Maybe It's Time for A New Suitcase

First time I remember seeing people get hit with overweight fees for their bags was back in 2006. Checking in for a Thanksgiving week flight, a family of 3 ahead of us had to cough up $280 for their three bags. Needless to say, they were those 28" traditional soft side suitcases. Of course I was a little worried, because Big Red(if you don't know we like to nickname stuff in my family) was the next size down, but luckily it was fine. After that the bags always went on the bathroom scale to make sure they were under 50 lbs. A few years later I was in the market for a bag that bridged the size from Big Red to our collection of those ubiquitous black 20" wheelies that everyone uses for carry-ons. I came across a soft wheelie duffle bag from High Sierra, 24" and it only weighs 7 lbs. Eye roll from my husband, on why I needed that. Well come one of those winter long weekends and we are headed up to Boyne Mountain to ski. He volunteered to pack, and came down stairs amazed at what he could get into that bag, ski pants, ski gloves, snow boots and goggles and he still had room and it didn't feel that heavy. Of course this bag has a nickname also, Angry Orange, so you can guess what color it is. It's a tough bag it's been on 4 cruises, various other flying trips and it handled 6th grade Camp Michindoh with my youngest. Other than a few dirt marks, it still looks great and nothing has fallen off.

So when ebags had a sale I purchased the above bag, which is a TLS Mother Load 29" Wheeled Duffle. I really like the two sections, which is great when I have to do a dual trip, vacation stuff in one section and business clothes in the other. I used it this past summer when I was in Europe for 10 days I weighed it before I left and it was only 38 pounds and that included 4 pairs of shoes! I promise I will do a blog on how I decide what to bring on a trip.

So if you are planning on hitting the road or skies in the near future take a look at your suitcase. I am not a fan of those lightweight hard side bags. They tend not to last more than a few flights if you are checking them, seen more than a few on the baggage carousel that are cracked.

Here are my tips:

1. Always weigh your bags at home, I use my bathroom scale and for a checked bag I don't want it to weigh more than 45 pounds. I have found my scale is pretty accurate, but leave some room for purchases and scale variations.

2. If you have too much get that 2nd bag out, 2nd bag fees are usually less than overweight charges. I have seen Delta want to charge $100 for 5 pounds.

3. Know your airlines weight restrictions, yep the usual suspects are 50 pounds, but you fly Spirit it's  only 40 pounds.

4. If you have to pay for bags, figure out when is the best time to pay for them. Spirit and a lot of the European budget airlines have price breaks on when you buy bag fees. Cheapest when you buy the ticket, more expensive when you check in online and you really pay through the nose when you do it at the airport. And we all think Spirit nickels & dimes us, you haven't seen the European budget airlines!

5. Some airlines are weighing your carry-on bag, the 20" ones that are so loved by road warriors. Air Canada & Hawaiian have started to do this.

So if your old suitcases don't look like they will make another flight or you are just plain embarrassed by them, check out some of the newer lightweight bags.

Get The Right Resort For You

Oops guess the girls missed the part about "senior" singles all inclusive resort. Looks like they focused on the "bright shiny thing" aka the price and didn't catch who the resort actually caters too. So now that vacation they have been eagerly anticipating is not what they wanted. So they either sulk for the entire time or make the best of it. Has this happened to you? Went to a resort and found that it was either too loud, too quiet or too many or not enough kids?

Don't want to be a subject of a cartoon after your next vacation? Call your travel consultant! They want you to have a great vacation, whether you are looking for a resort to let your hair down and party hardy or taking the kids and your mom for a holiday trip so she can spend time with her family instead of being stuck in the kitchen for days. A travel consultant asks the right questions and then goes to work finding the resort that is right for YOU and your vacation objectives. They do this everyday and have their fingers on the pulse of the travel industry.

Besides looking for a family or adult only resort and what your budget is, a travel consultant will ask how long are thinking about going for? Are you a beach person, who wants a long stretch of sand or are you looking for a cove where the water is calmer for your younger kids? And speaking of kids, how old are they? A travel professional wants to know your party's likes/dislikes and what you would like to do on vacation. Are you happy sitting by the pool or does that drive you crazy? By getting to know you, the can narrow down the selection to 2-3 resorts to present to you and help you pick the right one for you and your budget.

