The Art of Travel: Part 6 - Departing on Your Travel

This is where the vacation begins! I only have a few tidbits for this portion, as it's pretty much the easiest part, but is also the most important:

• Place all of your luggage out by your front door the night before, with your passport and airline tickets/etickets right on top of  your luggage. This way, you know you have them, as they will be the last things you shovel into your purse/backpack/briefcase/coat pocket.
• Get a good nights sleep.
• Arrive early to the airport. I know it's a pain, but you will save yourself aggravation if you arrive early to the airport, because you never know how the queues will be for security, etc.
•  Make sure you have some cash in the currency where you are traveling too, because ATM's at foreign airports sometimes run out of cash! Check with AAA or your financial institution before you travel, as they typically will have all currencies available, or can order the money for you. I recommend having about $100 in the currency where you are traveling. Most times, that is plenty, unless you are going to a small, remote part of the world, then I may recommend taking a bit more. And while you are at it, let your bank and/or credit card company know you are traveling (especially if you are going abroad), so you will ensure smooth transactions while you are away, with no holds or seizure of your card(s).
• Drink plenty of water, but not too much where you are running to the rest room.
• If you are on a diet, or not wanting to eat the airport food, make sure to pack some light snacks: fruit/dried fruit, nuts, and snack bars are great and very transportable. I always have some of these items while I'm traveling.
• Bring reading materials, ipod, and anything else that will make the flight more comfortable for you. I know many individuals who take their gel eye covers, travel pillow, blanket and slippers in a small pouch, so they can decompress and rest; especially on longer/overnight flights. And a good face  moisturizer never hurts since it's so dry on airplanes.

Once you land - the FUN begins!

*photo provided by digitalart: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2280

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Entertainment Spotlight: Magnificent Maxwell

Photo taken  at concert in Phoenix, AZ - 2009

Soulful. Seductive. Sensuous. I think you get the picture! The one, and only Maxwell will be BACK on TOUR starting this summer. I had the opportunity to see Maxwell in Phoenix, Arizona, back in 2009, and to say it was electrifying, soul defining, and earth shaking wouldn't be descriptive enough.

Maxwell knows how to keep a crowd wanting more, while also s-a-t-i-s-f-y-i-n-g his audience. I can't imagine any other artist who has been as highly anticipated to return back to the "scene" than Maxwell. When news (rapidly) spread about the trilogy of albums he would be releasing from 2009-2012; his fans were elated. His tour dates were scattered across the United States, with a respectable representation in the North, South, East and West.

Then, his tours stopped...much speculation ensued, but nothing definitive was ever truly known. I won't get into most of the rumors, but I will say that a few "in the know" sites, indicated through their sources that the success of his first album had delayed the release of the remaining albums that were supposed to follow Black Summers' Night. Maxwell's reputation for being shy and introverted were also cited as reasons behind the abrupt cancellation of his tour.

I have always been a HUGE fan of Maxwell's, so when I received an email from one of my friends indicating that Maxwell would be doing tours in Atlanta, Newark and Los Angeles, I was elated! Maxwell has a certain quality and style to his singing that is both intoxicating and mesmerizing. He has been compared to numerous artists before his time; however, I will say that Maxwell is simply - Maxwell. I look forward to spotting him at one of his concerts, but until that time, I'll be playing all of his CD's in order to be primed to see him in person.

Check out his tour calendar and dates: http://www.songkick.com/artists/4299-maxwell/calendar.

*Photo taken by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com

The Art of Travel: Part 5 - Gearing Up For Your Future Trip

The other day I was speaking to my business partner, who is getting ready to do more traveling. While she relishes the opportunity to be on the road - networking, meeting and greeting; she has a difficult time gearing up for the actual traveling. I imagine that she is not alone. Many people love to travel, but the actual preparation and gearing up for it can be a different story. There is always so much to do and prepare for, that it can oftentimes become overwhelming. I offered her a few tricks to help with that sense of urgency that can overtake you while you are thinking about everything you need to do before you leave.

