Concerned about your safety while traveling abroad?

Being the victim of a crime while traveling abroad would undoubtedly put a damper on anyone’s vacation. The U.S. State Department occasionally puts out warnings making us aware of the dangers of traveling to certain areas of the world because of the threat of violence against U.S. citizens. Most of the time it seems that those warnings are valid when you take into consideration that some of the areas we are warned about experience a high level of terrorist activity.

But I am not talking about those very few in number violent hotspots in this article. I want to address the constant warnings or news stories that keep making headlines for such places as Mexico, Aruba, and now even the Bahamas. Our media is quick to pick up on a story of a U.S. citizen being attacked while on vacation in some of these popular tourist destinations. In regards to Mexico, most stories are not even about Americans being attacked as much as they are about drug related violence in the towns along the U.S./Mexico border. Sensationalism is a major issue when it comes to our media reporting such events. There is a teaching in the Bible that says a man should not try to get the stick out of another person’s eye while he has a large beam in his own eye. That seems to be true about American Journalism. Our media seems to be one that likes to point out the trouble in other areas of our world while ignoring the major trouble right in our own backyard.

This sort of problem bothers me because of the fact that so many listen to such reports about a crime in “XYZ” Country and then decide to no longer vacation in that area of the world. An entire Country’s economy can be devastated by what our media reports when it shines such a negative light.

Now I am not saying that we should not be aware the potential for crime in various tourist areas, but I am saying that we need to sift through the hype and realize what the facts truly are before rushing to judgment or decision.

So let’s get down to the facts about crime for a moment. First…do you know where the U.S. ranks in the world when it comes to assaults? Out of every nation in the world, the U.S. ranks 6th! That is right…6th. Do you know where Mexico ranks? 20th! They rank lower than Great Britain, Canada, Australia and even Jamaica. When was the last time that you saw someone in our media write a story about the dangers of traveling to Australia or Great Britain? Wonder how many foreign media outlets are writing stories warning travelers of the dangers of traveling to the U.S.?? There have been stories recently about assaults against tourists in Nassau in the Bahamas. Cruise lines even started warning their passengers about getting off the ship while in port in Nassau. Do you know where the Bahamas rank in overall assaults? They are not even on the list. Guess where the U.S. ranks in total crime? If you guessed 1st, you are correct. That is right, more crime happens right here in the good old U.S. of A than any other nation in the world. Even if you break the statistic down to a per capita basis, the U.S. still ranks 8th. Mexico again comes in 39th well below the U.S. But we like to ignore those stats and jump on other countries when one of our own becomes a victim of crime inside their borders and put out travel warnings that may take a huge toll on those who live modest lives and who rely on tourists coming to visit their small part of the world.

So what is the moral of this story…be a smart traveler. Be vigilant no matter where you are. Don’t cut down side streets if you are not familiar with an area. Stay in populated areas or choose to go on guided tours. Keep your belongings close to your side and locked up. Appear that you are sure of yourself and where you are headed, or in other words, don’t look like a “tourist.”

And don’t be quick to take the media’s version of a story or report and keep things in perspective. You are in as much danger living and visiting areas of our own Country as you are traveling abroad. So get out there and don’t let fear rule your decisions and experience life through travel.

If you would like to see the statistics for yourself…you can click here.

Tips For a Less Stressful Holiday Travel Season

Family memories are what the holiday season is all about. It is a time for us to take a break from the stresses of life and remember the things that make life more meaningful. But for some...their holiday will get off to a less than relaxing start and the sad thing is, most of the troubles that come with holiday travel could have been avoided. I hope these tips in this short video help you have a more enjoyable holiday season if you are among the thousands that will be flying to and from their holiday destination.

Stay in the Moment

How many of you are like Clark W. Griswold when it comes to travel? Do you have a checklist of your must-see items and every minute of the trip scheduled down to the “T?” That sort of vacation planning makes me think of the Griswold’s in National Lampoon’s “Vacation” movie. Clark had everything planned out that he wanted his family to see so much so that the schedule trumped any sort of enjoyment at those sites.

Are your vacations like that to some degree? Does the schedule become so rigid that you fail to fully take in the things that are seeing and doing on your trip? If that is the case, here is my tip for you...stay in the moment.

Looking back at my years of traveling and the different locations I have visited, the things that I remember the most are those moments when I was fully engulfed by my surroundings. For example, I have been to Jamaica. Now you would think that the beach or the lush tropical rainforest would be the things I remember the most about that beautiful Country. I remember them and how beautiful they were, but that was just part of the trip. One of the most memorable moments on that trip was the ride my wife and took with our private driver to the resort. His name was Perry. He was full of life. He helped us get a vision of his country through explaining the Jamaican philosophy through speech and music. That short 30 minute ride made me see his homeland and his people and we will never forget Perry and it was a moment where we were fully engaged and not just watching things pass by out the window of his car. Time seemed to move much slower during that trip even after we arrived at the resort.

Other examples include standing in a small town at the base of Mt Fuji and watching the uniformed school children make their way from school to home. Our ultimate stop naturally was the half way point up Mt Fuji, but that small travel break in that tiny Japanese village brings back such a vivid memory and it was one where I stopped and just observed life going on around me. That does not mean that I do not remember or cherish my time actually up on Mt Fuji, but it shows that the journey held as much importance as the destination because I allowed myself to stay in the moment no matter where we were during the trip.

Are you seeing my point? So many get caught up with getting to each destination so they can check it off their list that they lose sight of the journey itself. Stay in the moment no matter where you are on your trip. Maybe it is a side trip in a small town to eat a meal on your trip. Stay in the moment and look around and you might be surprised what you will see that will make a lasting memory. I promise you that if you slow things down to that level, your trips will end up being less stressful and much more enjoyable and memorable.

Do you have moments and memories like that from your trips? If so...I would love for you to share them so please comment and become a follower of my blog as well.

Don't Be Rude!

Ok...this article as been a long time coming. I have written on the subject of staying calm while traveling and how important it is to not lose your cool when things don't go your way. Sometimes losing your cool may be justified when those in charge lack any resemblance of care when you are calmly trying to get them to recognize your reservation or accommodate you somehow because the airline canceled your flight etc. But please recognize the difference between losing your cool and being just plain rude.

