Bizarre Travel Ideas From Books

Bizarre Travel Ideas From Books

Have you ever read or seen something out of the ordinary and thought to yourself, "Man, I wish I had come up with THAT idea!" I try to read a lot, because I have found that by reading it helps to stimulate my own writing endeavors, and in so doing, I've come up with a lot of ideas simply by reading a variety of books.

I recently finished reading a book called, Electric Barracuda, by Tim Dorsey. If you've never read a Dorsey novel before, you are in a for a trip...yes, a trip. I won't give away too much information, but suffice to say, Dorsey has a vivid imagination (which I'm certain is fueled by reality). His writing is not for the faint of heart (read: adult language, sex and violence - everything I prefer in my readings). The main character, Serge, and his ridiculous sidekick, Coleman, spend a majority of their shenanigans in the state of Florida; however, I have read one of Dorsey's books where Serge and Coleman infiltrate Los Angeles.

In Electric Barracuda, Dorsey intertwines his regular cast of characters; interesting and intricate plot development, with moments that make you laugh so hard that your sides ache. In this most recent installment of Serge and Coleman hilarity, they take the roads of Florida in order to create what's called a "Fugitive Tour." Serge deftly takes the reader through the back roads of Florida in an effort to show where fugitives can hide out when they are on the run. Serge blogs on his website about his tour, and unknowingly is being pursued by a motley crew of law enforcement officials who are just as bizarre as Serge.

While the concept of a "Fugitive Tour" is something most people would not necessarily want to admit to signing up for; it's clear by the success of the "Sex & The City Tour," and "Sopranos Tour," that people do like to step outside of the ordinary and into the extraordinary. Maybe the next book you read, or movie you watch will give you inspiration to go somewhere you have never been before.

Happy reading!

www.chicksthattrip.com

Do You REALLY Need To Know Where Your Friends Are?

Do You REALLY Need To Know Where Your Friends Are?

I'm all for social media and networking, but some of the apps that I've seen out there are a bit too much for me. Also, it would seem, that a large portion of our population is "twitterfied" (not a real word, but maybe it should be). The constant following of people and/or companies has risen to epic proportions, and a lot of people love it. Ok, that's cool...I guess, but what about the app that lets people know where you are eating? Now your friends (and probably strangers) can hunt you down while you are enjoying a fine meal, or maybe a NOT so fine meal. Certainly there is a way to disengage this feature, but I have a problem with people knowing my every movement. Sometimes you want time to yourself, where you are inaccessible to anyone. But now days with all of these apps, and GPS devices on every thing we own, we are bound to be hunted down anywhere and everywhere, by just about anybody who cares to know our whereabouts.

I will readily admit that I am a bit of a privacy seeker. While I'm not exactly a hermit, I do prefer some semblance of anonymity and privacy. I know that in this day and age I am definitely the exception, and not the rule, but I find it a bit disturbing that instead of people organically getting to know one another, they "Google" them to death, to unearth every imaginable piece of information that's available about that person. I, personally, think that takes the fun out of "getting to know somebody." What's the use of going to coffee or dinner to get to know someone, when in actuality they may know MORE about you than you realize?

Obviously, there is no way to get around it - our information is everywhere. Is it fun to look up interesting factoids and information? Absolutely, but there is also a time and a place for everything, and in our zeal to know everything instantaneously, perhaps we are missing out on simpler things in life. I love meeting new and interesting people, and simply striking up conversations with them because it feels good. And while I appreciate technology and all of the incredible advances we continue to make; I recommend people take a step away from technology from time to time and simply - be.

www.chicksthattrip.com

Part 24 of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Part 24 of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

I must confess - I love to travel. Yes, it makes sense; especially since I own a travel agency, but it's much more than that. I was talking to a gentleman about the airlines, TSA agents, and I could hear the vile in his voice as he described the indecency of essentially being stripped down by complete strangers in the middle of an airport - yea, that sucks, I can't pretty that up...not by a stretch. During my conversation with him, I tried to express that while the airline portion of travel leaves much to be desired, there is so much more to a vacation than the airport. It's inconvenient, and you feel like you have to spend the night there, but I personally feel the ends justify the means. His responses during the conversation were geared towards shying away from air travel and now traveling more by car or train. I told him there is nothing wrong with that form of travel either; it's still traveling, but he would have  a tough time taking a train to Europe, Australia...you get the picture. He conceded, but continued to rally on about the injustices of flying and how awful it has become.