• The number one recommendation I made was for her to make a list of everything she needed to do before she left. That way, it's written down and she can "scratch" it off of the list once it's been completed. 
• If you have animals, make sure that they will have someone to take care of them while you are away, or that they will be properly boarded.
• Sometimes when traveling for a significant length of time, it is a good idea to have your mail service stopped so it does not build up in your mailbox. A lot of people have friends or services who take care of this, but if you don't have the luxury of having someone stop by your home on a frequent basis, it's best to just have delivery stopped until your return.
• Depending on the time of year and where you live (especially in colder regions during the winter months), you will want to make sure that any sources of possible water damages (ie, water hoses, pipes), are taken care of prior to leaving. The last thing you want to come back to are broken water pipes and several feet of water in your basement. Many services can advise of what you can do while you are away to stave off any of these types of issues. As the old saying goes, "An ounce of prevention..."
• Bills...yes, the dreaded bills. Fortunately, most people can do their bill paying and banking over the Internet; however, for those individuals who are not comfortable with that, it is advisable to ensure that all of your bills are paid prior to your departure. It's better they are paid early, versus late; especially with most companies charging hefty late fees. This is an often overlooked item, but it's important.
• Clean out your refrigerator and have some food in your freezer for your return. I can not tell you how many people have returned from their vacations to find piles of molded food in their refrigerators, and nothing to eat. When I travel, I always like to clean out my refrigerator and get rid of anything that may go bad while I'm away. Also, I like to have a frozen pizza or some food in my freezer, so when I return I don't have to worry about going hungry. Sometimes you may get back from a trip later in the evening, and after schlepping from the airport, etc, you are just not in the mood to go to the grocery store, or even stop and pick up food. Having food in your cabinets or freezer will ensure you have something to eat upon your return. 
• Adding on to that last one - take your trash out. I think that one speaks for itself. Most people aren't as neurotic as I am, but I always like to leave a clean house. I launder my bed linens and make sure my house is clean. It makes me feel good - 'nuff said.

I could go on forever, but I think this is a fairly exhaustive list that can help you out while you are getting geared up for your travels!

*Image provided by Salvatore Vuono: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659

www.chicksthattrip.com

Delicate Situations While Traveling

I was at one of my favorite little restaurants a few evenings ago, and (unfortunately) I overheard a gentleman discussing...how shall I put it, a "tummy" problem he encountered on his most recent trip abroad. I believe he said he had been in some part of Africa, and through his elaborate description of his "issue", I heard more than I ever wanted to hear; however, it did get me to thinking about traveling and what happens when your body rebels against you because of something you've been eating or drinking.

I have a small pack that I always carry with me when I am traveling; especially internationally, because there are some items you can not readily obtain while you are abroad. My little medical travel container holds: antibacterial cream, pepto bismal tablets, alcohol pads that are pre-moistened, band-aids, aspirin and ibuprofen, benadryl, cough drops, cold medicine tablets and alka seltzer. I may toss in other items too; however, the aforementioned products are always standard in my medical travel container. Since I rarely check luggage, I do have to place any of the wet items into my little zippy bag that holds the liquids you are allowed to check on, but once I arrive at my destination, I move the items back to my medical travel container so that all of the products are together in one place, and I slip it in my bag while I am foraging around in the new city.

I can't tell you how many times people who have been traveling with me have used the products, because they never thought they would need any of those items, so they never thought to bring them along. Yes, most people will bring any of their prescription medicines, contact lenses solution and vitamins, but rarely do they have other items that can come in handy while traveling.