Honestly though, this article is not addressing the times when things have gone awry on your travels. Nope, unfortunately I am addressing those travelers who feel it is socially acceptable to be rude just because you are "so and so" from "XYZ city" or country. Let me make this perfectly clear...rude behavior is never acceptable. NEVER! I don't care who you are and where you are from, no worker at any hotel, resort, or on any cruise line or tour bus deserves to be treated rudely.

Let me give you an example of some of my observations while traveling around our country and abroad. Mr. or Mrs. Tourist sits down at the resort restaurant in Mexico. Said tourist then begins to yell orders at his or her server from several feet away while server is trying to listen to and understand another group of foreign tourists at a table across the room. The poor server is trying to understand some of the worst examples of our English language while orders are being thrown at him or her with not even a simple thank you or a pleasant "pardon me." Mr. or Mrs. Tourist somehow has forgotten that they are the visitor in a foreign land and expect everyone around them to speak and understand as they do and to jump at their beck and call. That is just plain rude in my book.

So many times we like to complain about ABC foreign city and say they have such rude citizens blah blah blah. When, in reality, we (U.S. citizens) can be some of the most rude travelers I have ever seen.

I have witnessed foreign travelers in Japan turn up their noses as they read a menu and then have the gall to ask someone who can barely understand every other word..."don't you have something with chicken in it?" Or they get mad at the Japanese server because their eggs were not cooked exactly like the way we are used to here in the U.S.

Please remember when you are traveling abroad (no matter where you are from), you are the visitor. You are the foreigner. You are the guest and show some manners for Pete's sake and represent your own Country with respect and humility. No one deserves to be treated rudely ever! You, the traveler, are the one speaking funny when you are in a foreign country so remember that and speak slow and be courteous if you are not easily understood and think about how others feel when they come to your Country and have a hard time communicating in your native language.

Do you have some examples of rude behavior that you have witnessed during your travels? Share them with me. Thanks for reading and please leave a comment, even if you disagree.

The Real Cost of a Cruise

I can say without hesitation that the best overall vacation a person can take is cruise vacation. My first cruise a few years ago made me forever a cruise enthusiast and addict. It is great way to see different parts of the world all in one trip and only have to unpack one time.

A cruise can also be one of the most affordable ways to "get away" from it all. Notice though that I said it “can be.” A cruise can be extremely affordable if you understand what is involved with a cruise and know what costs are above and beyond the advertised cruise fare. That is my purpose with this post. It is not to sell you on cruising as a form of vacation, but it is to help you understand all costs involved.

In some of my previous “travel tips of the week” episodes, I have addressed different aspects of cruise vacations such as excursions, which cruise to select and even cabin selection, but I have yet to address the topic of understanding cruise costs. If you are a first time cruiser, you need to know what the TOTAL cost of the cruise will be.

So first of all, unless you live within driving distance of a cruise port, you will need to add airfare to your cruise cost. Airfare will naturally vary depending on where you are flying from and to so make sure you look into the cost of your flight before making a decision on a certain cruise.

Second, assuming you will be flying to the city where your cruise will begin, you will need to add in the cost of getting from the airport to the pier. These costs are called “transfers.” Again these costs will vary depending on which pier you cruise out of. Some port cities have airports very close to the pier so the costs are less while others (like Port Canaveral) are at least 45 minutes to an hour away from the closest airport and costs will be higher in that case. Transfer costs also vary depending on the type of transfer you choose. Some like to hop in a cab and use taxis for their transfers while other vacationers prefer something like a private SUV or car service, which will add to the costs. You will have a variety of options when it comes time to pick your transfer, but make sure you get those costs factored in again before you decide on a particular cruise.

Third, I always recommend for my clients who are flying into a port city to fly in the day before the scheduled cruise departure date. That will give some flexibility to the schedule in case of flight delays. The last thing you want to do is schedule a flight in on the departure day of your cruise and then hope everything goes according to plan. The cruise will leave even if you are not on board on time so give your self some space for error and arrive the day before. So with that said, you should also then add in the cost of a pre-cruise hotel stay. I will again not give any pricing info since hotel costs are so varied from city to city.

Fourth and finally, you should always consider adding trip insurance to the cost of your vacation. A cruise line will usually not offer you any form of a refund if for some reason you need to cancel your trip at the last minute. Trip insurance can offer that extra peace of mind after you make that final payment for your trip. Again…make sure you understand this...the cruise line will leave without you. If something delays your flight or comes up at the last minute that keeps you from getting to the pier on time, you will NOT be able to convince that cruise line captain to wait just for you or your family. Cruise insurance, depending on the carrier and the policy purchased, can help you out when the unforeseen happens so make sure you consider it and calculate it is to the total cost of your cruise.

I hope I am helping you see that there are external costs that have to be added in so that you understand the true cost of a cruise vacation. In future posts, I will be addressing more about the costs of a cruise including costs that someone can incur once the ships leaves the pier and the vacation begins so please stay tuned...

Travel Tip of the Week...Understanding the Real Costs of a Flight

The Mexico You Should Know

Misinformation, over-hyped, false information, ignoring of facts...these are the reasons why tourism in Mexico has plummeted over the past several months. Too many tourists and travelers listened to the misinformation and sensationalists who took things out of context and reported things such as the H1N1 virus and drug cartel wars as being much worse and more widespread than they truly were. The facts were being ignored because it did not make as good of a news story as the over-hyped, inaccurate news stories did which were filling up mainstream media.

It is a fact that the drug wars were mainly isolated in non-tourist border towns near the Texas and Arizona borders...thousands of miles away from the vacation destinations like Cancun, Los Cabos, Mazatlan etc. The H1N1 virus has proven to be more widespread than anyone ever thought it would be and did not originate in Mexico. In fact, the Mexico government did a great job addressing the virus outbreak and had it contained quickly. Those 2 media stories were sensationalized to the point that tourism in Mexico suffered a major setback.