If I were a magician I would do everything in my power to change the air travel, but I'm not, and I don't see any changes anytime soon. Maybe one day air travel will become friendly again (I doubt it, but I can hope);  until that time, it is better to anxiously anticipate arrival to that wonderful destination; versus the way in which we make our way there - wherever, "there" may be.

• Back-up Distributor of Documents - You can give your travel agent a copy of all your travel documents so if anything were to get lost you have someone to call that can send copies.

• Because We Said So - Our business is to help you find a qualified travel specialist.

• What to Expect on the Flight -Your travel expert can give you good answers on what to expect long flights to be like, and maybe some interesting activities to do while flying.

• It is Their Job - Travel agents actually work to get different accreditation's to increase their qualifications as a travel expert.  

• Lost Baggage - If the airline should lose your baggage, your travel agent can get on the phone and make sure the airline works as quickly as they can to solve the problem allowing you to at least go relax at the hotel.

*Source: American Society of Travel Agents 

www.chicksthattrip.com

Ticky, Tacky, Tipping

This conversation comes up from time to time because there are some people who honestly have no idea how much to tip. I cringe whenever the tipping issue is discussed, because, while I pay close attention to where I spend my money, I am a good tipper. I compare going out to a nice dinner, to buying an expensive car; if you can't afford the maintenance of the expensive car, then you can't afford the car. Going out is essentially the same; if you can't afford to leave a decent tip (I describe decent as at least 18%-20%), then you probably shouldn't be going out to a nice place to eat.

Tipping is a very personal thing, but what some people fail to understand (or maybe they understand, but just don't care), is that the person doing the serving actually is working for that money - it's their job. I am, at least, a 20% tipper, and if it's really great service, it is significantly more.  I have been in heated debates with friends regarding the issues of poor service, etc, and what I always recommend is simple, "Don't go back." If you experience an anomaly of poor service at one of your favorite restaurants and want to continue frequenting the establishment, then I highly recommend speaking with the manager on duty. If you are a regular, they will want to know about your experience, and they will want to rectify it. I typically am not a person who complains about poor service; I figure me not going back again speaks for itself. There are literally hundreds of restaurants that would want my business, so complaining about a select few that are sub par is not worth my time nor energy. I'd rather just go to another establishment that acts like they want my business, by providing me with great service and atmosphere.

In the general scheme regarding the actual amount to tip, I have a few tactics that are easy to remember and make tipping a breeze:

•  Double the tax amount
• If it's just a drink, and the amount is less than $10, a dollar or two is fine
• If you are not a mathematician, and you want to make things easy on yourself, roundup. If the amount is $74.69, roundup to $75 and leave a tip of at least 20%; which would be $15

Group tipping is always a nightmare, because you have the generous tippers who are surrounded by those who feel throwing a dollar or two down for a $50 meal is perfectly acceptable (which it's not - by the way). That's not to say that a person who buys a $12 salad should have to absorb the cost of their friends Filet Mignon and multiple cocktails, that's not fair either; personal accountability and common sense needs to prevail, so the person who eats and drinks $100 worth of food and beverages, should definitely tip the larger amount than their $12 salad eating friend.

In our current economy, we all are watching our pennies a little more closely, but when you treat yourself to a nice dinner, make sure you tip your waitstaff the appropriate amount, because they are just trying to make a living too.

Bon Appétit!

*photo of calculator from: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3915942881_b941af9809.jpg; photos of cash: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3366720659_b746789dfd.jpg

www.chicksthattrip.com

Want to Get Away? Hit the Road!