There are a couple other "rules of thumb" that I try to abide by when I am traveling. First of all, I do NOT prefer to use the airplane restroom, and I typically only have to use the airplane restroom when I am traveling on an international flight; otherwise, I always use the restroom just prior to boarding, so I don't need to use the restroom on a flight. I am fortunate, in that, I do not have any medical conditions that require that I have to use the restroom frequently, and I don't have a small bladder, so I can do very well. Second, I caution all of my friends when we are traveling together that they probably shouldn't over indulge in the libations the night before we are to get on a plane the next day, because hangovers and planes just don't mix. Some heed the caution, and some don't, but those that don't aren't very happy that they didn't heed the warning. Also, while I may love to try exotic food when I am traveling, and I tend to try a variety of foods, I am hesitant to try anything too exotic when I know I'm going to be on an airplane for 7+ hours. If there is something I really want to eat, I'll do it at the beginning of my trip, so that if something doesn't agree with me, I have a few days on land to work through it, versus being stuck in a tiny airplane bathroom. And it sounds like the gentleman (who was the catalyst for this blog entry) did not enjoy his time being stuck in the airplane bathroom from Africa back to the U.S.

www.chicksthattrip.com

The Art of Travel: Part 4 - Paying For Your Travel

The Art of Travel: Part 4 - Paying For Your Travel

Now we are getting to the part that makes people cringe - the money. Yes, it takes money to travel, but with a little planning and ingenuity, you can make the relinquishing of your hard, earned cash a little less painful. I've listed a few ideas for your consideration:

• Budget - Once you've determined where and when you want to travel, you can begin budgeting for it. Take the total (estimated) cost of your trip, and divide it into workable amounts that you can sock away until you can pay for your trip.
• Work With a Travel Professional - Travel professionals work on building relationships that benefit their clients, and they have specific suppliers they work with that only require a deposit to secure their travel arrangements (oftentimes there are terms and conditions around the airfare with these types of travel arrangements, so you may still have to pay in full on the air portion). Once you've made the minimum deposit, you can pay monthly, or just a lump sum when the final payment is due. Many travelers who cruise a lot are familiar with this aspect of making a deposit and paying a final balance later; however, you can do the same thing for trips to Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, etc. 
• Volunteer - There are a lot of programs out there that are looking for volunteers to work abroad.In some cases they provide a small stipend, and pay for your travel to and from that destination. While this volunteering could be in some far flung places, hey, you're going on a trip!
• Have a Garage Sale - It may sound unrealistic, but you'd be surprised how much "stuff" you may have that you could sell in order to finance your travel. I've known people who've made several hundreds and thousands of dollars by selling items on eBay, garage sales and Craigslist. If you have the time and patience, this may be a way to pay for all or most of your travel expenses without touching your "real" paycheck or credit cards; which leads me to another alternative...
• Get a Part-Time Job - If you have a vacation that you are planning, and you have the time and energy, you may want to get a part-time job in order to defray some of the costs, or even pay for the full costs associated with your travel. I had a client who did just that! She didn't want to have any credit card payments; nor could she afford to take money from her full-time job in order to pay for a trip, so she got a part-time job and saved enough money to pay for her trip in full - to LONDON!
• Go Somewhere Less Expensive - Sometimes it isn't the destination, it's just the need to get away! Perhaps a nine day European vacation is too expensive, but a long weekend in Napa Valley is doable.
• Stay for a Shorter Time - If you just have to be in Paris (which I can COMPLETELY understand); maybe you can't comfortably afford seven days, but you can afford four days - do it! While I am not a fan of traveling so far away for a short period of time; I've found that in most major cities, you can hit the "do not miss" places within a three or four day period of time.

I hope some of these ideas are beneficial for you, and that you have seriously started thinking about where you want to go this year!

*photo used from: http://www.pachd.com/free-images/household-images/cash-01.jpg

www.chicksthattrip.com

The Groundhog Day of Traveling

The Groundhog Day of Traveling

I am a big fan of going back to familiar places that I've traveled to before, but I also like to explore and visit new places. I do have a couple of friends that do not like returning to the same place twice. They believe there are too many places to visit, so why go back to the same place again? While I am not that extreme about it, I do often wonder about those people and families who take the same trip every year; to the same place, at the same time of year.  I realize that when you have a family, sometimes those trips are to visit family, or that traveling in the summer (primarily families) is easier since the kids are out of school - I get that.  On the flip side of that, I think a lot of people would benefit by "shaking it up" a bit, and venturing out of their comfort zone. Instead of taking the family trip to San Diego or (fill in the blank), maybe it would be fun to experience the Grand Canyon in Arizona, or visit Washington, D.C. to get a glimpse of the White House, and other historical landmarks. Perhaps take a trip to visit our friends to the North, and experience the beauty of Vancouver, B.C. 