No one should overlook Mexico as a possible destination for their next vacation getaway. It is a Country filled with something for everyone. If you are a adventure traveler...the vast mountain ranges and beautiful river gorges are a must see. In fact, Mexico boasts of the hemisphere's largest series of canyons such as the Copper Canyon region. It is in the top 5 of the world's most bio-diverse nations on earth. There are over 29,000 archeological sites in Mexico.

If you love traveling to places which offer a rich history and diverse culture, then Mexico should be on the top of your list; a place where you can see the ancient ruins of the Mayans or follow steps traveled by Spanish explorers. If you want a place to just get away from it all, there is no better option than the gorgeous palm tree laden beaches of Mexico. The people are warm and genuine. The food in every region of Mexico is some of the best in all the world. Their music speaks of life and joy and teaches you as much as it entertains.

I could go on and keep giving you reasons why Mexico is fast becoming my number 1 destination for any form of vacation. But I will let you see it for yourself.

Travel Tip of the Week...Should I pay for that upgrade??

Secrets Silversands Spa and Resort Review Summary

Time flew on this trip. I spent most of day 3 relaxing on the beach listening to the calm lapping of the Caribbean waves under the shade of a palm tree. I want to go back and comment again on the beach. Quite a few people have commented on the beach conditions that I mentioned in the day 2 summary. I took a few moments and walked down the beach on this day to see the conditions of some of the adjacent resorts. Not only were they just as saturated with seaweed and somewhat rocky sand, they had much fewer palm trees. Secrets Silversands has one of the prettiest beaches (photogenic) you will ever see. It is lined with palm trees which is one thing I look forward to seeing when I visit the Caribbean. So while it may not be conducive to playing in the water, it is a wonderful place to lounge and relax under the shade of a palm.

This resort gets an A+ when it comes to its outdoor areas. Silversands has an abundance of pools. If you like more of an active pool scene, they have a main pool with a swim up bar which is also the pool that the wonderful staff engages the crowd in afternoon games and exercises. If you want a pool where you can sit and take a view of the Caribbean as well, they have one amazing infinity pool where you can swim out to the edge and stare at the beautiful turquoise sea. If you are wanting a place to relax by the pool, read a good book in peace and quiet, there are several pool areas made just for you. The pools were absolutely beautiful.

I was also able to work out twice in the resort's gym and again I was quite pleased. They had adequate equipment with a good mix of machine and free weights. The gym also had a shower in the men's and women's restrooms in case you wanted to clean up before heading back to your room.

After a day full of relaxing it was time to decide on the last dinner spot of the trip. Since this trip was only 3 days, I would be unable to eat at every dinner venue so my choice was between the Italian (Portofino), the Mediterranean (Ratatouille) and the French (Bordeaux). After looking at the menus, I decided on the French. The food here at Bordeaux was fantastic. I started with a venison consomme and then opted for the filet mignon for my main. Then I finished the meal with a traditional French apple tartin. Food again was well prepared and beautifully presented and the service "excellente!" This would be my top choice for a romantic meal and evening. Bravo Bordeaux!

The night was capped off with taking in another show which was comprised of local dancers who took the audience on a tour of Mexico through traditional song and dance. This was by far my favorite show of the trip. The costumes were colorful and exquisite and their talent was superb.

Every night as well, the resort has live music near the main lobby bar which I enjoyed just sitting and listening to some of my favorite jazz classics being played.

So in summary...the resort gets a huge thumbs up from me. The staff was very courteous and friendly and always greeted you with an "hola" as you passed by. The restaurant service was fast and very knowledgeable of the dishes being served. I give all of the staff an "A+." The room was great and in an excellent location. The modern decor may be a turn off for some travelers, but I found it simple yet elegant. Food again overall gets a "A" from me as far as the dinner venues are concerned.

It is a resort specifically suited for couples. The restaurant decor is tailored towards romance with lots of heart shaped items and rose or red colored lights which are dimly lit to set the mood. This may not be my first choice for adult family gatherings, but it is perfect for a special couple getaway or celebratory event like a honeymoon or anniversary.

If you are interested in seeing more photos of this resort, please click on this link and you will be directed to my Flickr account.

Please feel free to ask any specific questions about this resort or add your own comments.

Secrets Silversands Spa and Resort Review--Day 2

Hola from Cancun and the Riviera Maya. This is the first full day here at the resort. You really have 2 choices when it comes to breakfast here at Silversands; the buffet at the World Cafe or room service. I chose to try out the buffet. It is your standard resort buffet which includes a variety of eggs, breads and meats with the addition of some Mexican breakfast items such as tacos, Huevos Rancheros and refried beans.

After breakfast it was time to get ready for my spa appointment. The spa here at Silversands is ran by Pevonia. I had scheduled an 80 minute deep tissue massage. Like most resort spas, this one includes a steam area and a dry sauna with the addition of a hot and cold plunge pool and individual water beds to relax on before your schedule appointment. Most spas, including this one, include quiet areas to also relax before your treatment that are separate from the sauna and pool areas. My criticism for this spa is mainly centered around these areas. The main quiet area is located directly behind the desk where everyone checks in and it not conducive to a peaceful setting. They should escort everyone upstairs to the other quiet area which also includes reading material. But this brings me to the second criticism. Even when escorted upstairs once you reach the 5 minute mark before your appointment, you are seated outside the quiet reading and meditation room and nothing is explained to you as far as if you can use that room or not. After my massage, I was asked if I wanted a bottle of water and the massage therapist went into that room to get it for me but that is all it seems it is being used for...to store the post-massage water.

So with that said and those criticisms out of the way, I want to move on to the positive which was my massage therapist. I have had several massages at resorts, on cruises, etc and I have to say it is difficult to get a deep tissue massage that is just right. Well this one was just right. Not too firm to the point that your eyes watered and not too soft to the point that it was no longer a deep tissue, but instead more like a Swedish. The therapist was also quiet and focused on making it a great spa experience. A+ to her.

Now here is something everyone needs to understand when it comes to resort credits. I received a $200 resort credit that can be used for specific items at the resort including spa treatments. Upon check-in, my credits were given to me in the form of coupons with dollar values of $20 and $40 totaling $200. Each coupon can be applied to one item such as a massage. So you don't get to apply all of the credit towards one thing and some may think $200 credits would at least get them a free massage. Nope..you can apply $40 to a massage of 50 minutes or more. The average spa treatment seemed a little high in comparison to other spas so my 80 minute massage was priced at $160 before applying the coupon.

