while they did lose out on the airline tickets (which they would be getting a credit for; with heavy penalies being assessed) at least they had insured the bulk of their vacation.

It's always curious to me that people are willing to lay down several hundreds; oftentimes, thousands of dollars for a vacation, but feel they don't "need" to purchase the insurance. I liken that to gambling in Vegas. Sure, they are hedging their bets that nothing bad will happen, but as Murphy's Law works - anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Why would you spend all of that money and not protect your investment? I mean, that's what it is - an investment. Taking a vacation is a lot of money; especially when it's a family vacation, or a "once in a lifetime" trip that may never happen again.

Thousands of stranded travelers found out JUST how important travel insurance was when they were stranded in Europe during the Iceland volcano eruption. Contrary to what people may think, travel insurance is not an exhorbitant cost. Sure, it can run a few hundred dollars if it's an expensive trip, and many other variables that are taken into consideration; however, given the alternatives, I would say that spending a few hundred dollars for a $2,500 or more vacation is money WELL spent. Then again, this is my business, so it makes sense to me. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, insurance is one of those things you don't want to pay for, but are SO thankful to have when you need it.

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

Part 10 Of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Part 10 Of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

There is a big difference between "being on vacation," and "going on vacation." The "being" is great, the "going" is not. Between all of the newest and cutest (sarcasm) TSA requirements; country requirements, and just plain getting prepared, there are a lot of important components in respect to traveling; especially if you are going abroad.

Working with a Travel Professional can afford you a peace of mind, because if there is something that goes awry while you are traveling, there is someone in your home country that is accessible to assist you while you are away. If you lose your passport, or need a phone number that may not be readily accessible while you are traveling abroad, you have a "go to" person who can take some of the worry away. Vacation should be a time of fun, reflection, downtime and rejuvenation. The worse thing that can happen on a vacation is for something bad to happen, and then you are forced to spend hours on the phone with someone who may, or may not speak your language, thus cutting into your vacation time. A Travel Professional can take some of that burden off of your shoulder so you can do what you went away to do and that is - enjoying your vacation.

• Business Concerns - If the airline you are scheduled to use goes on strike or bankrupt while you are traveling, your travel agent can work to find you alternate travel means while you continue to relax at the hotel.
• Transportation in Smaller Countries - Travel agents can arrange all your transportation and travel needs, especially in those smaller countries where you may not know if cabs or van services are safe.
• Group Hotel Reservations - Travel agents can help to keep everyone in the group on the same floor at a hotel.
• Charter Private Boating Trips - Travel specialists can help you to avoid paying top dollar for chartered snorkeling or fishing trips for large groups. They can often find great deals for large groups who want to do personalized tours.
• Immunizations That May Be Needed - To enter certain countries you may be required to obtain certain immunizations first. Your travel expert can advise you on the steps you need to take.

*Source information provided by ASTA

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

Winery Showcasing: Boulder Creek Winery & Redstone Meadery - Boulder, CO

Winery Showcase: Boulder Creek Winery - Boulder, CO

6440 Odell Place

Boulder, CO

(303)516-9031

Alright folks, I've started my winery/vineyard trek of Colorado. Something tells me that this is going to likely span a couple of years in order to completely do any justice to Colorado's wine country - I'm up for the challenge!

I had some business up in the Boulder area, so I figured that would be the perfect time to get rolling with my Tour de Colorado. First and foremost, I have to say that the individuals that own the wineries in the Boulder area are a fantastic and genial bunch. I got in contact with 4 wineries in the area; however, the large majority are open pretty much Thur-Sun, so my Monday visit was not able to fit in with all of their schedules, so I missed out on two, but I got to visit two, so it wasn't all for naught.

Mike and his wife are the owners of the Boulder Creek Winery. In all of Mike's graciousness, they were closed on Monday, but he came in to show me around the place (to which I will desperately need to get back so I can sample some of their lovely wine). I'm not completely familiar with Boulder, but I have to say that most of the wineries are well within a 10 - 20 minute drive of one another. Although some are in places named, Niwot...but it's close to Boulder, so I just lump those in with the "Boulder" area.