Spring is finally here, and with that brings Spring Break trips, and the thoughts about summer time traveling destinations. If you are one of those who takes the same trip every year, why don't you think about a place you've always wanted to visit and make it happen. There are a plethora of vacation ideas out there to fit any budget and interest, so go ahead and visit someplace different this year. 

*photo used from: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/Groundhog-Standing2.jpg/220px-Groundhog-Standing2.jpg

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The Art of Travel: Part 3 - Planning or Working With Someone to Set Your Itinerary

In this series discussing the Art of Travel, I've covered what happens once you have been bitten by the travel bug, and then some ways you may go about selecting your destination of choice. The next piece in this segment is to begin planning your itinerary. A lot of travelers may feel they don't need the assistance of a travel professional and chose to go it alone. Other travelers may retain the assistance of a travel professional to assist in their itinerary selection, and then there are a few who may do a bit of their own research, and then turn over their selections to a travel professional in order to complete their travel plans. 

Similar to the selection of your destination; planning your travels is drilling down to the nitty gritty of the who, what, when, where and how? These are some of the components you may want to take into consideration, whether you are working with a travel professional or doing it on your own:

• You've selected your destination and your dates of travel have been selected.
• If  you are flying out the country you will need to have your passport.
• Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need a visa. I recommend checking out that countries embassy site, so that you can see what restrictions they may have for entering their country.
• Accommodations - If you are traveling alone, this may not be a big issue; however, if you are traveling with others, you may need larger accommodations. With that being said, your budget is crucial in this aspect, because this component is typically the most expensive part of your travels (next to international air tickets). There are low budget accommodations; moderate; boutique; upscale, and pure out and out decadence. I wrote about selecting hotels before, so I've included the link: http://chicksthattrip-lobbybarconfessions.blogspot.com/2009/12/hotels-are-like-shoes.html.
• Flights - This sounds easy, but it can be trickier than you can imagine. When I work with clients, I try to be cognizant of the number of plane changes; amount of time between their arrival into an airport and when their next flight leaves, and a host of other factors that may increase the overall price of the ticket, but will assist in retaining a bit of sanity. I know that there are some people who will change flights five or six times to shave off $50 to $100 dollars. I, personally think there are other areas to shave money, rather than having to deplane a half a dozen times to save $50, but that's each individuals personal decision.
• Depending on where you are visiting, you may need a rental car, or you may not. When traveling abroad, say to Europe (especially for first timers), I strongly discourage renting cars; however, for those brave souls who have dreamt about tooling around the Amalfi Coast, or the South of France - they will not be discouraged. Make sure to read the terms and conditions closely, because renting a car abroad is not like it is in the United States. For those who aren't renting transportation, it's imperative to have a good map of the buses, rail systems, metros, etc. Also, here is a little tip I learned. When you are traveling, always take a few of the hotels business cards with you, so if you are in a place where you don't speak the language well, you can give the taxi driver the card so they know where to take you.
• Proximity to everything may or may not be important. Some people go away to - go away. Others want to be in the middle of it all. This may be another item you factor into consideration when selecting your accommodations.
• Tours are important to consider, because some of the popular ones sell out fast, so it is wise to pre-purchase some tour packages that are "must sees" before you arrive. Also, when visiting certain countries, make sure to check the days and times that the museums, art galleries, etc, are open, because a lot of them are closed on certain days. I know a lot of people have images of being herded like cattle in and around a country, but a lot of the smaller tour operators prefer smaller, more intimate groups. I work with some who specialize in certain things, and they prefer to have groups at 4-10 people. This allows for more interaction, and easier navigation. Also, another little tip I recommend. If you are going to a city that has a Hop on / Hop off tour bus, you should do that on the first or second day of your arrival. It gives a great lay of the land, so you can scope out places at a leisurely pace and not feel rushed. It's not a guided tour, so you are on your own; yet, you have the benefit of the driver who is making recommendations and telling stories while he/she is driving.
• Food. Yes, you knew it was only a matter of time before I brought up this important component. I am one who researches the heck outta' where I'm going to eat, but, I also retain some spontaneity, in that, I will stop in to any place that looks clean, interesting and engaging. 