I also noticed that the spa runs daily specials (i.e. 15% off of selected treatments) that may equal the credit coupon so check with the spa before redeeming a coupon in case you want to save one for some other resort purchase.

I spent the rest of the day touring the facilities and beach. The beach here at Silversands is highly criticized. It is loaded with seaweed and the sand is not near as soft and powdery as other resort beaches. If you are looking for a resort where you can also get in the Caribbean and walk along the soft sand beach, this may not be the place for you. There are lots of lounge chairs available on the beach under LOTS of palm trees and this is mainly due to most guests deciding to hang out at the pools due to the issues I have mentioned.

Tonight's dinner was at Himatsu which is Silversands Asian restaurant. I love this restaurant. Food portions were not huge, but you did not leave hungry. The atmosphere was excellent and the service was again stellar. My main course dish was called Bangkok Beef and it had excellent flavor and came with a side of steamed rice.

I have been very pleased with the dining so far. I had read other reviews and it seemed so many had critiqued the food, but I have found it well prepared and nothing has been bland by any means.

The last thing I will touch on tonight is being in a "Preferred Club" room. Is this something I would pay for in the future? The simple answer is probably not. The only true benefit you receive is the free internet in your room. The Preferred Club lounge offers free internet from 7AM to 11PM everyday, newspapers and reading material, 2 TV's and your own bar and bartender. The bartender leaves around 7PM every night. The TV's are ok, but you have a TV in your room and every guest gets 15 mins of free internet every day in the business center so I really can't see paying for the upgrade for what little it offers. You do get your own check in area which may have its advantages during crowded times, but there were no check in lines at all when I arrived in the main lobby.

Stay tuned for more from Silversands in Cancun...

Secrets Silversands Spa and Resort Review--Day 1

Couldn’t have asked for things to go any smoother as far as logistics to get to from the airport to the resort. Plane landed early…got through customs fairly easily and walked outside and was greeted immediately by the U.S.A. Transfers representative. Within 10 minutes I was on my private shuttle and on the way to Secrets Silversands Spa and Resort. Manuel has been with U.S.A. Transfers for 2 years now and his service was A+.

The hotel staff greeted me as I walked in and I was surprised to learn that I had been upgraded to the preferred club. Preferred Club guests get escorted to a private lounge where you check in and have access to your own beverage bar, TV lounge and internet computer center with unlimited internet access.

I will give the resort and the transfer company huge props for going above and beyond. As soon as we started walking over to the Preferred Club area, I realized that I had left my sunglasses in the seat of the transfer van. I let the resort representative know and she called our transfer company for me to let them know that I had left an item in the van. To be honest…I had written the sunglasses off. I had a feeling I would never see my "Maui Jims" again. But before we left the Preferred Club check in area, I was told that the sunglasses were on their way and then within 10 minutes they were already at the concierge desk of the resort.

That level of service stands out in this day and age and I am becoming a quick fan of Secrets Silversands.

The dinner choice the first night was “The Patio” which is Silversands Mexican cuisine restaurant. The food was excellent and leans more towards what you will find in the region of Mexico including fresh fish, grilled chicken and steak. Eduardo or “Brad Pitt,” as he preferred to be called, was our server and did a wonderful job. We were served quickly and the food was well prepared.

First night’s entertainment was a mixture of juggling and acrobatics and left a little to be desired. I have found cruise entertainment better choreographed than what they had put together, so I give it a "C-" as far as grade goes.

This pretty much wraps up day 1. Stay tuned as I continue to blog live from Cancun.

Hotel Reviews...Take Them With A Grain Of Salt!

Travel Tip of the Week: Should I Buy Travel Insurance?

Hope this answers some of questions that revolve around the subject of travel insurance.

Travel Tip of the Week: Stay Calm!

If you are the type to not stay calm when things are not going your way during your travels...this video is for you.

Good Offer or Disney PR? A Survey

Please take a moment to answer a few questions. Just curious to see more reaction and opinions about Disney's latest "Give 1, Get 1" promotion. Thanks for participating.

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

"What Will You Celebrate?"

I feel that one of my jobs as a travel professional is to help my clients cut through some of the promotional hype that we get bombarded with on a daily basis and make sure everyone understands what they are getting for the money etc.

In the case of Disney's latest promotion announced earlier today, I want to make sure everyone knows exactly what they will get in return for what they will give. As a way of extending Disney's "What will you celebrate" promo, Disney announced a new "Give one, get one" deal. The idea is that they want you and I to be volunteers and, in return for our efforts, Disney will reward us with something. By tying it into the "Celebration" promo, you might automatically assume that the offer is somewhat the same, but that is not true. The "Celebration" deal offered guests either a free day in the park (not to be combined with any package deal), a gift card in the amount of a day's park pass to be used inside the parks etc, or a special fast pass card. Most clients and guests did not qualify for the free 1 day admission so the next best option was the gift card. I know several who used the gift card and loved it.

I was actually expecting the same offer to be applied to the "Give one, get one" deal, and was surprised to learn that it did not. Here are the options, besides a free day in the park, once you "qualify" for the promo:

• Disney's Special FASTPASS® card for certain attractions for themselves and up to five additional members of their party
• A collectible Ear Hat figurine with exclusive trading pins
• Donate their ticket to a non-profit organization designated by Disney Parks

Again...you need to know that the free day in the park will mainly apply to those who live in Florida near the parks who can drive over to spend the day and who would not normally purchase a Disney Package Vacation. So that leaves most guests with choosing between the 3 other options listed above which, as you can see, no longer includes a gift card in the amount of a one day pass.

While I love the idea of more people doing community work and volunteering, it seems that this promo leaves a little to be desired in the way of benefit to the guests as much as it gives Disney some great PR especially since they are ending the current "Birthday Treat" option (end of 2009).

I also want you to be aware that not everyone will be able to qualify for the offer. The terms and conditions will lay out a specific set of organizations that you have to volunteer with in order to qualify. After doing some research, I found that most of those organizations are only in the larger cities which will make it impossible for so many guests to qualify who live in more rural settings.