The Boulder Creek Winery has been around for 8 years, and in that time, they've amassed some pretty impressive awards for their wines. One of which, was a prestigious honor of attending a premier wine show and tasting in Paris, France (by the way, Paris is

one of Chicks That Trips, areas of speciality, and a place that this chick absolutely loves). Their winery, while small, is well maintained, clean and comfortable. The tasting room is essentially right off of the front door entrance, but I can imagine once the vino starts flowing...no one much cares how much space there is, as long as no one takes their wine glass away. Boulder Creek Winery is open year round 1:00-5:30 p.m. Thursday - Sunday, and closed Mon - Wed.

Where all the work is done!

Stainless steel and pristine clean.


Intimate tasting area and where selection of wines are showcased.

Wall of awards.




Winery Showcase: Redstone Meadery
4700 Pearl St, #2A
Boulder, CO
(720) 406-1215

What's better than a winery, than a winery tour and free wine??? Well, that's what the Redstone Meadery offers Monday - Saturday. They have allocated hours whereby they take you through their small, but powerful winery. The owner, David Myers, or as he calls himself, "Chairman of the Mead," takes you on an information filled tour of his winery, as well as the history behind the "mead."

I cheated a little bit and googled some information that I lost during the tour in respect to the "Honeymoon" and how that name came about, and how the delicious mead (honey wine) fits into the history of the "Honeymoon."

“The Scandinavian word for honeymoon is derived, in part, from an ancient Northern European custom in which newlyweds, for the first month of their married life, drank a daily cup of honeyed wine called mead. The ancient practices of kidnaping of bride and drinking the honeyed wine date back to the history of Atilla, king of the Asiatic Huns from A.D. 433 to A.D. 453.” (http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/honey.htm)

Hmmm, sounds like a lifetime of happiness, or at the very least, drunkin' debauchery. David is able to get all of this information disseminated, as well as talk about his days of brewing beer in his basement (and drinking said beer), all within a thirty minute time frame, along with the wine tasting! I must admit that I was a bit put off about the concept of honey wine. I had a misconception that the wine would be sickeningly sweet, and barely palatable, but I have to say, I was wrong. Yes, I was wrong. I had another appointment, so I stayed for 20 minutes of this tour (as I arrived at 2:30 p.m. for the 3:00 p.m. tour). Upon arrival, I was able to sample several of the carbonated, sparkling nectar's. The alcohol content of the carbonated drinks is 8%, but they were delicious and smooth. The apricot kissed nectar was spectacular; it likens itself very much to an Ace Cider (but better). It's light, and since it's carbonated, I imagined I was sipping on a glass of champagne kissed with apricot, or a beer. I know, I know they shouldn't be described in the same breathe, but I respect my beer, and I love my champagne!

It's easy to tell that the history behind the founder of this company has a strong inclination to beer, because while I was sipping on my free samples, I really did feel like I was drinking a flavored beer...and that's not a bad thing. The flavor was smooth, rich and mellow. There was no cloying sweetness or even a large acknowledgement of the honey (no offense to the honey). If I didn't know I was tasting mead, I wouldn't have even realized it, and would have thought it was one of the flavored speciality beers that have been popping up all over the place. In reverence to the honey wine, anybody who has been staying away from mead because they believe it's going to be a sickeningly sweet concoction that will leave your tongue dripping in honey - give it a try, I promise, you won't be disappointed.

The Redstone Meadery is also in a small space, but like the Boulder Creek Winery, they make great use of their space. The Redstone Meadery has wonderful glass topped wine barrels that serve as tables that are situated in the sitting area. Also, as an added bonus, there are an assortment of table games that are provided by the Meadery for your enjoyment, so whether you are awaiting one of the tours, or just popping in for a taste of their fantastic mead, you will have something to occupy your taste buds as well as your mind.

Pour la santé!

Tasting room board!

Wonderful, cobalt blue and glass assortments of their wonderful wine!

Write-ups...who can take away from the write-ups of the meads wonderfulness?

Comfy seating while you wait or drink.