These are just a few of the major components I take in to consideration when I am putting together an itinerary for a client, because there is only so much time, therefore, it's imperative that they get the most "bang for their buck."

*Photo taken by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com

  

The Art of Travel: Part 2 - Selecting a Destination

Photo Taken at Hotel Teatro - Denver, Co

The Art of Travel: Part 2 - Selecting a Destination

I recently finished reading James Clavell's enchanting novel, Shogun. The epic tale is set in Japan in 1600, and weaves together the lives of multiple characters who are inextricably linked through: deceit, loyalty, treachery, opportunity, sadness and love. I could go on, but suffice to say, this eleven hundred plus page novel held me captive for several days. The novel itself was marvelously written and heavily researched. I won't give away any of the plots (to encourage you to read it yourself), but I will say that if you are reader who likes to be captivated by descriptive imagery, and an involved storyline - this novel is for you.

Some of you are probably wondering, "What does this novel have to do with selecting a travel destination?" Well - everything. It is oftentimes through conversations and simple reading that our curiosity is piqued. While I was reading Shogun I kept thinking in my head, "I have to go to Japan." That is not to say that I've never thought about visiting Japan, but it was intensified by reading the novel.

Selecting a destination sounds simple, but oftentimes multiple factors have to be determined, ie, budget, dates/time of travel, and if traveling with others, you must consider their input in the selection process. Sometimes you just don't know where you want to go, but you may have certain criteria, such as: relaxation, adventure, sailing, spas, shopping, etc. All of these criteria are crucial in narrowing down your final destination. When I am working with clients, some of them know exactly where they want to go, but a few don't have a clue; they just know they want to get away!

When you seriously start thinking about selecting a destination, along with the above-mentioned items, also consider some of the following:

• Your interest (as well as any traveling companions interests).
• Time of year. Some places are better (or worse) during certain times of year, so be certain that you consider that in your selection process. Also, some places are more expensive during some times of the year, but are still quite lovely at low season or shoulder season.
• What do you want to do while you are there?
• Health constraints. Sometimes it's simply not wise to attempt travel to certain places if you are not in reasonable health. Example - Peru is a lovely place to visit, but it requires some semblance of good health in order to traverse the various ruins, and mountainous terrain.
• Food can be another important aspect. If you or someone you are traveling with has certain food allergies, or certain foods that can not be eaten (vegetarians, etc), it's best to be aware and select your travel destinations accordingly. That's not to say that anybody can't travel anywhere they would like, but if they won't be able to find foods that they like or can eat, that may put a damper on their trip. Some people are more adventurous when it comes to eating unfamiliar foods, so for those less adventurous folks, it's best to be prepared.
• What do you want to get out of your travel? Some people travel for relaxation and to "get away." Others travel to explore unfamiliar places, and to gain further knowledge into other people and cultures. Some travel to find their roots. And a lot of people travel for pure adventures sake; to get their hearts pumping by pursuing death defying feats!

 *Photo taken by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com

What Luxury Hotel Properties Can Learn!

Westin Hotel - Downtown Denver

I just got back from a trip to Washington State, and during my stay at a Ramada hotel (which is not ordinarily high on this Chicks list of places to stay), I noticed some items that luxury properties could definitely take a cue from.