How long would it take you to do this yourself? Travel Professionals save you time and make vacation planning stress free for you by providing all the components you need for a great trip.

Also they have your back if something goes wrong, they will be your advocate and spend that time on hold to get something taken care of for you. Most of us get calls from people who have booked themselves via online or the stores that specialize in bulk toilet paper and ask for help. Since we are not the agent of record we can't. This is especially painful for customers who "used" us for research and went and booked themselves. Nothing we can do other than tell you to call that 800 number and hope someone can assist you.

By developing a relationship with a travel professional, you'll find someone who will find the best trip at the best price for you. Plus as an added bonus you get someone who will always be excited to talk about your trip with you.

Selecting The Right Family Vacation

When choosing a family vacation there are lots of things to consider including climate, available vacation time, how much you want to spend and whether you want to drive or fly.  If you only have a short weekend, you might want to consider a quick city getaway or even a short three or four day cruise.  We have done both, and they can really give your family a nice break from the daily grind.  With short weekend trips you may even want to consider options where you can drive instead of flying.  Flying can be quite the hassle these days, and if your time is short, you may not want to risk 8 hours in an airport while your flights are delayed.

With a week of vacation time, you can do almost anything...within reason.  There are excellent vacation packages and hundreds of cruises to choose from that leave on both Saturday and Sunday, making it very convenient.  You will also find that many hotels offer you a package rate when you stay an extended period.  Look for hotels that give you free nights when you stay 3, 4 or 5 nights.  Even if you do not see it when booking, be sure to ask.  I always say, "Good things come to those who ask."

If you have vacation time, you may want to consider an international vacation.  This is the perfect time to visit Alaska, Europe, Asia or even the South Pacific.

My Reasons for Traveling Abroad

When asked what they would do if they won the lottery, so many people would instantly think of traveling the world.  The answer comes as no surprise, as traveling is probably the best thing since sliced bread. Having had opportunities to travel abroad since I was a teen, I realize that I owe many of the best things that have happened to me to traveling.  There are uncountable reasons why getting off the beaten track and exploring new cultures and environments with my family is so exciting and enriching, and here I picked the basic to reasons to travel, just to stir up your curiosity.  So, without further ado:


1.  Traveling doesn't have to be expensive.

Gone are the days when traveling abroad was just a pastime designed for the rich.  Nowadays the market is awash with really convenient plane and travel packages.  With the amount people globally traveling more, and more and more countries wanting to grab a larger share of those travel spending; great deals can be found a around the world.

2.  You learn without even trying.

Have you noticed how hard it is to memorize some dry facts from a book about a certain place/museum/famous building, and how easy it is for the same facts to get stuck in your memory when you learn them on the spot?  It is easier to learn when you can make connections to your own experience and that is what traveling does.

3.  You interact with different people.

This is probably my favorite reason to travel abroad.  I truly believe that one has so much to learn from people belonging to different nationalities, cultures and religions, and nothing compares to the feeling of establishing friendships across borders.  Furthermore, it is wonderful to travel to a certain country and already know someone there who you can visit and who can show you around like a local.

4.  You learn to get around in a new environment.

And once you get accustomed to that, it gets easier and easier to switch to the local rules no matter where you are.  Cultural shocks become a thing of the past, not to mention how simple it will be when you go back to your homeland and what before was a long series of complicated procedures now seems to untangle.

5.  You are more likely to do things you wouldn't normally do at home.

Extreme sports, jumping off a rock into the sea, climbing up a high mountain?  Yes please.  Everything that seems too scary, difficult or against some prejudices at home turns into a possibility to take into consideration when traveling abroad.  You just let yourself go with the flow and don't over think all possible drawbacks.  At the end of the day you check an amazing experience off your bucket list and feel more alive than ever.

6.  You grow and become a better you.

I left this reason on purpose to the end as it is the deepest of them all, and describes a change that unfolds over time spent traveling to more and more places.  The more you see and experience, the more you realize how big the world is and how much it has to offer, you start to focus on what matters and stop being disappointed by little failures here and there.  You begin to look on the bright side of things and cease taking yourself and life too seriously.  This is probably the best thing traveling abroad has done for me.