*photos by That Chick Té

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

Restaurant Spotlight: CAFE TALÉSAI - Beverly Hills, CA

Front counter at Cafe Talésai

9198 Olympic Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 271-9345

I. Love. Good. Food. It's really that simple. I derive exquisite pleasure when I am able to partake of a delicious meal with excellent service and a lively beverage (or two...)

Cafe Talésai is a Thai restaurant located in a small strip mall off of Olympic Blvd, in Beverly Hills. It's a street or so West of Robertson and Olympic (as major intersections/cross streets). While I was in Los Angeles for a short trip last week, I was still able to enjoy great food, and this was a pleasant surprise, because I had never eaten here before, but it came highly recommended by one of my close friends.

Upon arrival I was struck by the simplicity of the establishment. The tables were already preset with utensils and plates; with a sheet of a parchment like paper used as table coverings instead of tablecloths. It's a single room with approximately 10 tables for service - that's all.

Our waitress brought over the menu and I selected some Crispy Tofu and Shrimp Pad Thai - spicy. I didn't do Thai spicy, because that can be deadly, but I DO like my spicy! The Crispy Tofu was served over a bed of shredded cabbage with a side of delicious tamarind sauce. The texture of the Tofu was just perfect, as it was crisp on the outside and nice and firm, but soft on the inside, and the tamarind sauce was just the right amount of sweetness that added to the basic clean taste of this simple dish. My friend had the Chicken Satay with peanut sauce, and Talésai BBQ Chicken. I didn't eat any of those dishes, but my friend enjoyed every little stick of Chicken Satay and the perfectly marinated BBQ Chicken.

My main dish was the Shrimp Pad Thai. This was not some run of the mill Pad Thai where you had to search high and low for the protein - no, that shrimp was front and center! Every mouthful of delicate noodles, crunchy bean sprouts and egg, included some shrimp (which I cut up, as to appear dainty, and not shovel food down my throat). I was correct in ordering it spicy and not Thai spicy. It was just enough heat to linger in my mouth and add a curve to my lips, but not so much that it was uncomfortable, nor did the spice take away from all of the other delicious flavors melding in my mouth. The crunchy bean sprouts and fried eggs were a perfect accompaniment to the dish. I enjoyed every mouthful.

Would I recommend this restaurant for an evening out where you wanted to impress someone? Probably not, but for a solid meal that will leave everyone satisfied, this would be a top of the list selection where no one would go away hungry, nor broke.

Crispy Tofu - Served w/sweet tamarind sauce

Chicken Satay - Served w/peanut sauce & cucumber salad

Talésai BBQ Chicken - Marinated chicken grilled
Served w/sweet plum sauce

Pad Thai - Thai noodles pan-fried w/egg,
bean sprouts, scallions and shrimp

*Photos taken by That Chick Té

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

Hotel Spotlight: 'W' Hotel Hollywood - Los Angeles, California - A Starwood Property

Hotel Spotlight: 'W' Hotel Hollywood - Los Angeles, California

Alright, I must confess, there are few things that are sexier to me than a carefully laid out and well run hotel (weird, I know). There is something about the air that seems to permeate a feeling of, "Look at me, I'm sexxxxxy." Whether that is true or not is definitely up for debate, but for whatever reason, whenever I walk into a hotel that has this Je ne sais quoi, I instantly feel better about myself.

The new 'W' in Hollywood does not disappoint. I was fortunate enough to have the lovely Sales Manager take me throughout the hotel and show me the Corner Suites, the Exercise Room, Bliss Spa, the pool area, and of course, the highly lauded Drai's restaurant. Drai's was dark during my visit, so I was unable to partake of the rooftop partying, but I could tell just by the natural flow from their inside restaurant/bar area to the rooftop pool - Drai's was likely an experience I would need to come back to partake of for myself!

As with most of the 'W' hotels, the individuals that work there are attractive, young, and hip. While they are accommodating (especially the young lady who checked me in and the young man who took my luggage to my room), they are not overly fawning, nor are they apt to engage in any unnecessary chatter; however, they are good at their jobs and make you feel like you are a "star" too - even if you aren't.