Now, when I lists these items, please be aware that I realize that every property can not be all things to all people; therefore, numerous chains (Starwood, Marriott, Hilton, etc) have different properties within their brands, in order to accommodate a large demographic of people.

Westin Upstairs Area By Bar

I have included the photo of the Westin property in Downtown Denver in order to make a point (also, my camera was not working very well on my most recent trip, so I was unable to get a lot of photos). The Westin properties, and other high-end properties within the Starwood brands, tend to have lovely and inviting seating areas within their establishments; however, like most high-end properties, you can sit in their lobby areas and utilize their internet service, but they charge for internet service in your room - that's amazing  to me, and not in a good way.

Now, take for instance, the Ramada in Olympia, Washington, they don't charge for internet service in your room, and I'll list some other items that were offered that travelers tend to like a lot, but are not (typically) offered in most luxury properties:

•  Free Parking - Yeah, it's free.
• Complimentary Breakfast - Ok, this has -0- appeal to me, but a lot of travelers love the idea of a "free" meal. And despite the fact that I am definitely a room service type of Chick, I have to admit that it was nice to go down and grab a complimentary bagel and orange juice before I hit the road in the mornings. By the way, their breakfast was not just a box of cold cereal and stale pastries. They had a waffle maker with waffle mix; fresh fruit (whole fruits as well as cut up pineapples, peaches, strawberries, etc); fresh (not stale) pastries; scrambled eggs; bacon and/or sausage; gravy; a juice machine that had cranberry, orange and apple juice, as well as one of those coffee machines that had the French Vanilla Coffee, and other coffee flavors too.
• In-room mini-refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and a desk with ample amount of electrical outlets to plug in every conceivable device you may be carrying with you.
• Free Cookies - Yes, I had one peanut butter cookie when they just pulled them out of the oven one evening ...mmmm, yummy!
• Friendly Staff - Well, that may be something that is standard at most luxury properties, but it was worth mentioning.
• Oh, and just to mention it again - free internet in your room.

I will say that I was impressed by the service I received, the cleanliness of my room, and the overall accommodating feel I had during my three night stay at the Ramada in Olympia, Washington. With that being said, you know I have a thing for sexy, boutique type properties, and while this hotel was completely respectable, (and I won't have a problem staying here again if/when I am in the Olympia, Washington area), it isn't sexy. But, that's my thing, and fortunately for the Ramada, I'm sure most of their guests could care less about the zero sexy factor!

*photos taken by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com

The Art of Travel: Part 1 - Thinking About Going Away

Downtown Denver - Clock Tower

You look outside of your window and see the brewing of a hellacious storm. While you aren't against storms, you are tired of them. You don't want to see anymore rain, sleet or snow. Visions of a nice beach start wafting through your mind, or perhaps you envision yourself wandering aimlessly in the South of France, sipping on wine and enjoying the leisurely life of doing - nothing.

It used to happen to me a lot when I worked in the "Corporate" world. I'd find myself daydreaming about an escape and thinking to myself, "Hmmm, where do I just need to go?" I liken this period as the "outline." Just like a lot of artist out there, they will outline or draft what they want to paint, draw, or even write. This is the period of time where there isn't too much invested in it, and it may just turn out to be a passing fancy, and just fizzles out. But for those who are serious about getting away the process may look something like this:

• Rummaging through old photos and thinking about how much fun you had on your last vacation
• Scanning through your friends' Facebook pages and looking at their photos to gather some ideas
• Visiting some online visitor bureaus for some destinations you've been thinking about visiting over the years
• Pulling out your "bucket" list
• Spinning the globe and stabbing a finger at an unknown destination (I actually knew someone who did this)
• Checking your work account to see just how many vacation days you have available

It may start with initial daydreaming, but as you can see, a bit of work starts to take place as you decide if, in fact, you can escape get away on a nice vacation.

The next installment will be on selecting your destination. How do you decide where you want to go?

*Photo provided by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com