All these being said, I will end my top reasons to travel with a quote I came across some time ago, which in the meantime has become rather cliched but that doesn't make me find it less inspirational and beautiful than I did when I first learned it: "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page".  It is possible that I will never finish this huge book, but that doesn't stop me being curious to discover as much as possible of its plot.

He Said, She Said A Guide for Honeymooners

Church and reception location are booked, the bride and groom need to start thinking about the honeymoon. Today most couples have travelled together and probably have a good idea what each other thinks is a "perfect vacation", but this is a major milestone in your life together. In the end are you going to really remember those centerpieces from your reception? The memories of your honeymoon will last a lifetime, so not only choose carefully but consider each others travel likes/dislikes.

Sure you see all the beach locations, because you need to relax after that wedding. But what if you or both of you get bored sitting on a lounger all day? Plan the honeymoon that is right for you, not what your friends did or some commercial is telling you to do. There are plenty of beachy options that offer sightseeing and activities other than just staying at a resort. The Hawaiian Islands fit the bill perfectly.  

Maybe a large ship cruise isn't what you have pictured for a honeymoon. There are numerous lines that offer unique experiences on a more intimate ship. Longer stays in port so you can experience the city after the sun goes down, Azamara Club Cruises that is their specialty. Want a personal yacht like experience where you are really pampered, Seaborne, Windstar and Silverseas are the lines to look at. Want to experience the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin Cruises are the experts there and the pricing includes your airfare from Los Angeles. Plus it is easy to add on a few nights staying at a hotel with the over the water bungalows before you fly home.

More adventurous, Costa Rica or Peru. The stories you could tell your future children about seeing the sunrise over Machu Picchu or white water rafting in Costa Rica before heading back to your luxurious resort?

More of a art/history honeymoon can be yours by going to one of the great capitals of Europe, Paris London or Rome are great choices.

And before we start booking the honeymoon that is perfect for you, this special advice to the bride. I know you may want to use your married name, but I will pass on the words of advice my travel professional gave to me 23 years ago, leave it till you get back you don't need to stress over getting all the paperwork off to the passport office to amend it. And you know she was right, I would never of had my passport back in time. Where did we go? Munich, Innsbruck and Vienna.



Five Great Exotic Winter Getaways

For many people, vacations in the winter means escaping the snow for a warm winter destination.  But if your ready to travel to someplace that is different than the usual Florida beach or a Caribbean cruise; or want to travel to a destination of a lifetime, here is the list for you.  Each of these exotic destinations provide the perfect weather and the time of year for that trip on your bucket list that you have always wanted to take, and will provide memories you will always remember.

Go Hiking in a Rain Forest: Costa Rica

Costa Rica has it all--vibrant rain forest; diverse wildlife; clean, white-sand beaches (bordering both the Pacific and the Atlantic); and a laid-back local culture.  Fabulous all-inclusive Costa Rican beach resorts abound but travelers seeking real adventure can head to wilderness lodges deep in the rain forest, where electricity, Internet access and room service are practically extinct.  (I doubt you'll miss checking your e-mail while spotting toucans, sloths and squirrel monkeys as you relax on your porch.)  The winter months mark Costa Rica's dry season; this is the best time of the year to find stunning weather (and crystal-clear diving conditions) in the region.

Hit the Beach: Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a must-visit African destination--especially during its summer season (winter in the Northern Hemisphere), which is prime time for sunning yourself on the city's many clean, white sand beaches.  One favorite is Bloubergstrand, where you can enjoy stunning views of Table Mountain, South Africa's most famous natural landmark.  Another strip of sand you won't want to miss: Boulders Beach, where you can rub shoulders with a colony of African penguins.

Go Diving or Snorkeling: Bonaire

This tiny island in the Southern Caribbean, measures just 112 square miles, is one of the world's best diving destinations.  The western side of the island is rimmed by colorful reefs swarming with parrot fish, sea turtles, butterfly fish, eagle rays and hundreds of other marine species.  More than 50 of Bonaire's 86 official dive sites can be accessed from the shore--keep your eye out for the yellow stones that mark that mark these sites.  Bonaire enjoys warm, sunny weather year round and is located south of the Caribbean's hurricane belt.

Indulge Yourself at the Spa: Cancun, Mexico

Mexico's sunny climate and and abundance of resorts of resorts in all price ranges make it a great place to treat yourself to a relaxed spa getaway.  For true decadence, many of the unique spa treatments draw on Mayan traditions, such as a detox herbal wrap incorporating local honey and healing herbs.