More details of the "qualifying organizations" will be coming out later this year and I will be keeping everyone up to speed as things become more clear etc. I hope this helps everyone see the true picture behind this particular promotion. And please do not think I am out to bash Disney. I love Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line, but I never want to get to the point that I over hype something just because I personally like that company or destination.

Please feel free to ask any question or leave a comment in general.

Walt Disney World Quick Service Dining Options

As the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan starts to gain some popularity, I wanted to give our top quick service or counter service (as they are also known as) options along with a snack option or two that you might not have thought of.

First...our #1 quick service (counter service) option is in Epcot. Sunshine Seasons is downstairs in the “Land Pavilion.” Unlike some quick service options where you have your standard chicken strip, hamburger, hotdog, pizza option...Sunshine Seasons offers everything from Mongolian Stir Fry to Rotisserie Chicken to Wood-grilled Salmon. All of their choices qualify for a counter service credit on the Disney Dining Plan. Another reason this is a favorite is because you are indoors in a nice cool spot which can’t be beat on those hot Florida days. And here is a tip that Disney probably would rather not be advertised; when you eat at most counter service restaurants within the parks, the drinks are filled and handed to you over the counter which means NO refills. Sunshine Seasons has a drink station similar to those found within the Disney resorts which means you can make your way back over there for a refill. All of these reasons make Sunshine Seasons our best overall pick for a counter service option.

Next pick would be the Columbia Harbour House in The Magic Kingdom. If I were to grade the food itself, it would get a B-. They do have different options (not as abundant as Sunshine Seasons) such as fried fish baskets and a sandwich called “The Lighthouse Sandwich” which includes hummus, tomato and broccoli. The thing that makes this a top choice for us when visiting the Magic Kingdom is the fact that they also have an abundance of inside, air-conditioned seating which is not always the case in the parks. You can go upstairs and grab a table by the window and watch happy visitors as they stroll between Fantasyland and Liberty Square. Give it a try if you haven’t already.

Moving on...our next choice would be the Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom. Again...the food gets a B to B-. If you really are not a barbecue fan, this may not make your list, but we like it because of the plentiful shaded seating that it offers. Since it is located in Disney’s largest park, having a shaded place to sit and rest is a must and you will most likely be able to find a seat at the Flame Tree Barbecue (and I also love BBQ).

I am going to switch gears as we move on to Hollywood Studios. We really do not have a “favorite” counter service option in this park. You have the standard choices such as hamburgers, pizza, cold sandwiches etc. A lot of the counter service options do not have a tremendous amount of indoor seating which means you may be forced to sit outside in the heat. So I am going to mention our favorite snack and resting spot that is somewhat off the beaten path. If you walk past Mickey’s hat and head to the left, you will come to Commissary Lane. As you make your way to the end of Commissary Lane, you will then find the Sci Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant. Once you get there...walk on past that and you will see a little shop called “The Writer’s Shop.” I am always shocked to see how many people pass by this little shop without even peaking inside because here again you will find air-conditioning, comfortable seats, books to browse through and a variety of coffees to choose from as well as sodas and water. In addition you can find great muffins and pastries and other snacks to choose from as you take a break. It is such a quiet spot...I am almost hesitant to give the tip as to keep it a secret.

Last recommendation I will give is again related to snacks. Our must-do on every trip now is to make our way to Adventureland in The Magic Kingdom and buy a Dole Whip. To us...there is no better way to spend a snack credit. They are a great alternative to the standard popcorn, ice cream bar, or bottle of water option.

Well there you have it. There are our choices for quick service meals and snacks. Hopefully these will help some of you who may be planning your first visit to “The Happiest Place on Earth” or maybe give some of you “veterans” some other options that you may have passed up on previous visits. If you have been before...what are some of your favorite options for quick (counter) service meals? What are some must-do snack items that you buy on every visit? Please leave a comment or question.

Travel Tip of the Week: Airline Travel

Be More Than a Tourist

A tourist, by definition, is someone who travels. So why then is a travel professional (me) telling you to be more than a tourist. Let me further explain. I want you to be more than a tourist, I want you to be a traveler. Is that clearer? Maybe not, so let me give you another definition. A traveler is defined as someone who “travels or has traveled to distant places or foreign lands.”

The two terms may seem synonymous, but they are not. Both the tourist and the traveler go to visit places beyond their own towns and cities, yet the tourist is not the same as the traveler. I can drive 3 hours to the east of my hometown and visit a city in which I have never stepped foot in before and be a tourist. I can go learn of its history and see its highlights and be 100% a tourist, but not a traveler. That city or town 3 hours away would still be a town I could relate to. The same types of folks would probably be in that town as they are near my home. I would have food choices that would be well within my comfort zone. I may or may not seek out anything that would be a “new experience” for me because I would not be forced to. So many like to travel only to those places that offer the same comforts of home and where they will not be forced to see things through the lives and eyes of people completely different from themselves.

A traveler, on the other hand, will embrace the “new.” They will seek out the unfamiliar and different as they journey across the country and around the globe. Each step or mile that a traveler takes is soaked in as part of the experience. Now I am not saying that you have to get a passport and plan a trip to across the ocean to a new Country. But what I am saying is that more “tourists” need to look at their trips as journeys and look at destinations that take themselves out of the norm. People need to start their journey from the time that they leave their home and until they return.

Try to look at things through the eyes and lives of others as you traverse from place to place. Take each moment and soak up the sounds and smells of each destination. Each place has more to offer than what is in the tour guide books. There are people who can teach you so much more just by being observant of how life is going on around you. The temptation is to always seek out the familiar when traveling to a new place, but I want to challenge you to search for things that you have never seen or tasted before and use your journeys as stepping stones to personal growth.

We all need to slow down and see the things around us when we take our journeys. My most memorable moments from any of my travels has been the interaction with those who make those places their homes and it is those moments that make me more than a tourist.

So are you a traveler? Do you like to see and experience people and cultures that are far different than your own? When and where was the last place that you journeyed to where you were taken out of your comfort zone? What was that experience like?