Yes, I know. The last, fleeting moments of Summer are easing out of our system; being replaced by the beauty of Fall.

It is an antsy time of year for me, because the weather is still nice, and all I want to do is jump in the car and let my foot hit the pedal and cruise off someplace fun and exciting.

Road trips are cathartic and allow you to become one with yourself. It is a time to mentally begin  preparation for the (soon to arrive) holiday season. These are the last vestiges of sanity before we are catapulted into the pressure filled months of November, December and lest not forget, "Resolution January."

If there is one last personal trip you would like to take before the end of the year, I recommend you packing up a little overnight bag and hitting the road. Enjoy these last moments of Summer - any way you like!

*photo used from: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/49/187143609_d213a66874.jpg

www.chicksthattrip.com

Part 23 of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Part 23 of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Misleading information seems to be par for the course in many industries. There are "teaser rates" in the credit card industry; unbelievable car deals at the car dealerships (which turns out to be one car at their deep discounted price); and the "out of this world" airfare rates. No wonder people are so confused when they are researching a product or service.

In relationship to the travel world, there are some things that truly are "too good to be true," and also in the realm of, "you get what you pay for." Some of the companies with discounted prices are not intentionally trying to be misleading, but in an ad, there is only so much space, so some information has to be left out; therefore, when a person on the East coast sees an ad for a deeply discounted flight to say, Hawaii, but then they call and find out the price is three times the ad price, it makes the person scratch their head and automatically think they are getting duped.

The reality is (using the aforementioned example), given the geographic location where someone lives, their flights to certain destinations may be more or less than someone else in another geographic area. Case in point, a person (typically) flying from the West coast, can oftentimes get a better price on a flight to Hawaii, than a person flying from farther away in the Midwest, or from the East. Just like you will see there are sometimes better (direct) flights from New York to London, than anywhere else in the country. The time of year you travel also plays a large part in pricing for certain destinations (Mexico in the Winter, Europe in the Summer), as well as just plain ole' "supply and demand." When you work with a travel professional, if there is flexibility within your travels, they are able to ask  the right questions that will assist them in making the best recommendations for you and your travel needs.

• Help, I’m Lost!!!!!! - If you should get lost somewhere along the way your travel agent could be a good outlet for help. 
• It just Makes Sense to Use a Travel Agent! 
• They’re There… Use Them - Why do the work if someone else like a travel specialist can. 
• Possibility of a Free Gift - Some travel agents offer free incentives. Who doesn’t like the possibility of free presents?
  
• Even if the Internet Goes Down Your Trip Can Still Be Planned -Your travel agent is still getting your trip planned even if your internet at home or at the office is not working.

*Source: American Society of Travel Agents 

www.chicksthattrip.com

Nostalgia: Remembering When Air Travel Was Glamorous

Nostalgia: Remembering When Air Travel Was Glamorous

It is hard to imagine that there was ever a time when air travel was glamorous, but it was, many moons ago. This hearkening back to the by gone days of travel was precipitated by a commercial I saw, advertising a new show that will be airing soon on ABC called, Pan AM. I must confess, while I do not watch a lot of television (barring my sports and food shows), I am curious to see how, and what this show will depict in respect to air travel, but more importantly, I wonder if the show will have any (positive) impacts on the airlines, as well as for those who travel? Maybe I am expecting too much. (Added 9/20/2011 - link to ABC's video of Real Pan Am Stewardesses: http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/pan-am/real-stewardesses/part-1).

In that same vein, I happened to catch the end of How to Marry a Millionaire, with the divine Marilyn Monroe. One of the scenes depicted Marilyn portraying the near-sighted character, Pola Debevoise. Pola accidentally mistook a plane to Kansas City, instead of Atlantic City (since she refused to wear her glasses). What caught my attention in the humorous scene was the fact that everyone was dressed to the nines. Clearly, I realize it is a movie; therefore, it would not be probable given the setting, and the age the film was created, that there would be anybody on the plane with flip flops on; however, I found myself longing for that type of glamorous travel too. The kind where people are polite; the planes are not smashed with people like a can of human sardines; the flight attendants appear to actually enjoy their jobs (excluding Southwest employees, who seem to enjoy their jobs), and the food is edible. Did I just say food? Yeah, I know, good luck with that!