Explore Ancient Temples: Cambodia

The temperate, dry winter season is the best time to visit Cambodia (summertime tends to be oppressively hot, rainy and humid).  Visitors flock to the Angkor area to discover hundreds of ruined temples dating back to the Khmer empire of the 9th through 13th centuries.  Of course, the crown jewel is the five-towered Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious building.  To fully appreciate the rich details of the temple's bas-relief scenes and carvings, hire a knowledgeable local guide.

Celebrity brings an Edge to Cruising

One of the benefits of attending Cruise Planners’ Annual Convention is it’s usually tied to “test driving” a new cruise ship. It’s even more so when a cruise line is introducing a new class of ship, like the Celebrity Edge, the company’s first new ship in 6 years.  Celebrity Cruises wowed the industry in 2008 with the Celebrity Solstice, the first ship to bring Modern Luxury feel to the Premium cruise segment. The Celebrity Edge is definitely a game changer and might not appeal to who is now a Celebrity cruisier (heads up they have the fleet scheduled to get “Edge” updates). I will preface that unlike a lot of new ships that launch in the spring and spend the summer in Europe, the Celebrity Edge came directly across the Atlantic, so I was on one of the first sailings with passengers.

Suites- the Celebrity Edge introduces an exclusive area for suite guests called The Retreat with a pool, pool bar and Retreat Sundeck. The suites have been designed by renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen, with a feel of a boutique hotel. Celebrity has kept the suite only restaurant Luminae from their other ships. I toured all the suites and they are amazing.

Living area of Iconic Suite

Retreat

Staterooms- Celebrity Edge introduces the Infinite Balcony, a design cue from Avalon Waterways Panorama Suite ships on Europe’s rivers. This extends the size of the room and gives you more room and a better view with the floor to ceiling window that can be opened. I think anytime you get more inside space in a stateroom it’s a plus.  Also the Edge has the popular Celebrity Aqua & Concierge Class staterooms featuring the infinite balcony.

Dining-Celebrity Edge does not have one huge main dining room, but 4 separate ones. This in my mind makes them less “cruise shippy” and more like a restaurant on land. They are slightly different themed, with specialty dishes, but also anytime favorites and Celebrity signature dishes. My suggestion to clients consider this ship would be to do “open dining” to try all 4 instead of set dining. There is also a selection of specialty dining restaurants onboard. I have heard many comment about Celebrity’s food, I felt the quality was what I expect from a premium brand.

Entertainment- I think this is where it gets “Edge-y”, as Celebrity created 5 production shows for this ship. No Broadway show or your standard cruise ship production numbers. The theater is in the round, so not a traditional stage. As I was only onboard for 2 nights, we saw the Jewelry Box and Hype, which the Jewelry Box being a combination of song, dance and Cirque and a story line that was somewhat hard to follow.  Then there is Eden, a beautiful 3 story location in the aft of the ship. In the evening the show is very performance art, with the actors interacting with the audience.  The Camp at Sea for kids and teens features interactive experiences and amazing learning opportunities with their STEM program.

Eden 

Theater

The Magic Carpet- This is a platform that moves alongside the ship. It can be an open air extension of Raw on 5 and what I find unique is it is also the tender dock when moved down.  With the large Destination Getaway opening up to the Magic Carpet and the ability to dock 2 tenders this is definitely going to speed up off loading at tender ports. Plus the tenders for the Edge don’t require tall people to crunch down, they have real seats, not benches and they are air conditioned! Trust me this is huge if you sail her in the Mediterranean in summer, personal experience in Santorini

Who’s a good candidate to sail on the Celebrity Edge- If you are a traditional cruiser this ship is probably not your cup of tea, especially if you like Celebrity’s sister brand Royal Caribbean or other lines in the contemporary category. With my 38 years of cruising experience, this ship is definitely the next step in the evolution of the modern cruise ship. I believe Celebrity is trying to reach sophisticated travelers who are non-cruisers with the Edge and upscale multigenerational family groups, that might not find their favorite luxury line the best fit for a trip with the grandchildren, which has been a great niche for Celebrity. I think those clients will really be wowed with the Retreat area and the variety of suites.

Solarium

Rooftop Garden