Traveling Tip: How to Pack a Suit

A good friend of mine has asked me to provide some tips on how best to pack a suit when traveling. You can do research on the internet and find out quickly that there are different ideas of which packing technique is the best. A lot of links will advise packing a suit in a garment bag and then place that bag in your regular suitcase folded up nicely etc. Most of these tips then go on to recommend that you remove the suit immediately upon arriving at your destination and hang it up in the bathroom as you run hot water to help "steam" any wrinkles out.

I want to provide you with one link and one video that I believe show the best comnbined options for packing a suit and arriving at your destination with minimal wrinkles and creases. First clink on the one below to see a step by step illustration how to best pack a business suit.

Packing a suit

Next...here is a video that shows you the best way to make use of the space in your suitcase when packing. Pay attention to the tip regarding tissue paper and apply it to the tip in the link above.

I hope this helps minimize those awful creases and wrinkles that plague travelers who need their suits or meetings, events, presentations etc quickly upon their arrival at their destination.

If you have additional packing tips that you would like to share, please leave a comment. Also...if this has been helpful in any way...I would love to hear from you.

Travel Tip of the Week-Beach Vacations

Read the Fine Print

I am sure you all have seen the famous hovercraft by now as it makes it grand entrance onto your television screen. The blue-suited pilot steps out to deliver the good news to some of the vacationers as the story goes. The good news is how “some” of the men or women will be receiving a rebate for part of their vacation costs because they booked with Orbitz online. The story (commercial) goes on to explain how someone booked their same hotel at a cheaper rate so these lucky travelers are getting refunded the difference which is $100 for the purpose of their commercial. But there is always a sad part of the commercial; there is always one poor soul who doesn’t get a refund because they didn’t book with Orbitz and the famous blue-suited man will then expound, “I think we have learned a valuable lesson here” implying you should only book with Orbitz who gives you this “wonderful price guarantee.”

Now here is the reality of this sort of commercial. First, there will be those who make a decision to book with Orbitz solely based on that commercial and with the idea that they will get a rebate if the price drops. Second, there will be those who book with Orbitz based on the commercial because they will also assume that Orbitz’s prices must be the lowest if they are going to give that sort of guarantee. And third, there will be those who never get rebates because they never read the fine print and they will still assume they got “the best deal.”

It is my job, as a travel professional, to help people weed through those sales ploys so travelers know exactly what they are paying and what they are getting for the price. So let me give you the “Terms and Conditions” of the “Low Price Guarantee” so you can see for yourself how hard it will be for anyone to get a refund from Orbitz.

1. Orbitz Price AssuranceSM is available to any customer who makes a qualifying pre-paid hotel booking through the Orbitz.com Web site. Qualifying booking must occur on Orbitz.com on or after May 1, 2009
2. Orbitz Price Assurance applies only to pre-paid hotel rooms booked on Orbitz.com, and only for rooms booked using a valid credit card with a United States or Canadian billing address.
3. Orbitz Price Assurance applies only to the hotel room cost and does not apply to differences based on taxes, booking, or processing fees.
4. If Orbitz finds, after you have booked your hotel, that another Orbitz customer subsequently books the same hotel, meaning the same check-in/check-out dates, room type, room description, number of rooms, number of travelers, at the same hotel and subject to the same restrictions, that is at least $5 lower than the hotel you booked on Orbitz.com, Orbitz will refund you the difference up to a maximum of $500.00 per reservation.
5. The confirmed hotel reservation you booked on Orbitz.com will be compared to the same reservation subsequently booked on Orbitz.com for drops in rates up until the day you stay. Rates are compared with like room descriptions, so for example, if a single room with two double beds is booked on Orbitz.com, it will not qualify for Orbitz Price Assurance if compared to a single room with one king bed found on the Orbitz.com Web site.
6. Orbitz Price Assurance does not apply to lower room rates that are available on other Web sites, to rooms you cancel or change, or to reservations booked prior to yours.
7. If your qualifying hotel booked on Orbitz.com is canceled or changed by you after booking, your claim or any potential refund will not be valid or issued.
8. Orbitz Price Assurance does not apply to hotel rates that are not available to the general public. Rates not available to the general public include, but are not limited to, corporate discount rates, private rates, government rates, military rates, meeting rates, wholesaler rates or consolidator rates.
9. Orbitz Price Assurance is only available on pre-paid hotel rooms, and is not available on hotel rooms booked on Orbitz.com where you pay the hotel directly, or reservations of five or more rooms.
10. Pre-paid hotel rooms qualify for both Price Assurance and our Low Price Guarantee.
11. Only hotels displayed with a "Price Assurance" symbol are covered by the Price Assurance Program.
12. Orbitz Price Assurance is for individual rooms booked on Orbitz.com and does not apply to package rates, such as rooms booked as part of a travel package.
13. Orbitz Price Assurance does not apply to hotels booked on Orbitz.com that have been reduced as a result of promotional code, dollar off coupon, loyalty program discount, or stay free offers. If you make a hotel reservation using a promotional discount code, you will not qualify for Price Assurance; if another traveler makes a hotel reservation using a promotional discount code, you will not qualify for a refund based on that traveler's reduced rate

There are more terms and conditions that are pretty standard after these that explain how they reserve the right to terminate this offer at any time etc., but I think you get the picture. If you read the parts in bold you will see that Orbitz makes it almost impossible to qualify for their “price assurance” program. So if you make a room reservation with them under the assumption you are protected against any lower price being found, think again and read the fine print. Also...if you remember the commercials, they show the man in the blue suit giving back checks in the amount of $100. If you read the terms again, you will see that it is almost impossible for you to have a room rate booked that someone else will come along on the same site and book it $100 cheaper than you did. False or misleading advertising anyone???

I say all of this to say, PLEASE know what you are paying for when it comes to travel. I see this sort of thing a lot and is not applicable only to sites like Orbitz. There are “deals” offered all the time that have caveats and terms that must be met in order to qualify and are often used and lead-in deals meaning they get you to look at their site or company under the assumption you are getting a great deal only then to learn that the deal is not applicable to you. But so many go ahead and book with that person or company because they were “sold” before they ever booked anything.