I stayed in one of their standard, two queen bed rooms. The clean lines and touches of silver and red added just enough warmth to the otherwise simple white bedding. I didn't feel like I was in an insane asylum (like one of the other popular hotels I've stayed at on Sunset Strip), and while it isn't overly plush, its simple elegance was appealing and comfortable. The entire property was a well blended combination of old Hollywood glamour, and trendy 21st century opulence. One of my friends came to visit, and she said she felt like she was in a fabulous spaceship.

The pool area is enchanting and appealing. It's not too big, nor too small. There are sufficient lounge chairs, and the beckoning cabanas flank both sides of the pool, so if you'd like a little privacy, the cabanas are available - for a price, of course. I was able to have a cocktail at the pool bar and take in the California breeze. The day I was able to chill up there was a bit of the "June gloom" that just hadn't quite burned off all the way. There were fleeting moments of sun, but they were short lived, and spaced out.

There weren't many downsides to this property. Yes, it is Hollywood, so you are going to have your fair share of homeless people, skate boarders, and I even saw a blue-haired jogger, but I think that's one of the things that also adds to its appeal. The stars on the sidewalk are always fun to look at, and the area is in close proximity to everything; whether you want to go downtown to the Staple center; relax at "The Ivy" in Beverly Hills, or chill on the beach in Santa Monica, you are only 20-30 minutes away from everything (notwithstanding the horrible traffic). There are great neighborhood restaurants close by. Some old favorites like Roscoe's on Gower, and a new favorite for me, Dillion's (an Irish Pub) located on the corner of Hollywood and Vine. Also, I don't want to forget to mention that the valet parking is a very stiff $35 + tax, so with a tip, you are looking in the neighborhood of $40-43 bucks a night! There is free wireless available in the hotels "Living Room" area, and the in-room wireless is based on usage, so the costs will vary.

I can't wait until my next visit so that I actually have some time to relax by that amazing pool area!

Valet Car Entrance


'W' Hollywood Lobby Check-in

Luxe Mini Bar Area in Room

Standard Guest Room

Desk Area

WOW Chandelier in 'W' Living Room

Relaxing in the Chaise of Luxury

WONDERFUL POOL AREA!

Private Pool Cabana Area

Divine Lounging by the Pool

*Photos taken by That Chick Té

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

HAPPY 4th Of JULY!!!!

HAPPY 4th Of JULY FROM THE CHICKS!

(www.chicksthattrip.com)

Part 9 Of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Part 9 Of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

I just recently took a trip to Los Angeles to take care of several business items, one of which was to do a site inspection of the new "W" in Hollywood (a write-up will be added in the next few days, since I did stay at their property during my trip).

All I can say is the travel season is in full swing! The airports were stuffed chuck full of people, and the planes were painfully packed. I made a note to myself to rearrange my flight days and times based on this most recent trip; especially during the summer, when all of the family travelers are abounding - not that there is anything wrong with that, but let's just say it was definitely food for thought in respect to any further traveling I may be doing the remainder of the summer.

• Anticipating Trouble - Travel agents are extremely useful if you are planning a trip to a known weather troubled area such as the Caribbean hurricane plagued islands. In the event of a natural disaster, your travel agent can work to immediately reschedule or cancel your trip so there are no worries for you.
  
• Complicated Itineraries Made Simple -Travel experts can take care of all the details for those complicated around the world tickets and all the extra headaches that go with it, such as hotel and transportation along the way.
  
• Special Needs Travelers - Travel specialists can prearrange any wheelchair or special needs someone in your travel party may have. They can also take the time to make sure your reserved accommodations are safe and easily accessible for the special needs traveler.
  
• What to Pack - Some activities you choose to partake in may require different layers of clothing throughout the day. Your travel agent can advise you on what to bring. A bike trip down an extinct volcano in Hawaii for example, may require you to start out with jackets and wool socks, but when you get to the bottom you may be down to shorts and a tank top.
  
• Let Them Wait on Hold - By using a travel agent you no longer have to wait on hold and talk to automated systems while trying to book different parts of your trip.

*Source: American Society of Travel Agents

(www.chicksthattrip.com)