My intention is not to say that I think we should be parading around in ball gowns and three-piece suits during our travels, and goodness knows that given the TSA requirements now days, less clothing would probably be better - from their point of view, but I digress. I simply found myself wishing that the days of air travel were easy and unencumbered like they were years ago. Obviously I know numerous things have transpired that have necessitated these changes, and anything that has to do with my safety, I am definitely embracing. But, there are those times I recall when I was very young, traveling on a plane with my mother in the early 80's, flying to Washington D.C. (in 1st Class), enjoying a bowl of raspberry sorbet with chocolate sauce, and looking around the cabin at all of the business travelers, and even then, a lot of people dressed up for their travels. There also was an unspoken etiquette that permeated the air. There was no pushing, shoving, hovering, or just plain rudeness that has become commonplace in today's air travel.

I often fantasize about having my own private jet. Yes, it's a luxury and decadence I will likely not see in my lifetime, but I can still dream. Needless to say, despite the air portion of travel (which I'm well seasoned at), I still enjoy traveling, and look forward to doing some more before the year ends, and also to start getting ramped up for the destinations I will embark upon for 2012!

www.chicksthattrip.com

Complete the Survey for Sanctuary Camelback Mountain in the Condé Nast "Reader's Choice Award"

I must confess, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is one of this Chicks most favorite places to stay and play (and if you've read this blog before, then you probably already know this).

They have been nominated, so they would appreciate our votes so they can secure this win! Also, as an added incentive, if you vote, you might even win a luxurious Crystal Cruise for two by answering the survey - what can it hurt? Follow this link to cast your vote: http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/503569

www.chicksthattrip.com

Part 22 of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

 

Part 22 of Series: 101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

As a part of the travel professional community, we all seem to live by that old saying about "the best laid plans," because sometimes, even the best preparation can not dictate what the weather will be like in a certain destination; if there will be civil unrest; and any other oddity that can occur while traveling. The reality of the matter is that we really have very little control over most circumstances, so it's imperative to control those aspects of travel we have control over: reserving accommodations, booking an airline ticket vs. going standby and "hoping" everything will go as planned, packing reasonably and maintaining your own level of sanity throughout the process. 

A vacation should be a relaxing, fun, and inspirational experience. When you work with a travel professional, they want you to have the best time as well, and will work hard to ensure that your trip is everything, if not more than what you expected!

• Someone to Complain to - If that slim chance were to occur that you do not get what you were promised, you have a real person to go back and complain to. Travel agents will work hard to rectify the matter. They will work as hard as they can to make sure you are happy so that this doesn’t happen and so you will use their service next time.

• They Are Considered Travel Experts and Specialists - Wouldn’t you rather have a travel expert plan your trip rather than a pre-programmed website?

• Best Pre-Seat Assignments Possible -Travel agents can talk directly with the airline to arrange for you to get the seats with the most leg room that might not otherwise be released until the day of the flight. (*Although, if you book your own reservations, oftentimes travel agents are unable to handle any changes since the airlines have become much more strict in their handling of changes, and we all know about the fees - just an fyi from That Chick Té).

•   Mapping Routes Out Ahead of Time - Not really good at reading maps? A good travel expert can help you map out any basic directions you might need on your trip ahead of time.

•   Family with 3 Small Children and Only Want 1 Room? - A travel expert might be able to find a way to help a family with small children get around the hotel policies of only 4 to a room.

*Source: American Society of Travel Agents

www.chicksthattrip.com

Thoughts for London...

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of those residing in, and traveling through the areas that were/are a part of the civil unrest.

Chicks That Trip

*photo used from: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2169/2126740570_2eb419b206.jpg