Again...it is my job to help you understand what you are paying for and also to help you have the best vacation possible which sometimes does not mean that you got the absolutely lowest price possible. Sometimes the lowest price means staying in a room in a much less desirable part of the hotel where it might be noisy or "miles away" from the pools or restaurants. Sometimes the lowest price means that you will be leaving for your vacation at the crack of dawn or arriving late in the night. Do you want to spend you entire first day of your vacation en route and in airports? A lot of travelers would not consider that an ideal start to their vacation.

Have you always found the "lowest price" also meant you got a "great deal?" Is price the only factor when looking for vacation options? Would you book with someone like Orbitz because of their low price guarantee? I am interested to get your feedback. Have you booked a trip based on a really low price to only later find out that some of the details were not that desirable? Please leave your feedback or comments.

Travel Tip (Answer) of the Week

I really felt the need to address a question that I have been asked quite frequently. Sorry it is a bit longer than usual, but I felt some things needed to be said.

High Speed Rail--My Thoughts

Antiquated. Unreliable. Costly. Congested. Overlooked. Nostalgic. Forgotten.

These are just a few words that come to mind when I think about our current public rail system here in the U.S. When someone is planning a domestic vacation, rarely do they say to themselves, "Hey let's look into taking a train to 'XYZ' destination." Taking a train from point A to B is something Americans seldom do with metro train and subway systems being the exception. But metro systems are not considered options for the leisure traveler as a rule. Amtrak is just not a viable vacation or transportation option for most Americans when you consider the cost of a round trip ticket and the time it adds to your trip. This fact puts the U.S. behind the transportation curve, so to speak, when you compare our Country to the rest of the developed world.

So imagine for a minute that you are sitting in a comfortable chair with a good book being whisked to your destination 3 States away at a quick 150-200MPH on a dedicated track with no slow downs or delays and at a cost less than what a round trip airline ticket would have cost. Are you seeing that as an option that you wish you had as a vacationer or business traveler? If you were in Europe or Japan, you would not have to be just imagining that option because high speed rail is a reality.

If you have ever spent time traveling through parts of Asia or Europe, you know for a fact that traveling by rail is a normal way of life for both traveler and resident. It is a fast and economical way of getting from town to town and even Country to Country. You can set your watch by the train system in Japan. In my 11 trips in and around Tokyo, I was never once late getting to where I was going because of some delay in their train schedules. They are fast, clean and reliable. The same can be said for the trains that carry passengers all throughout most of Europe.

So why does it seem that we (the U.S.) are stuck in the railway dark ages? Good question. lack of vision maybe? Tied too much to a transportation system built around the auto and airplane industries? Ahh...might be getting to the real issue now. An efficient and economical public rail system would offer a viable option that would compete heavily with flying or even driving to and from our vacation destinations. If high-speed rail options were introduced, even business travelers would have a great option to get them to their next out of town meeting potentially.

High Speed and more efficient rail systems here in the U.S. would open up travel options to so many who refuse to fly and who can't take the time off needed to drive to many vacation spots. Our nation is in dire need of a rejuvenated railway initiative. As time goes on...we are falling further and further behind other Countries.

My intent with this post is to draw your attention to a topic that is getting little press outside of the States where some of the high speed rail discussions are taking place. I want to make you aware of how this topic effects travel and tourism. I hope you will also see the connection between this topic and issues such as our environment.

More railway options also could mean less traffic on the highways which also translates into less pollution and a drop in fuel and oil consumption assuming the new rail infrastructure is operating on more energy efficient power systems. A viable and efficient public railway means there would be an alternative for travelers who are afraid to fly.

So here is what I ask you to do; take a moment and read some of these links that are devoted to shedding light on and who are promoting the idea of a high speed rail system and try to understand the benefits. Links such as:

California High Speed Rail Blog
Midwest High Speed Rail
Midwest High Speed Rail Association

Try to see how high speed rail would benefit the entire nation and not just those States who are currently investigating its implementation. Imagine then again how nice it would be to travel on less congested highways potentially. Let me know your thoughts and feelings concerning rail travel. Would you travel by train if it were quicker, more reliable and less expensive?

"Green" Travel

More and more travelers are becoming aware of or at least hearing the term "green travel." Maybe you are one of those travelers but you are not quite sure what it means. To me, a better term to use is "eco-friendly" which is synonymous with what we are talking about.

Resorts, cruise lines, some airlines, and major hotel chains are all starting to promote themselves as eco-friendly or "green." This means that they all are doing something to promote a healthier environment and do what they can to leave less of an impact on the environment around them. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have adopted programs such as "Save the Waves" where they adhere to strict recycling rules and convert waste water to gray, usable (non-drinking) water throughout the ship. Princess Cruise Lines has announced that they will connect to Vancouver's hydro-electricity grid when in port to reduce emissions from their diesel powered engines.


Then there are hotels like Marriott who design hotels that use less water and are more energy-efficient. Great Wolf Lodges in the U.S. has a "green" initiative called "Project Green Wolf" in which they are constantly looking for ways to reduce waste, reduce water consumption and even educate their guests on how they can help protect the environment.

Other examples of companies who have "green" or eco-friendly initiatives are:

Walt Disney World
Amelia Island Plantation
Inn at Chaa Creek-Belize
Harmony Studios-St John (USVI)
Sheraton Hotels and Resorts

These examples show how the travel industry is becoming more conscience of the environment and making efforts to be eco-friendly. More and more hotels and tourism-related companies are seeking to be designated as "green" by such organizations as the "International Ecotourism Society" and "Sustainable Travel International."

Are you interested in "green" travel? Do you see this as a trend for the future or just a passing fad? Do you already support those companies who are making the effort to have less of an impact on the environment in which they operate? I am interested to get your thoughts and comments.

A Traveler's Journey Through Pictures

Wanted to share my travel and life's journey through picture and song. I captured the places that I have visited and seen in my life to help me appreciate where I am and where I have been.

Travel Tip of the Week...The All-Inclusive Resort Explained

Would love to get your questions and comments. What travel question would you like to see addressed in a future post?

Memo to the Travel Channel

I know this is somewhat of a departure from my normal travel tip or info posts, but I feel something should be said on behalf of all of us who love travel. So here it goes...

Travel Channel:

Please be aware that a few of your long time "loyal" viewers are becoming increasingly disgruntled by your show content. Don't get us wrong, we like (maybe even adore) Samantha Brown. You actually have her doing shows 100% related to travel. You let her show the various sites, hotels etc to see and stay at in each destination. We all like that because well…it is related solely to TRAVEL. And don’t get us wrong, we like Andrew Zimmerman and Tony Bourdain and that other guy who keeps trying to eat himself to death, but those are FOOD shows and frankly belong on the Food Network more so than on the TRAVEL Channel.

But worse yet, you have now seen fit to add movies to the channel-programming lineup and that may be the last straw for some of us. We may have tolerated the airing of poker tournaments for what seems like hours on end, but now you are wasting precious programming space by trying to become a movie channel as well.

You have lost your identity. You would think that a TRAVEL Channel would have shows actually derived around TRAVEL; shows maybe devoted to how to avoid travel mishaps, or shows about all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, or shows giving tips on how to make a trip less stressful, or shows following families as they go on various vacations here and abroad and on and on. You know…shows about TRAVEL. I have found that other channels, channels that don’t call themselves a Travel Channel, actually do have shows similar to the ones I just mentioned. So maybe you should look at their programming and figure out that they are filling a void that has been left by other channels who refuse to air such content which is surprising since there is a channel called THE TRAVEL CHANNEL on the air.

So this memo is to you, Mr. or Mrs. Executive of the Travel Channel. We urge you to get back to what your purpose was when your channel first aired so many moons ago and find your travel identity again.

One Traveler's Journey Through Japan

It felt like a dream as I made the 14 hour trip from the U.S. I had day-dreamed as a child of someday visiting this place. The reality is now setting in with me. I am here. I make my way through the corridors of Narita International Airport and I am already struck with the visuals and sounds. The many styles of Japanese writing are all staring at me. It is not long before I am reminded that I am now the visitor. This is not my home. As I make my way to the train, I can already see how some stop to take a look at who I am and maybe even conjure up in their own mind of where I am from. I assume they think I am from America, but later I understand the vastness of the city of Tokyo and the cultural diversity found there as well. Russia, France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain etc are all represented in the melting pot that is Tokyo.

But I am not headed for Tokyo. My journey is one beyond the comfort of such a big city where I can somehow blend in. I was used to being a chameleon since I was raised so close to San Francisco and spent so much time being one of the masses, a native even. My train ride would take me a to a place where I would be not only be the spectator, but also the watched. It was a city removed from Tokyo and with its own identity. It was famous for its own reasons and sites, yet few westerners ever walked it streets or frequented its shops and restaurants. The train ride is now etched in my memory forever. I will never forget the young girl who was in charge of providing food and drink during the trip from her little cart. I will no doubt never forget how patient she was with me as I held their currency out in my hand and trusted her to only take what was due her for my first Japanese coke. I was acutely aware of the sounds that you heard on the journey. Sounds I had yet to fully understand.

Thankfully the English language is still being taught as their second language in their schools. I was greeted with such warmth and courtesy. I had learned already that some of my pictures and dreams that I had held in my mind about Japan were indeed true. The bows. The thank you’s. The respect. It was prevalent at the outset. I was escorted to my room and made aware that service in Japan is expected and not something to be awarded. Tips were refused and a nice courteous bow bid me goodnight.

I was now headed for the more stressful part of the trip, which was to navigate one of Japan’s busier stations outside of Metro Tokyo. I can only explain it by equating it to a sea, a sea of men and women. At times I was swimming up stream as I tried to determine which train, which staircase to take, which line? I made my way to the platform and there it was again; the sounds, the chimes. They always then led to an announcement in which I was always thankful that I could make out the town or station name which gave me confidence that I was soon about to board the right train.

I did notice the stares but soon enjoyed the fact that I was the traveler now. I was the one on the journey.

The journey was well on its way. I now found myself sitting down, shoes off, a part of an experience that I could not have imagined. The owner of the small historic home, converted now to small restaurant tells my interpreter that she cannot recall any other westerner ever stepping through her doors. She smiled and bowed to let me know how honored she felt, but it was me feeling humbled and honored. One course after another made its way to my plate. I was granted immediate respect due to my advanced chopstick training that I did before stepping foot on the plane ride over. I learned and observed that food in Japan is not just something consumed; food is considered a cultural experience, an art form and a societal event. It was a meal covering 2 hours, but filled with a lifetime worth of memories.

On the walk back to my hotel, I was given my answer to the sounds that I heard every day and all around the city. I walked to a street corner and a chime let me know when it was time to cross. I came to another corner and a different chime let me know it was time to yield. I then noticed the street walks were lined with what seemed to be a form of Braille. It was at that moment that it hit me. I was witnessing a country that had built an infrastructure around a part of their society that was suffering from the results of war. The atomic bomb left a legacy of blindness so much so that their society needed ways of going about their daily routine. The chimes or bells I was hearing in the train station were letting those who could not see know that a train was either coming or going. The chimes in the streets were protecting their people from walking into traffic. The Braille on the walkways was giving freedom to those that some consider handicapped.

It would be these sounds and images that I would carry with me forever upon my return back home. I would forever remember the sites of seeing the tall skyscrapers of downtown Tokyo then contrasted with the ancient shrine in a quiet section of Omiya. I would remember the masses being pushed on a crowded commuter train by those designated to do so and recognized by their uniform and white gloves and then compare that to being able to see the beginning of a wedding ceremony and dress dating back thousands of years at a Shinto Temple. I will never forget the bows, the respect, and the honor given me just for walking into their shop or eating in their restaurant.

As I make myself comfortable in my airline seat preparing for the 14-hour return trip home, I cannot help from looking and re-looking out the window again. I am asking myself, “Was I really here?” “Did this just happen?” And then, almost as a way of answering my own question, I look back as we ascend out of the Tokyo area and off in the horizon is what some told me would be a rarity; I see above the clouds the entire top half of Mt Fuji. It was true. I was in Japan.

This journey changed me. It shaped my perspective and opened the world to me…